A new release from Jonathan Cronan brings out a very in-depth and personal approach that combines elements of alternative rock with singer-songwriter and even folk to create an atmosphere that breeds honesty and a certain sort of cinematic undertone that draws you in and keeps you right where it wants to.
The 7 Songs EP takes you through a bit of a series of journeys by way of storytelling and it does feel like there is connective tissue between the songs themselves making this feel almost like a concept record would.
You definitely get a lot of heart and soul along with this almost dark-edged layer that lurks just beneath the surface, and this is part of what makes things even more relatable and understandable because he's being very upfront in terms of wearing his heart on his sleeves.
Each song stands on its own two legs very well as a single but to really get the full deeper understanding of the release, listening to the full record as a whole is definitely the way to go.
I feel like it was meant to be soaked in this way as opposed to bit by bit.
As you dive into the release and swim through its stories and songs, you are able to picture certain things vividly in your head and also at times the record allows memories of your own to pop into your head which is very unique.
The songwriting is the key element in all of this and the way that he lets that emotional drive take the song where it needs to be each and every time is a big part of why these songs work so well.
You definitely understand that these come from real places that are genuine and that gives everything that authenticity which allows you to feel along with the songs themselves.
You also get little hints here and there of that alternative rock underground sound of the late 90s or early 2000s that breeds such a certain sense of nostalgia and that in itself also helps you get engulfed in this record.
Jonathan certainly lets loose enough to have these songs be incredibly freeing and to me, they sound like they were maybe even cathartic for him to write and create.
This is a record that definitely leaves its mark and walks that perfect line between certain genres and is done with fewer boundaries which makes it more enticing from the get-go, with its release we wanted to have a sit-down with Jonathan to find out where this record actually did come from and what might be next for the artist.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Okay, let's start with the 7 Songs EP! This record had a classic 90's underground rock feel to it and the whole thing was honest! How did this release come about?
During the pandemic, I pretty much lost a lot of motivation to write songs. I was sort of having a change in sound as well, and still trying to discover the first step of that. I returned to a lot of music I grew up with when I had all that time and in some ways, it was healing! "little bit late" was mainly a guitar demo I had laying around for about a year. I wanted whatever project I had "next" to unravel naturally, so the songs came when life started to become "normal" again.
Buzz Slayers: How did this all start for you as an artist?
Some of my earliest memories are musical, but I started writing songs when I was maybe 13. I started doing shows and open mics around 14, and kept going because it felt right. I would sell CD's in high school, and then I released music officially in 2017.
Buzz Slayers: What kind of things really inspire songs for you?
I think that's something I'm still learning about. Nowadays I have a lot of random lines in my phone, sentences I like, ideas I like, and I synthesize them into a song. I try to always listen to something new and different, experience new things and I feel like it opens me up to writing. Sometimes personal, sometimes not.
Buzz Slayers: This EP has some interesting approaches to it! Can you give us some of your biggest influences musically?
Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley, Green Day, early Coldplay, Paul Westerberg, Wilco, Springsteen. These bands and artists I feel show themselves in my life right now the most.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I've been working in the food service industry a large part of my life. I would love to do music much more often - more like most of the time.
In all seriousness, I like to get out of the city every once in a while and return to a place like home which is quite rural. I like making coffee, reading books (once I learn how to read) and going to shows, being with friends and family.
Buzz Slayers: Who's in your headphones right now?
Right now, Lucinda Williams, MJ Lenderman, Florry, John Prine, Blink 182, Built to Spill, De La Soul, Burt Bacharach, NRBQ, Militarie Gun, Wednesday, and particularly the album "Young, Gifted and Black" by Aretha Franklin.
Buzz Slayers: Are you doing any live performances right now?
As many as I'm allowed! We'll be having an EP release show soon, and hopefully more shows throughout the year.
Buzz Slayers: Do you record these at a big studio or do you have a home studio set-up?
It's all at home, in front of my bed in case anyone is wondering.
Buzz Slayers: What can your fans expect from you in the near future?
More shows, more music, and a couple music videos! More consistency I'd say. Physical copies of the EP too that anyone will be able to order on bandcamp.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
All that I am is thankful for anyone who listens, including Buzz Slayers. Thanks again!