Last July I was faced with a question: “Do I want to keep doing this music career thing?” The reason for this was because I was tired. The label I was on was closing their doors and I was frustrated with how little traction I had with my career and disappointed in myself. It’s sobering [...]

“Let’s use this dynamite, we’re only making noises. We want to affect this change, with voice and electrical noises.” – from Biffy Clyro’s song “Whorses” Those are lyrics to a song by the band Biffy Clyro. I discovered them one great evening driving a rental car back from Florida. Driving is a wonderful thing for [...]

2009 was a bittersweet year for me. There were hard times and beautiful times. Weddings and Divorces… Births and Deaths… This is something I wrote a couple of months ago looking back over the year: “The spin of a wheel The roll of the dice Winter, Spring Summer, and Fall The width and the height [...]

I make no claim to be the best music critic in the world nor do I disagree with your choices. These are my favorite records of 2009 and I’d love to hear what your choices are. 01. Ida Maria – Fortress ‘Round My Heart Buy this record, put on your headphones and turn the volume [...]

My brother, Chris, asked me when the new Weezer album dropped if it was a joke and I said, “Probably” because I hadn’t listened to it completely and from the samples of “In The Mall” and “Can’t Stop Partying” I’d heard, I was convinced it probably was. I’ve listened to it a few times now [...]

I met my friend Carla Jean today at my favorite coffee shop in Birmingham because she wanted to interview me about the secret project I’m working on. I’m the world’s worst rambler and mumbler. Sorry CJ! It’s a nice rainy day in Birmingham. Perfect for coffee, music, creating, and reflection. At the moment I’m listening [...]

I’ve read more this year than my entire college career combined so it’s been a great year of learning and adventure. Not sure why this year has been the year of reading but I sincerely hope it doesn’t stop. So, I want to talk about two books that are (in my opinion) vital to any [...]

When I was the tender age of eight I had my first love affair with music. I was a quiet kid who preferred staying in my bedroom and building massive cities with Legos and then crying to my mom as my brothers would scream “GODZILLA!” and destroy what took days to build. While the construction [...]

Why give away your music? You put a lot of work into this… Please read this post here regarding this topic. Okay. I understand why now. Where can I get it? http://downloads.whoisjonblack.com

Today, as some of you are aware, Rebuilt Records announced it will be closing its doors on August 1st. I am saddened by this news. Jason Harwell has been a brother to me and I’m thankful for his willingness to take a chance on me and my music. He will always be a dear friend [...]