Q.) How old were you when you started playing music?
A.) Well according to my mom, I was banging on the dashboard of her car when I was two, but in all seriousness I started formally studying when I was six years old.
Q.) Were Drums your first instrument of choice?
A.) No, actually it progressed to drums over time. I tried several instruments before landing on the drumset. I tried guitar for about a month, but I didn't have the dexterity to handle the fretboard. Then I tried saxophone, but I knew I was doomed because I didn't even have the breath control to play hot cross buns. Then I tried piano for a little bit and liked it, but I didn't have the patience required to focus. So when I first heard a drum roll played properly at the annual music appreciation day in grade school, I was hooked and the rest was history.
Q.) Who are some of your musical influences?
A.) Wow, there are so many from which to choose. I have such an eclectic and balanced list of people who have inspired me over the years, but if I had to choose, it would be the following artists:
Bruce Hornsby, Phil Collins, Dave Weckl, Richard Marx as the primary influences.
Q.) Where do you draw your inspiration from when you write?
A.) It's almost to the point where there's too much inspiration, dare I say. My life has had many twists and turns, so right there I have a lot of inspiration. The rest of it comes from living and observing other people on a daily basis. Having the good fortune and fortitude to live in the New York City area, you have a lot of different types of people upon which to draw, which gives you a lot to write about as well. Sometimes my best writing comes when I'm not trying at all. Just by taking the train to and from certain location in the city I get ideas for songs that connect up thoughts and emotions I have had about other things in my life for a while and the roaming and observing actually allows a lot of those ideas to flow. I have told many friends and musicians I have worked with over the years that I actually have the unique problem of having an idea for a song actually stay in my head until I get it out and write it. I have no idea why that is, but it's a blessing and a curse at times.
Q.) What keeps you focused and humble?
A.) Life. They say as you go through things and get older in life you see the circle of life evolve. And over the last five years specifically I would have to agree. You begin to realize that God created you, and all of us for that matter, special and unique. We were put on this earth for a reason, to help each other and contribute to each other's well being. We weren't meant to be alone, or 99% of us wouldn't be here now. But that being said, we are human and we are subject to making mistakes. The trick is growing and not making the same mistake twice if you can help it. When I look at the world and see how much talent there is and how many people are blessed with so many different types of gifts, I can't help but be humbled by it. Especially when it comes from people I don't even know, or haven't met, much less heard of. For as much as we like to think we're great or so talented, there's always someone better, or striving to be better than us. So that in and of itself keeps me humble. A great drum teacher I once had, by the name of Larry Levine once said "You're either growing or dying, there's no in between". So I work really hard to never rest on my laurels and keep improving to be the best singer/songwriter, performer, musician and above all, best person and husband I know how to be.
Q.) What are your future goals?
A.) To get signed my a major record label. Consistently tour, record and continue to grow as an artist and as a person.
Q.) Is Jon Dowling your real name?
A.) That's funny, I get asked this question a lot. Yes, it's not a stage name or anything like that. My full name is Jonathan Joseph Dowling. I say Jon, because everyone either spelt my name as John, or Johnathan, so eventually I just said call me Jon, as my nickname, short for Jonathan. And that's how my name became what it is, but yes, that's my real name.
Q.) What advice would you give to others who want to pursue music as a career?
A.) Great question. That it takes everything you've got. Talent alone is not enough. You have to be hard working, persistent, determined, tenacious, patient, balanced, polite, responsible, perceptive to others and to the situations you face day to day. A good businessperson, an even better networker and you have to really, really love music, because you will come across negative people and situations that will attempt to chip away at your dignity and well being.. So you must rise above it and do so with class. The best revenge is living well and so the main thing I would recommend to anyone pursing music as a career is to shake off negative people and discouraging situations. Also, live a clean lifestyle. No drugs, drinking or smoking, but that's just my humble belief system.
Q.) You've been a drummer most of your life and a successful one, so why the switch to piano?
A.) I didn't stop playing the drums, I will always be a drummer first and foremost. Back in 1999, I was playing with several bands as a drummer, some more prominent than others, in addition to doing some studio work. I had an epiphany one day, (much like someone has when they're working for someone else and is strongly considering starting their own business in their field of passion) that I was either going to play as a sideman for others for the rest of my life, or I was going to go it alone and become a singer/songwriter and form my own band, where I could utilize all of my talents in signing, playing, writing, arranging, producing and being a true leader. After I wrote the record "The Second Time Around" the rest as they say is history. So it was really a matter of reinventing myself and my image. But make no mistake about it, I will always be a drummer and I will continue to play on other people's records in the future and play drums on my own records as well.
