Welcome to the first instalment of What’s Going On for 2024! We pride ourselves on bringing you the hottest new music and also putting you on to artists on the rise. Enter John-Robert, a brilliant singer-songwriter who wrapped up 2023 with the release of his latest EP, Garden Snake. The 5-song project, released via Nice Life, serves as a great jumping-on point for anyone new to his artistry. With a sound that feels fresh in the current pop landscape, John-Robert pulls from his Virginia roots on this project, creating a sonic tapestry that weaves together elements of folk, bluegrass, and Americana through a pop-radio-friendly framework. Not just a one-to-watch artist, John-Robert is a creative force who is poised to make a lasting impact on music. We had the pleasure of interviewing John-Robert about Garden Snake, how he approaches creating music videos, and what listeners can expect from him next.
Jeromme Graham: John-Robert, congrats on the release of your new EP, Garden Snake! This project was largely inspired by your Virginia roots. How did that inspire your sound?
John-Robert: Thank you! Growing up in the Shenandoah Valley, I was exposed to bluegrass, folk, and more individualized sounds. It was inevitable that it would show up in my music at some point.
Jeromme Graham: Your lyrics are so personal and relatable and seem to echo what coming of age is like for this generation. How does it feel to get feedback from listeners on what your songs mean to them?
John-Robert: It means the world to me. For anyone to care about anything at all… let alone care about what I have to say.
I write music for myself. It’s a self-serving pursuit. I don’t think about how other people are gonna take to a song as I’m writing it. I want to be able to relate to myself first. That starts with being honest.
With that said, talking to people after shows, in the comments and DMs… I don’t feel so alone. That I’m not that special- in the regard that we are all dealing with our own shit. There’s a sense of camaraderie/community in suffering. A comfort in understanding that EVERYONE is subjected to the human condition.
Jeromme Graham: “Sweet Child” doesn’t really sound like anything else that’s out in the pop market. How did you know that was the right track to be the first single and get people ready for the EP?
John-Robert: The intro is my favorite moment in my live set. I ask the audience to make a Viking sound (ah-ooh) followed by a heavy sigh (aaah). We all do that a cappella for a couple go rounds; then I contextualize the noises with the guitar part.
I love it because you have to be a little silly in order to participate. It also builds trust between myself and the audience. It’s a moment to share in, and I get to see if everyone has a sense of humor about themselves. I don’t relate to artists who are too cool guys. I’d rather be weird and interesting than cool and boring.
I wanted that song to live somewhere outside of my live set. I want people to be in the know about that moment before going into the show and/ or relive that moment post-show.
What was it like shooting the “Road Trip” music video?
John-Robert: It was a total dream come true. I flew my little brother Chase on the cheapest Spirit flight I could find. I planned the trip in “my maps.” We visited the most interesting places and met the most fascinating people.
I’m inspired by individuals and art installations. Particularly art that isn’t placed in museums. My favorite part of the trip was meeting Dots. She IS her own person. Her most notable art installations included: Barbie Murder House, Deer Dinner Party, and The Cannibal Room. She’s currently writing a book about cats taking over the world and inbreeding humans to make them dumber. The cats use humans as a vital food source in this world. The story serves as an allegory for the way humans treat cattle. She’s an all-around badass.
Jeromme Graham: All of your videos have been eye-catching and different. Do you come up with the concepts yourself? How do you approach matching up these visuals with your music?
John-Robert: I work closely with Bryce Glenn and Sean Cavaliere from Good Morning Studios. They genuinely strive to understand me and have kept pace with the tight turnarounds. I’m in awe of the level of care they give each video.
As far as brainstorming – I think about what would be the most fun and feasible thing to make. I thought a terrible VFX Teletubbies-inspired sun baby would be fun… that’s it. I wanted to travel and get out of my room. So I planned a road trip for my song “Road Trip.” We’re not exactly Harvard over here. Lastly, the outdoors doesn’t ask for rent. The locations are completely free.
What can fans expect from you in 2024?
John-Robert: I appreciate you letting me plug some confirmed plans for next year. Here are the bullet points:
- Releasing a version of “Come Pick Me Up” with my dear friends Cameron & Devin Thistle.
- Joining Bailen for a leg of their tour in February. (Santa Ana, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland)
- Playing Treefort Music Fest in March (Boise, ID.)
Aside from making music and touring, I’m planning on buying an oven. I’ve spent the last two years without one… That’s about all I can say at the moment.
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