Check out our interview with California singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jon Wiilde who just released his new psychedelic alt-hip-hop track “Carry On” after the success of his previous single “Quit Your Job.”
With Hip Hop driven rhythms, psychedelic textures, and raw honest delivery, Jon is here to stay. Eclectic influences of Mac Miller, The Beatles, Kid Cudi, MGMT, and Funkadelic all seem to be a root of this 2023 breakout artist. While what the future holds may be unclear, it will be exciting to look out for what comes from Mr. Wiilde.
Follow Jon on IG @jonwiilde
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Goq160_oJPw” title=”Carry On – Jon Wiilde (Official Music Video)”][vc_column_text]
Hi Jon, please tell us a little about you?
My name’s Jon, life is cool. I enjoy loud speakers, being barefoot, and top tier BBQ.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Human, breathing, present
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
Started putting out music and people found it and we started talkin’. It’s been very organic and I’m grateful for it.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fuck. Yeah. Dude.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Everything and everyone I’ve ever interacted with has influenced me and music really chose me. It hasn’t felt like a choice it’s felt like the thing that comes out of me and I have to let it out. The more I try to control it usually the worse it is. It’s a practice of letting go and allowing the universe to communicate through. I’m just a vessel with some shades on.
Do you play any instruments?
Ya been lucky to learn a few over time and I’m still learning. Bass, guitar, keyboards, drums, I sing, produce, engineer. I ain’t too shabby with a tambourine either.
Tell us about your new single “Carry On?”
Carry On is LIT! I’m so hyped on this record. It just feels fun and confident and the drums slap and there’s a bitchin’ guitar solo. It covers a lot of ground in a few minutes and the music video is a blast.
What’s the story behind the song?
Less of a story more of a theme if you will. I’ve been making records and playin’ music for over a decade and it’s now just feelin’ like things are starting to take shape. You need faith in the process, you need to “Carry On” with the mission. “Love is coming” and it just takes time for others to see in reality what you’ve been seeing in your head and heart the whole time.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Doing the work. When you write something, play something, create; no one can take that feeling away from you. It is not a tangible thing people can steal or buy, or exploit. It is the way you communicate. It’s very grounding and humbling.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be up to right now?
I haven’t the slightest idea, music is the guiding principle in my life and it’s difficult to imagine a life without it. It is the compass that leads me to wherever I need to head. It’s like rhythm and god are the same thing.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Carry On (see what I did there)
How would your best friend describe you?
They would say that “I’m not worried about a thing I just Carry On the love is coming” (Got you again!)
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book?
I’m A Book!
What’s next for Jon Wiilde in 2023?
More records, more videos, more shows, a tour (nothing booked I’m just speaking it into existence). We stayin’ at it this year, foot on the gas.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Steak!
And your favorite cheat food?
Don’t believe in cheat foods, but doughnuts or tacos are lit. Oh and fried chicken and waffles.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Fun as hell. Big fan of expressing yourself with clothes and a lot of days I’ll intentionally not pick the “correct” matching pieces so it’s fun and a little off. Getting dressed is a good time.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Meeting Alan Watts would be cool, or maybe Jesus to catch a vibe.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Too many rad places in the world to pick one and I’m gonna see a lot of ‘em! I do want to go to Antartica though there’s no place on earth like that.
Best advice ever given?
Let It Happen.
Do you support any charity?
Big fan of Make-A-Wish! Done some things with them in the past and my lady was a Make-A-Wish kid.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
World Tour.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Lately it’s been Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival.
What do you think of Social Media?
Oh man haha. It’s a gas though, being able to interact with so many people and come together is cool. I am worried however about the mental health of our youth and social media’s impact on it. I believe that self-esteem and confidence is crucial, and without proper communication in real life and in person it’s easy to get lost in the fantasy of the Internet and feel less than. Less phone light more sunlight you know the vibes.
Where we can follow you?
@jonwiilde on all platforms! Come say hi
Book: Wherever You Go There You Are
Quote: “Don’t think twice it’s alright”
Movie: Apocalypse Now or Good Burger
Tv Series: The Sopranos
Favorite Food: Steak!
Travel Destination: Antarctica!
Sports Team: Sacramento Kings LIGHT THE FUCKIN’ BEAM BABY I BLEED PURPLE