Q.) What crossover(if any,) has there been between your drumming and piano playing in your music?
A.) Actually a lot more than you think. A lot of my songs, such as "Patience is a Virtue" have a very open, offbeat syncopated feel, especially in the ending, and that comes as a result of my years of Funk/Latin drumming. Conversely, when I am drumming, my piano and melodic playing comes out in my phrasing of fills, and the overall flow of the beat I am playing. And the song(s) sound more open, relaxed and less busy. So I think the crossover between the two has done wonders for my musicality. Additionally I believe I have a greater appreciation for the perspective as to how it feels being on both sides and how complimentary they are of each other. I think about the music I am playing when I drum in a completely different and almost a more respectful way.
Q.) Which comes first in your songwriting process? Do you write the lyrics first or the music?
A.) It is completely dependent on the song. Some songs I write the lyrics first, because the inspiration comes to me lyrically, other songs the music comes to me first, so it all depends. Ultimately I blend the two together once I have enough ideas from both ends of the spectrum. The key for me is to go with the inspiration and follow it, whether it's the lyrics of the music that comes to me first and then work around it. I have learned over the years not to try and force the writing process into the direction I think it should go. That leads to frustration, wasted time and doesn't make the song work come out as good as it could or should. This is all a normal part of the songwriting development process and it's important to relax and let the inspiration come to you in whatever form it comes. This is not the easiest thing to do and requires a lot of patience and mental energy that needs to be expended, but in the end it's worth it and very gratifying.
Q.) What is your stage/band name? Does it have a special meaning? Where does it come from?
A.) Originally my band name was Jon Dowling & The Patriots. It was a double entendre, meaning that I was a native proud New Englander and a Patriotic person and Patriots fan. Now I am simply Jon Dowling, as that is my real name and not a stage name, as I am often asked by fans. I simplified this, as I write, play, produce and sing all of my own music and don't collaborate with anyone, therefore my band is purely in a supportive capacity behind me and not the primary focus of the music.
Q.) How would you describe your music to people?
A.) This seems like a simple question, but invariably is always a difficult one for me to answer succinctly. I would say my music is somewhere between 80's pop/rock, given my influences, Adult Contemporary, with a mixture of Funk/Latin & Jazz blended in. This gives my music a very sophisticated sound all contained within a pop setting and still allows for my music to be unconventional and yet very ear and radio friendly.
Q.) Where are you from? Where do you live? What is your musical history?
A.) I was proudly raised in a suburb of Western Massachusetts, known as West Springfield. It is a small but burgeoning conservative town, approximately 90 miles southwest of Boston and about 160 miles northeast of NYC. I currently reside in the NYC tri-state area. My hometown is famous for the Big E, which is a once a year state fair that represents the six New England states and our rich tradition, from food & agriculture, to the pioneers that fought in our country's various wars and served our country valiantly, to sports, fine culture, etc. Plus the fair features major acts every year from Van Halen, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and everyone in between. We also boast the Basketball of Fame in nearby Springfield, which is self-explanatory.
At the tender age of five I picked up guitar, the tried piano and saxophone. None of them lasted very long for a variety of reasons. Then I discovered a pair of drumsticks and an open double stroke roll from our local music director and I was mesmerized! I started taking lessons immediately and it started paying huge dividends. From there, I studied at local music schools in the area from ages 7-18. I was heavy intro drum corps, which is where I defined and honed my clean and precise technique. In addition to studying privately at local music schools, I studied with legendary drum clinician Larry Levine for nearly eighteen years.
I won the Mass State championship for Drumming in 1991 and then went onto the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, from 1991-1995, where I received Magna Cum Laude as a dual major graduate in Music Performance & Music Business Management. I was one of less than twenty percent of the students that managed to graduate from beginning to end without having to stop, take time off or have to come back to Berklee, as is traditionally the case with many Berklee students for a variety of reasons. I started taking piano lessons diligently in (92 under the tutelage of classically trained pianist Kim Ryan. My very first original song was written in 1994 about a girl I was in love with in College, entitled "Song For Gina". It was at this point that I realized I had the ability to write quality filled and powerful music. it was a sign of things to come in the years ahead.
