We were lucky to catch up with Jon the funky monk recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jon the funky monk, thanks for joining us today. What’s been one of the most interesting investments you’ve made – and did you win or lose? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
I’m finding in my professional and personal life, the best investment you can make is in yourself. For many years, I didn’t pursue better materials, tools, or education because of fear. Fear of failure, fear of success, and fear of disappointment. I had quite the imposter syndrome.
The real backstory here is that I made an initial investment in recording gear when I was 17. My delivery job was able to fund the basics with very consumer level gear.
I ended up using that gear for about 15 years and made over 1000 compositions with it. I spent time learning everything I could to improve, but when I would compare my mixes to my favorite music, something was always lacking.
I felt like I wasn’t good enough, so I never upgraded to the next level.
I felt that even if I did upgrade, it had to be me and not the equipment that was lacking.
It took all that time of self doubt, imposter syndrome, and fear before I finally spent some real money and got my first pro level piece of equipment.
It ended up making a huge difference. The moment I plugged into this little, expensive box, I was completely blown away. In that moment, I realized how important it was to invest in myself.
I launched my business within 6 months of that revelation!
That moment really changed the course of my career. I upgraded all of my gear and started making the best music of my life.
I don’t want to make this all about gear, because amazing music can be made with very little, however, I finally spent money on the right tools for the job. It restored confidence in my skillset and technical ability. I was pushing that cheap gear as far as it can go, and when I got world class equipment, I could finally compete with the best. I like to equate it to trying to hammer in nails with a soup can. Well, now I have a hammer!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Jonthefunkymonk. I am a music producer, mix engineer, and multi-instrumentalist originally from the greater Philadelphia/Southern New Jersey area. I made my home in San Diego about 10 years ago and have been heavily involved in the music scene since.
Music has been an enormous part my life since I can remember. Probably the earliest documentation I have is me playing a plastic guitar at age 3. I started taking lessons at age 6, and my love of music blossomed from there. I now play many instruments and have pursued the technical and creative side of writing music as well as bringing it into the world.
I currently am the owner/operator of a recording business in San Diego, CA, which has been in business for 1 year now! We are a baby, but I am loving every minute of it.
I have many years of experience in music before I started this venture. I have been in bands that have toured, played insane shows, and recorded high level records. All those years and experiences have informed my business in many ways. I understand what it’s like to be on the other side of the table. I use this to bring out the best performances in my clients and pursue the most creative art possible.
That’s really the biggest goal for my business. I want to create the highest level art possible. I’ve given my whole life to that.
It’s nice to be a little more mature. I have youth still, but lots of lovely experience that helps me serve any client’s needs. I believe that is a pivotal aspect to my business. I’ve been the signed artist. I’ve recorded instruments for other artists’ songs. I’ve pursued my own creative endeavors by myself and with bands. I’ve written songs for artists. I’ve made commercials. I’ve produced amazing records with amazing people. Scored movies. You get the idea. I am so honored and blessed so many have trusted me over the years. I have no doubt that if you’re looking to make the highest level auditory art possible, I can really help!
When a client comes to me, it is my goal to help them express their art as authentically as possible. That could mean, I bring an artist in and help shape the chords or structure of the song. It could mean that we use my equipment and facilities to track and lay down all the parts necessary to build a song. It could mean an artist bringing me tracks that have already been recorded and I mix them together to make it sound professional and unique. I can help record instruments for their music, whether that be drums, bass, guitars, or keys. I can master a track already mixed. Or, I can do all of the above. It all depends on the needs of the client. I pride myself in being able to be involved in every aspect of the creation if needed.
From arrangement to vocal harmonies, performances to sound textures, I do everything I can to bring your music, podcast, or film score to the next level. This can be in the form of recording, mixing, mastering, composing, editing, or providing consultation for any level project. Contact me, let’s work together!
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
Word of mouth has been the best source of new clients for me. Being heavily involved in the San Diego music scene, I’m always reminded how lucky I am that so many view me as their sonic peer. It means everything to me when a client gives me trust with their art. It takes a lot of strength to be vulnerable enough to share, let alone have me help bring the best out of it.
I’ve gotten these referrals from people that had an experience of safety, creativity and fun. That is the most meaningful work I can do. I take that with me into every session.
I’m so thankful for anyone who has supported me, monetarily or otherwise. I’m blessed because of you. I love our growing music scene and hope to help it grow for the next 50 years!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
What I love most about the human experience is expression. I truly believe that is what separates us from most known things on earth. Like really.
We can paint, sing, dance and build into the world around us. We can actually affect our environment in a real way. This is why I pursue art in any capacity. I love to express myself and help people express themselves. I can’t count how many times making a song or hearing a song has been therapeutic for me.
The human experience is quite a ride full of tragedy, love, smiles, adventure and everything in between. I want to make art that represents that and hopefully becomes therapeutic for others. This is my loftiest goal!
Contact Info:
- Website: jonthefunkymonk.com
- Instagram: @jonthefunkymonk