Vents MagaZine Music and Entertainment Magazine
Related Articles
Hi Jon, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
I’ve been well! Thanks for having me here.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Library Land”?
Yeah, recording Library Land was one of the more memorable moments I had in the studio while tracking this record. The song just leaps right out, is so colorful, and is kind of an exhilarating song to listen to I think. There is a lot of story and vibe packed in 2 minutes!
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Sort of, yes; like many songs there are layers to the experience and inspiration that consummate in the birth of a song or story. In this case, I had been going through some difficult personal struggles, and I was forced to cancel some big sessions, and put the record on hold. However, Matt Patrick (owner and producer at The Library recording studio) was so supportive and understanding, and he actually let my wife and I come to the studio and just hang out for an afternoon on one of the days I was supposed to be tracking. Being in that space just hanging with Matt without the pressure and focus of recording allowed me the chance to appreciate Matt‘s story and the origins of his studio, as well as absorb something from the wonderful place that is The Library. I was also touched by Matt’s kindness. That day planted the seeds of what would grow into the song Library Land, and it emerged from a desire to honor Matt and his space with a distinctive song. (So, I was especially relieved he liked it!) Also, I had watched a classic fairy-tale with my kids the day before that particular visit, so the concept of a curious, magical-like world was in my mind, and it may have played a subliminal role in the conception of “Library Land”. This is what I mean by “layers” I suppose. It’s a fun song if you like stories, imagination, and libraries!
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
I would love to work with Matt on a fun and adventurous sort of music video. I had some ideas in the works, but it just takes so much to pull an album together already, and it ends up coming down to what you have the time and money to pull off. Though I’d love to make it happen at some point! However, we did collaborate and create a video for another track (“Blue Tarps”) on this record that is yet to be released, which is another very impactful story.
The single comes off your new album From The Marrow – what’s the story behind the title?
Marrow is the very center of your bones, where red and white blood cells are produced. The source of life is in our blood, the very breath of God. The creation and sharing of music are an important source of life for me, a bit like breathing. Songwriting also helps me process pain and difficulties. So the title is sort of an analogy, and I felt these songs are in a sense – “From The Marrow”.
How was the recording and writing process?
Well, this project was originally planned to be a short EP! Matt and I met and forecasted the project for spring of 2020, but all of the upheaval and challenges of that year really delayed and set things back. However, I ended up writing most of the songs and stories that ended up on this record during these down times, so what was supposed to be an EP grew and developed into a record in a very organic way. I had also decided from the beginning of this project that I would challenge myself and do a lot of the instrumentation myself, which really allowed my fingerprint to be on it. And working with Matt Patrick was wonderful. He’s very calming and keeps things low pressure, so I was able to be very vulnerable in the studio. Matt is incredible at what he does, and he plays many instruments on the record as well!
What role does MN play in your music?
I grew up in the country near a very small farming town (around 400 people), and the small-town Midwest has its own kind of culture that I have a love and respect for. I can’t say exactly how this has affected me, but I’m sure it’s inherent in my writing. I know the seasons influence me. There are just certain feelings that the beauty and changing of seasons bring. Like the crisp fall air and changing leaves; or the ice, cold, and sparkling snow of winter.
Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Inspiration is a hard thing to describe or pin down. It is a momentary thing, yet is also ever-present. It comes unexpectedly, even though it’s something you’re looking for. It’s like a flash of light in the corner of your eye, yet also the buried treasure you spend hours and hours digging for. I can say that the “loves” in my life (God, my wife, and my kids) are a major inspiration; as well as some of the pain life has brought, and the combinations of experiences I’ve had create a sort of framework.
What else is happening next in Jon Arthur Schmidt’s world?
I’m honestly not sure! My album release show is October 16th, and I’m super excited to launch this record and share it with people. But I’m also looking forward to it being “done”, and thinking about other things for a while. Taking care of my family is my main priority. I do have more songs and stories to tell, so maybe I’ll get back into the studio when the time is right.
WEBSITE: https://www.jonarthurmusic.com/
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/71pMLXY5K2UH7szNuJKZH0?si=rjDFFcI-SLi5bpL6m-U8dQ&dl_branch=1
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jon-arthur-schmidt/1122192848
YOUTUBE MUSIC: https://music.youtube.com/channel/UCmZAcTk5cENwrKExsv0X0iQ?feature=share
YOUTUBE CHANNEL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHEPP9dW2EGvFScLstBvg0A
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/Jon-Arthur-Schmidt-105203848108005