From 1995-1998 I moved back home to play in a full-time wedding band that played over 250 gigs per year, including major fundraising events. I also taught privately over thirty-five students per year and performed studio work with various acts, such as Crosswalk Balk, Rich Neville (bassist for Poco,) did various commercials for companies such as Ford, Six Flags amusement parks and many more.
In 1998 I moved to NYC and continued as a session drummer, recording with such greats as: Lanny Isis, Mike Porcaro of Toto, Michel Camilo, Barkley Cameron, The Syotos Band, Dave Hoffmann, etc.
It was in 1999 that I discovered my full potential as a capable songwriter and all my influences thereof. While continuing to still perform as a drummer, I delved hard into my piano and keyboards and started to pursue songwriting in a more full-time capacity. I completed my first solo CD in 2002 in Los Angeles, working with such great as Monet, David Paich, Robin Dimaggio, Mike Porcaro, Jay Gore, etc.
In 2004 I met Jason Davis, who ran Farenheit Management at the time in NYC. He took a liking to me and my music and connected me with legendary Producers John Degrazio & Drew Manzano, both of which were highly instrumental to the success of my third and newest CD "Trials & Tribulations". During this process, I also had the privilege to meet and collaborate with Christian Wicht, who acted as an Executive Producer and engineer on this record. I have worked with all three producers in tandem for the past four years and plan on doing so for many years to come. I continue to study voice and piano lessons, with such greats as Katie Agresta & Mark Schnaible.
Q.) Have you recorded any CDs/albums? EP's?
A.) I mentioned some of this in the answer above, but for a complete listing of my solo cd's please visit my official site. Some of the many studios I have recorded in over the years include: Right Track/Legacy studios, Avatar/powerstation, sounddesign, cornerstone studios in Chatsworth Ca, uptime studios, the hit factory, 626 studios, clinton recording studios, blue wolf studios and many more.
Q.) How do your lyrics/music reflect the overall message you want to get across to your fans?
A.) I think very well. Often I write my music and lyrics to be literal and visual in nature, so that I and in turn my audience can picture the images that I see through my emotive and deep lyrical and musical writing. I take great pains in having both the music and lyrics match-up upon completing a song. Both have to tell the story I'm conveying or it won't work. My lyrics have to make sense to me firstly, otherwise I can't convey them to my fans clearly, so a lot of introspection and reflection go into my personal process. As verbose as I can be in everyday life, you get a small window musically and lyrically to get your point across, so if forces you to be brief and succinct, which for me is a good thing. It's the ultimate writing challenge.
Q.) Are there any particular songs/albums that are especially important to you/your band. Why?
A.) All of my records are important to me for different reasons. They are my children, as as such each one tells a different story and conversely shows the growth process of my life and writing, but at the same time sharing a common thread of quality, depth, humor and the rigors of life all intertwined.
Q.) Any big upcoming events or shows, CD Release parties etc.?
A.) In August of 2008, I have a big CD release of my third and newest effort, "Trials & Tribulations". The CD will hit Best Buy retails stores both nationally, as well as globally. My cd will also be on many major websites as well. My single "Out Of The Dark" will debut on the Top 100 Hot AC list beginning in August as well. Naturally these are big steps for me in what I anticipate will be the big turning point in my career that I have been working towards for quite some time.
Q.) What live performance experience have you had?
A.) I have had many industry showcases over the years, both as a solo artist and as a drummer playing on other peoples music I have over twenty-five years of live playing experience, from my first talent show performance in front of about three hundred grade school kids at age 11, to playing in front of over 15,000 people at regional arenas on the east coast. I'm a born live and studio performer and feed off of the energy of a truly supportive crowd. I was born to do this, quite literally. The next step for me is to play sold out arenas in front of 25, 50,000 people and up. The more the merrier.
Q.) Any upcoming albums, videos, features in magazines, etc.
A.) Working on material for my fourth cd to be released in 2009/2010 entitled "Long Days, long nights". I am working on a video for out of the dark sometime later this year, to follow-up the radio release of the song, featuring producer Drew Manzano on video. I will also be featured in Berklee Today and songwriter magazine later this year as well.
Q.) What sets you apart what makes your act original different?
