Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnathon Figueroa

Hi Johnathon, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

Growing up, I always had a passion for music and singing. It was my favorite outlet to help me express my feelings when I didn’t have the words available. When I couldn’t find a song that reflected my feelings, I learned to write my own songs. I didn’t always know I could sing, but after seeing my friend Epiphany Thompson sing “At Your Best (You Are Love)” in elementary school, I began to practice every day and would sing with her on our lunch breaks. However, it wasn’t until college that I began to pursue music on a professional level. College allowed me the opportunity to explore the different ways I could pursue a career in music that I wouldn’t have otherwise. I’ve been able to perform as a soloist, as well as ensembles, bands and music groups. In addition to performing, I started vocal coaching part time, as well as interning as a music therapy assistant at an adult daycare facility. I’m hoping that once I get my MAT and my MTBC I can teach music part time, practice music therapy part time, and perform on the days I’m not doing therapy or teaching. I don’t want to box myself into one when they all fulfill me in different ways.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Definitely not! It took a lot of confidence and self determination to get to this point. While my family has become much more supportive of me recently, they weren’t always and even critical at times, saying things like I’d never be successful as a singer because I ‘sounded like a girl” and because “queer artists aren’t taken seriously”. Eventually, I surrounded myself with people that believed in me as a musician and with knowledge and practice I learned to believe in myself. When it comes to my music therapy journey, I’ve had to make my own unconventional path to get there because the MT graduate programs were way out of range for my budget and my commute time. So far, it’s working for me despite taking longer to get there. However, the bonus skills I’ve gained along the way are a plus.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

The short answer is I’m a singer, but I’m so much more than that! I’m also an entertainer, a teacher, and a healer. I understand that the music I sing is much greater than me, even if it’s something I wrote or composed myself. Music has the ability to move people physically, mentally and emotionally and I connect with people through music everyday. After every show, I have people come up to me and tell me that my singing touched them, helped them get through something they were going through at the time, and with the music therapy work I do, I’ve been able to witness the healing power of music in real time working with Alzheimers and Dementia patients, seeing them unable to speak one moment and sharing their fondest memories after hearing one of their favorite classic tunes in the next. It makes me most proud to be a musician knowing I can find self fulfillment while giving back to my community and to those in need.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?

If you’re looking to collaborate on music, my DMs are open and I check them regularly. I’m always looking for opportunities to get back on stage so if you want to book me for your next event, DM me or email me. You can support me by coming to my shows, follow me on my music pages to stay updated on new music or upcoming performances, and support my content. Like, comment, subscribe, share!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tiktok.com/@john.nycanta?_t=8qbu017YXxS&_r=1
• Instagram: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=channel_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjh6dVNZdWhJOFd1b0FTN3B2cDc0QW1hdmFfQXxBQ3Jtc0tsNG5aUTFvU2p5VlBKeC1ITHlXQ29vaXgzXzNaeXkzUWs1SDJtMXd1Q01XVDduLXBzblpHeGt6VnlTVWN1bjVWdlQyZ0FQS1BWd2h5bDlaTXFUTGR2Y2pQREhIMGJFTEpLbV9veDJKV0o2YVc5OW84NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fjohn.nycanta
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@SHADESBANDX
• Other: shadesband3@gmail.com

Image Credits

Jeremy Gonzalez
Lehman College Photography
Akira Johnson