A new release from Jonathon Goldie manages to wrap itself around you with a refreshing blend of natural and digital instrumentation that all become something that creates an atmosphere of its own.
"Root" is the type of song that creeps up on you and before you know it you're attached.
It's got an acoustic backbone but an electronically driven beat that's slower paced but gives the song this wonderfully rounded flavor that you don't get often from music in general.
Being able to take a digital instrument and an acoustic instrument and mix them together so that it sounds smooth and forward moving is not easy to do a lot of the time but Goldie does it without a hitch.
This track has a great gypsy element to it that you get to sort of feed off of and the energy that it gives is quickly infectious and only makes you want to hear more from the artist.
You get a bountiful vastness from this release and it's something that comes through with us sort of cinematic undertone.
The other thing is that you get to take this sort of personal and musical journey with Goldie and that is something that just feels good to do in the moment.
It's like you get to escape with him for a bit and who doesn't love a little bit of escapism in music.
The fact that this came out was such a windy and big soundscape is something that impresses me because the format and arrangement is still there and still very solid, yet the song feels massive but subtle.
When you first get your head wrapped around that it's hard to really explain but the more you listen to it the more you get the feel for the vibe.
And that vibe takes you for a great ride.
Now, once you get a good listen you find yourself searching for a little bit more from the artist so that you can hear what other kinds of energies he puts out and when you do that you're definitely in for a bit of luck.
The artist has a number of really solid singles released throughout 2021 that each have their own two legs to stand on and bring something a little bit different to the table.
So, in a way it's kind of fun to hear how the songwriter has evolved his style over time.
With the release of "Root" we wanted to have a little sit-down with Jonathon to find out where this actually came from and what might be coming up next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with "Root"! This single had this cinematic and psych-folk undertone! How did this track come about?
It came about around the same time as my first album was being written. Was actually one of the first things that I wrote... I decided to release this after, since it didn't really work with the album as I only wanted so many mid-tempo songs on the album. The song itself was written on one of my Simon and Patrick acoustic guitars. The production was the same philosophy as the others. What more can I say... I've had people call my music many different things, but psych-folk I'll accept!
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you musically?
I have always made music since my late teens or so...but the music that had that positivity to it didn't really come out until my own conscious awareness changing. I had started biking a lot more and immersing myself in nature; that really inspired my music from the start.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
Lately, just observing people. I moved to Vancouver a few years ago, and I find it's a city you can kinda get lost in. I find myself disassociating from myself, thus kinda being out of body (hah).
Buzz Slayers: This song has some great styles combinations on it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
With the album 'Blind!' it was definitely Grizzly Bear's 'Shields'. I just adored that rich acoustic sound that Daniel Rossen has and still do. I think I was listening to 'The King of Limbs' a bit at that time as well. Some electronic artists like 'Caribou' also come to mind.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I like to read books on Spirituality, and things that help me grow and develop and achieve my goals.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Grimes, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan...Tamino has been amazing to listen to lately... feels like I share the same musical piece of DNA with him (and others such as Jeff Buckley) ... Nick Drake is amazing as well.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
I will be announcing a live show in Vancouver soon.
Buzz Slayers: Did you record yourself or hit a big studio for this?
I've recorded everything myself, with the help of Herman Lo for violin parts.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
I'm in the middle of writing/recording a second album, which will be much darker in tone, and more electronic.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Thanks for giving my music a chance, not everyone does in this business!
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