A.) My combination of quality and sincerity, both as an individual and as a songwriter. I have always had a unique way of looking at the world and have always had a vivid imagination. What makes me unique is simply by being myself. I don't put on heirs or try to be anyone other than who I am and that comes across very clearly in my music and writing. There's no-one in the world quite like me and vice versa, so if you simply tap into that which is inside of you, it helps you to find your uniqueness in and of itself. I have always prided myself on being able to write music, play, sing and write lyrics all equally well. Balance is a big part of my life and I strive for it in everything I do and the company with whom I keep.
Q.) History on the band...how long together, individual members, specifics?
A.) I have been the constant of course for ten years now and the band has changed in many different variations over the years. The current band I have has been with me for about two years now and have played together collectively for nearly ten years, so there's a lot of chemistry for such a relatively short period of time.
Q.) What are your immediate music career goals?
A.) Get signed to the right major label, get published with the right company, find the right management company and agent, relocate to Los Angeles from NYC, tour all over the world and spread my message of positivity, hard work and optimism, continue to grow as a person, artist, singer/songwriter performer and make each record better than the one before it. I honestly believe the best is yet to come and I am enjoying the journey, perhaps for the first time.
Q.) What are your long-term career goals?
A.) Same as above, except to also become a father and a great one at that, build a recording studio in my final house and make all of my records from thee, learn the electric bass, go back to Berklee and earn my doctorate in music performance and business, teaching others what I have learned over the years. Continue to be the best husband I can be, listen more than I talk, be open to whatever God has in store for me and start a foundation to help people with down syndrome, as well as to start a private scholarship to give deserving kids job placement in our music industry in their chosen fields of study.
Q.) Plug your music. Where can the masses purchase your disk and downloads?
A.) You can buy my music and merchandise and all things Jon Dowling at the following places:
www.jondowling.com
www.myspace.com/jondsmusic
www.facebook.com/jondsmusic
Best Buy Stores all over the world
Amazon.com
Wal-Mart
M Loring Communications
Cd Baby.com
Napster
Neilsen
gracenote
itunes
and of course:
HITT MUSIC GROUP
Q.) Message to the fans?
A.) Thank you for your continuous support and for never questioning my methods or approach. Thanks for your unconditional acceptance of me and for getting me. Thanks for allowing me to make such a great living at what I love and enjoy most, for without you, it's simply not possible to do so. Thank you still for your loyalty and for spreading the word so diligently. Thanks for proving that quality and sincerity matter now more than ever, no matter where you're from, how old you are, male or female and no matter your race or typecasting set by the media, you have helped me prove my point loud and clear.
Q.) Where do you draw your inspiration from when you write?
A.) It's almost to the point where there's too much inspiration, dare I say. My life has had many twists and turns, so right there I have a lot of inspiration. The rest of it comes from living and observing other people on a daily basis. Having the good fortune and fortitude to live in the New York City area, you have a lot of different types of people upon which to draw, which gives you a lot to write about as well. Sometimes my best writing comes when I'm not trying at all. Just by taking the train to and from certain location in the city I get ideas for songs that connect up thoughts and emotions I have had about other things in my life for a while and the roaming and observing actually allows a lot of those ideas to flow. I have told many friends and musicians I have worked with over the years that I actually have the unique problem of having an idea for a song actually stay in my head until I get it out and write it. I have no idea why that is, but it's a blessing and a curse at times.
Q.) What keeps you focused and humble?
A.) Life. They say as you go through things and get older in life you see the circle of life evolve. And over the last five years specifically I would have to agree. You begin to realize that God created you, and all of us for that matter, special and unique. We were put on this earth for a reason, to help each other and contribute to each other's well being. We weren't meant to be alone, or 99% of us wouldn't be here now. But that being said, we are human and we are subject to making mistakes. The trick is growing and not making the same mistake twice if you can help it. When I look at the world and see how much talent there is and how many people are blessed with so many different types of gifts, I can't help but be humbled by it. Especially when it comes from people I don't even know, or haven't met, much less heard of. For as much as we like to think we're great or so talented, there's always someone better, or striving to be better than us. So that in and of itself keeps me humble. A great drum teacher I once had, by the name of Larry Levine once said "You're either growing or dying, there's no in between". So I work really hard to never rest on my laurels and keep improving to be the best singer/songwriter, performer, musician and above all, best person and husband I know how to be.
