We’re thrilled to introduce you to Jonathan Foster, an inspiring indie musician who has carved out a distinct niche in the music world. Since embarking on his musical journey in 2013, Jonathan has released six studio albums, two live albums, an EP vinyl, and several singles, along with accompanying music videos. With over 800 live performances under his belt, he shares his passion for music and the joy of connecting with audiences through his songs.
Jonathan’s unique style and sound set him apart from other musicians. He stays true to his identity, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of artists while maintaining a distinct, personal thread throughout his work. His dedication to authenticity ensures that his music is unmistakably his own.
In our interview, Jonathan opens up about the challenges he’s faced as an indie musician, including the struggle to maintain a stable revenue stream without being tied to a day job. Through goal-setting, strategic planning, and relentless creativity, he has managed to juggle his commitments and retain his independence as an artist.
Jonathan’s creative process is as varied as his music, with inspiration striking in dreams, during casual instrument sessions, or even while driving. He describes how his latest single, “Star Lake,” came together during a camping trip in Missouri, highlighting his ability to turn everyday moments into musical gold.
Themes of human experience and the natural environment permeate Jonathan’s music, with each song and album telling its own story. Looking ahead, Jonathan envisions continuing his journey of writing, recording, and performing on his own terms. With a move back to his hometown on the horizon, he anticipates new changes and fresh music to follow.
Join us as we delve into the world of Jonathan Foster, a musician whose heartfelt lyrics and authentic sound resonate deeply with listeners everywhere.
Can you tell us about your journey as an indie musician? What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
Since 2013, I have released 6 studio albums, 2 live albums, an EP vinyl, several singles, and accompanying music videos along with over 800 live performances to date. Getting to share songs with others is the best job and when you’re singing, it never feels like work.
How would you describe your unique style and sound as an artist? What sets you apart from other musicians?
I sound like me and always strive not to be confused with anyone else’s style and sound. I have so many wonderful influences from other artists that you can hear from song to song and I have held true, for better or worse, to keep a thread through my work that has always been distinctly me.
Could you share some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an indie musician and how you overcame them?
Having an adequate revenue stream to ensure you don’t have to be locked into a day job is always the biggest challenge for me as an independent recording and performing artist. Setting goals, putting plans in action, keeping the calendar moving 8-12 months in advance and being creative has allowed for the great juggle to remain and have the freedom to continue to be an independent artist.
What is your creative process like? How do you approach songwriting and composing music?
Every song comes together differently, sometimes I sit down with others to carve out ideas. Sometimes I wake up from a dream and write down verses or a chorus. Sometimes I just noodle on the guitar or piano for melodies. In the case of my new single, Star Lake, I came up with it while driving and just kept repeating the lyric, rhythm, and beat cadences for days until I finally had a couple of nights off to put together the bones of the song on acoustic guitar while camping on a small lake in Missouri last summer. After I am able to perform a song live a few times, I like to go into the studio to begin tracking my guitar parts and arranging for other instruments.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music? What inspires your lyrics?
Every song and album of mine have their own themes and stories. Overall, I like to express my senses related to my relationships with the human experience and the natural environment.
What are your long-term goals as an indie musician? Where do you see yourself and your music in the next few years?
I intend to continue to write, record, and perform for the long-term and on my terms. The music world and the real world continue to change at a rapid pace and I’ll still be around with an acoustic guitar and singing about it all. I am going to be shifting gears this year after living on the West Coast since 2001, I will be moving back closer to my hometown this fall, so change is afoot, and more music will follow!