Can you tell us the story or inspiration behind your second album “Renaissance”?
After a dark period of my life when I was angry and rebellious, I could not find peace not even in my music. This album highlighted a time of reflection and self-acceptance, a time when I started to believe once again in something (a power) bigger then myself.
I felt the need to be re-born and to share my new ideas and new musical style. This was the beginning of my first crossover album.
What do you want the world to feel when they listen to your music?
In today’s chaotic world, my goal is to show people that music can heal, it can guide you, it can inspire positivity and love. Love for yourself and love for others.
What made you move to the USA?
I was looking for artistic freedom. I was tired of compromising myself to please and provide for others. In Italy the system is very corrupt and now the next chapter of my life is here in the USA, a country that I love and will be part of my creative journey.
Jonathan, you began studying music at the age of 9, what was it that hooked you in?
Music was my escape from real life. Music gave me a feeling of peace and purpose. I liked the challenge of learning something new, I still do.
As a child I imagined that only I could learn the songs and play the notes. I believed it was my special gift, it set me apart from the other children that I knew.
What does music mean to you?
To me music means dreams, life, everything and everyone who touch my life are a part of my music. It is communication in a higher form.
There is something about music that is magical. Music has the power to change, to make people feel, to show ones real self. It is our soul.
You were only 16 when you got your first recording, What was it like to accomplish that at such a young age?, as back then we did not have all the talent shows and resources we have now to showcase young people’s talents.
At 16, I believed that my first success was a type of payback or justification for my sad lonely childhood.
A type of revenge on those who bullied me, laughed at me and tried their hardest to dissuade me from pursuing my dream. I showed myself that I could do anything. That I was indeed talented and that music was my future. I was on the right path.
I think you are a great role model for those who may have gone through something similar. It is us, as individuals, who have the power to turn anything that has happened to us into the driving force to make a success of something we love. So thank you for sharing that.