Q.) What are your future goals?
A.) To get signed my a major record label. Consistently tour, record and continue to grow as an artist and as a person.
Q.) Is Jon Dowling your real name?
A.) That's funny, I get asked this question a lot. Yes, it's not a stage name or anything like that. My full name is Jonathan Joseph Dowling. I say Jon, because everyone either spelt my name as John, or Johnathan, so eventually I just said call me Jon, as my nickname, short for Jonathan. And that's how my name became what it is, but yes, that's my real name.
Q.) What advice would you give to others who want to pursue music as a career?
A.) Great question. That it takes everything you've got. Talent alone is not enough. You have to be hard working, persistent, determined, tenacious, patient, balanced, polite, responsible, perceptive to others and to the situations you face day to day. A good businessperson, an even better networker and you have to really, really love music, because you will come across negative people and situations that will attempt to chip away at your dignity and well being.. So you must rise above it and do so with class. The best revenge is living well and so the main thing I would recommend to anyone pursing music as a career is to shake off negative people and discouraging situations. Also, live a clean lifestyle. No drugs, drinking or smoking, but that's just my humble belief system.
Q.) You've been a drummer most of your life and a successful one, so why the switch to piano?
A.) I didn't stop playing the drums, I will always be a drummer first and foremost. Back in 1999, I was playing with several bands as a drummer, some more prominent than others, in addition to doing some studio work. I had an epiphany one day, (much like someone has when they're working for someone else and is strongly considering starting their own business in their field of passion) that I was either going to play as a sideman for others for the rest of my life, or I was going to go it alone and become a singer/songwriter and form my own band, where I could utilize all of my talents in signing, playing, writing, arranging, producing and being a true leader. After I wrote the record "The Second Time Around" the rest as they say is history. So it was really a matter of reinventing myself and my image. But make no mistake about it, I will always be a drummer and I will continue to play on other people's records in the future and play drums on my own records as well.
Q.) What crossover(if any,) has there been between your drumming and piano playing in your music?
A.) Actually a lot more than you think. A lot of my songs, such as "Patience is a Virtue" have a very open, offbeat syncopated feel, especially in the ending, and that comes as a result of my years of Funk/Latin drumming. Conversely, when I am drumming, my piano and melodic playing comes out in my phrasing of fills, and the overall flow of the beat I am playing. And the song(s) sound more open, relaxed and less busy. So I think the crossover between the two has done wonders for my musicality. Additionally I believe I have a greater appreciation for the perspective as to how it feels being on both sides and how complimentary they are of each other. I think about the music I am playing when I drum in a completely different and almost a more respectful way.
Q.) Which comes first in your songwriting process? Do you write the lyrics first or the music?
A.) It is completely dependent on the song. Some songs I write the lyrics first, because the inspiration comes to me lyrically, other songs the music comes to me first, so it all depends. Ultimately I blend the two together once I have enough ideas from both ends of the spectrum. The key for me is to go with the inspiration and follow it, whether it's the lyrics of the music that comes to me first and then work around it. I have learned over the years not to try and force the writing process into the direction I think it should go. That leads to frustration, wasted time and doesn't make the song work come out as good as it could or should. This is all a normal part of the songwriting development process and it's important to relax and let the inspiration come to you in whatever form it comes. This is not the easiest thing to do and requires a lot of patience and mental energy that needs to be expended, but in the end it's worth it and very gratifying.
Q.) What is your stage/band name? Does it have a special meaning? Where does it come from?
A.) Originally my band name was Jon Dowling & The Patriots. It was a double entendre, meaning that I was a native proud New Englander and a Patriotic person and Patriots fan. Now I am simply Jon Dowling, as that is my real name and not a stage name, as I am often asked by fans. I simplified this, as I write, play, produce and sing all of my own music and don't collaborate with anyone, therefore my band is purely in a supportive capacity behind me and not the primary focus of the music.
Q.) How would you describe your music to people?
A.) This seems like a simple question, but invariably is always a difficult one for me to answer succinctly. I would say my music is somewhere between 80's pop/rock, given my influences, Adult Contemporary, with a mixture of Funk/Latin & Jazz blended in. This gives my music a very sophisticated sound all contained within a pop setting and still allows for my music to be unconventional and yet very ear and radio friendly.
Q.) Where are you from? Where do you live? What is your musical history?
A.) I was proudly raised in a suburb of Western Massachusetts, known as West Springfield. It is a small but burgeoning conservative town, approximately 90 miles southwest of Boston and about 160 miles northeast of NYC. I currently reside in the NYC tri-state area. My hometown is famous for the Big E, which is a once a year state fair that represents the six New England states and our rich tradition, from food & agriculture, to the pioneers that fought in our country's various wars and served our country valiantly, to sports, fine culture, etc. Plus the fair features major acts every year from Van Halen, Tim McGraw, Shania Twain and everyone in between. We also boast the Basketball of Fame in nearby Springfield, which is self-explanatory.
At the tender age of five I picked up guitar, the tried piano and saxophone. None of them lasted very long for a variety of reasons. Then I discovered a pair of drumsticks and an open double stroke roll from our local music director and I was mesmerized! I started taking lessons immediately and it started paying huge dividends. From there, I studied at local music schools in the area from ages 7-18. I was heavy intro drum corps, which is where I defined and honed my clean and precise technique. In addition to studying privately at local music schools, I studied with legendary drum clinician Larry Levine for nearly eighteen years.
I won the Mass State championship for Drumming in 1991 and then went onto the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, from 1991-1995, where I received Magna Cum Laude as a dual major graduate in Music Performance & Music Business Management. I was one of less than twenty percent of the students that managed to graduate from beginning to end without having to stop, take time off or have to come back to Berklee, as is traditionally the case with many Berklee students for a variety of reasons. I started taking piano lessons diligently in (92 under the tutelage of classically trained pianist Kim Ryan. My very first original song was written in 1994 about a girl I was in love with in College, entitled "Song For Gina". It was at this point that I realized I had the ability to write quality filled and powerful music. it was a sign of things to come in the years ahead.
From 1995-1998 I moved back home to play in a full-time wedding band that played over 250 gigs per year, including major fundraising events. I also taught privately over thirty-five students per year and performed studio work with various acts, such as Crosswalk Balk, Rich Neville (bassist for Poco,) did various commercials for companies such as Ford, Six Flags amusement parks and many more.
In 1998 I moved to NYC and continued as a session drummer, recording with such greats as: Lanny Isis, Mike Porcaro of Toto, Michel Camilo, Barkley Cameron, The Syotos Band, Dave Hoffmann, etc.
It was in 1999 that I discovered my full potential as a capable songwriter and all my influences thereof. While continuing to still perform as a drummer, I delved hard into my piano and keyboards and started to pursue songwriting in a more full-time capacity. I completed my first solo CD in 2002 in Los Angeles, working with such great as Monet, David Paich, Robin Dimaggio, Mike Porcaro, Jay Gore, etc.
In 2004 I met Jason Davis, who ran Farenheit Management at the time in NYC. He took a liking to me and my music and connected me with legendary Producers John Degrazio & Drew Manzano, both of which were highly instrumental to the success of my third and newest CD "Trials & Tribulations". During this process, I also had the privilege to meet and collaborate with Christian Wicht, who acted as an Executive Producer and engineer on this record. I have worked with all three producers in tandem for the past four years and plan on doing so for many years to come. I continue to study voice and piano lessons, with such greats as Katie Agresta & Mark Schnaible.
Q.) Have you recorded any CDs/albums? EP's?
A.) I mentioned some of this in the answer above, but for a complete listing of my solo cd's please visit my official site. Some of the many studios I have recorded in over the years include: Right Track/Legacy studios, Avatar/powerstation, sounddesign, cornerstone studios in Chatsworth Ca, uptime studios, the hit factory, 626 studios, clinton recording studios, blue wolf studios and many more.
Q.) How do your lyrics/music reflect the overall message you want to get across to your fans?
A.) I think very well. Often I write my music and lyrics to be literal and visual in nature, so that I and in turn my audience can picture the images that I see through my emotive and deep lyrical and musical writing. I take great pains in having both the music and lyrics match-up upon completing a song. Both have to tell the story I'm conveying or it won't work. My lyrics have to make sense to me firstly, otherwise I can't convey them to my fans clearly, so a lot of introspection and reflection go into my personal process. As verbose as I can be in everyday life, you get a small window musically and lyrically to get your point across, so if forces you to be brief and succinct, which for me is a good thing. It's the ultimate writing challenge.
Q.) Are there any particular songs/albums that are especially important to you/your band. Why?
A.) All of my records are important to me for different reasons. They are my children, as as such each one tells a different story and conversely shows the growth process of my life and writing, but at the same time sharing a common thread of quality, depth, humor and the rigors of life all intertwined.
Q.) Any big upcoming events or shows, CD Release parties etc.?
A.) In August of 2008, I have a big CD release of my third and newest effort, "Trials & Tribulations". The CD will hit Best Buy retails stores both nationally, as well as globally. My cd will also be on many major websites as well. My single "Out Of The Dark" will debut on the Top 100 Hot AC list beginning in August as well. Naturally these are big steps for me in what I anticipate will be the big turning point in my career that I have been working towards for quite some time.
Q.) What live performance experience have you had?
A.) I have had many industry showcases over the years, both as a solo artist and as a drummer playing on other peoples music I have over twenty-five years of live playing experience, from my first talent show performance in front of about three hundred grade school kids at age 11, to playing in front of over 15,000 people at regional arenas on the east coast. I'm a born live and studio performer and feed off of the energy of a truly supportive crowd. I was born to do this, quite literally. The next step for me is to play sold out arenas in front of 25, 50,000 people and up. The more the merrier.
Q.) Any upcoming albums, videos, features in magazines, etc.
A.) Working on material for my fourth cd to be released in 2009/2010 entitled "Long Days, long nights". I am working on a video for out of the dark sometime later this year, to follow-up the radio release of the song, featuring producer Drew Manzano on video. I will also be featured in Berklee Today and songwriter magazine later this year as well.
Q.) What sets you apart what makes your act original different?
A.) My combination of quality and sincerity, both as an individual and as a songwriter. I have always had a unique way of looking at the world and have always had a vivid imagination. What makes me unique is simply by being myself. I don't put on heirs or try to be anyone other than who I am and that comes across very clearly in my music and writing. There's no-one in the world quite like me and vice versa, so if you simply tap into that which is inside of you, it helps you to find your uniqueness in and of itself. I have always prided myself on being able to write music, play, sing and write lyrics all equally well. Balance is a big part of my life and I strive for it in everything I do and the company with whom I keep.
Q.) History on the band...how long together, individual members, specifics?
A.) I have been the constant of course for ten years now and the band has changed in many different variations over the years. The current band I have has been with me for about two years now and have played together collectively for nearly ten years, so there's a lot of chemistry for such a relatively short period of time.
Q.) What are your immediate music career goals?
A.) Get signed to the right major label, get published with the right company, find the right management company and agent, relocate to Los Angeles from NYC, tour all over the world and spread my message of positivity, hard work and optimism, continue to grow as a person, artist, singer/songwriter performer and make each record better than the one before it. I honestly believe the best is yet to come and I am enjoying the journey, perhaps for the first time.
Q.) What are your long-term career goals?
A.) Same as above, except to also become a father and a great one at that, build a recording studio in my final house and make all of my records from thee, learn the electric bass, go back to Berklee and earn my doctorate in music performance and business, teaching others what I have learned over the years. Continue to be the best husband I can be, listen more than I talk, be open to whatever God has in store for me and start a foundation to help people with down syndrome, as well as to start a private scholarship to give deserving kids job placement in our music industry in their chosen fields of study.
Q.) Plug your music. Where can the masses purchase your disk and downloads?
A.) You can buy my music and merchandise and all things Jon Dowling at the following places:
www.jondowling.com
www.myspace.com/jondsmusic
www.facebook.com/jondsmusic
Best Buy Stores all over the world
Amazon.com
Wal-Mart
M Loring Communications
Cd Baby.com
Napster
Neilsen
gracenote
itunes
and of course:
HITT MUSIC GROUP
Q.) Message to the fans?
A.) Thank you for your continuous support and for never questioning my methods or approach. Thanks for your unconditional acceptance of me and for getting me. Thanks for allowing me to make such a great living at what I love and enjoy most, for without you, it's simply not possible to do so. Thank you still for your loyalty and for spreading the word so diligently. Thanks for proving that quality and sincerity matter now more than ever, no matter where you're from, how old you are, male or female and no matter your race or typecasting set by the media, you have helped me prove my point loud and clear.
