Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jonas Wald. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jonas, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

My whole life, I’ve been attracted to the joy of creation. Growing up, I wore many hats as I explored many creative avenues from drawing, to animation, shooting video/editing, and finally landing where I am now doing graphic design and facing the world with my band. In terms of the band at least, I remember when I first knew that I wanted to perform the music that I love for a living. It may sound cliche, but it was at my first talent show in high school with the first incarnation of my band Killium, I think we were called “Pin Prik” back then. I remember telling my mom that I knew what I wanted to do for a living after that. Up until that moment, I had only ever dreamt of getting on stage like the bands that I grew to love in middle/high school. While I’m not quite there yet, I’ve taken my first steps in the past few years gigging, and I’m willing to aim high and press on.

Jonas, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Jonas Wald, and I’m the frontman of an alt. punk band called Killium. I am also a graphic designer that aims to work with bands on album art, logos, flyers, and more. I’ve worked with a few bands already, and have made all of the cover art for my band. I’ve always regarded myself as a creative person, and honestly I couldn’t see myself existing without creating. That sounds like a dreary existence, as making media fulfills me and brings me so much joy. I’ve dabbled in several forms of media over my life so far, and I intend to dabble in many more as I grow old. From doodling over all of my homework as a child, to taking my shot at shooting/editing video, to starting a punk band now, I have and always will be an avid creative.

I’ve come to accept that I am also attracted to the darker and dryer parts of life, as melancholy as that may sound. You can see it at the base of most of my creative pursuits, as it pops up in one way or another. It’s no surprise then, that my band Killium focuses on this melancholy view of life and incorporates themes of disenchantment, isolation, rage, anxiety, and alienation. I try my best to keep a positive spin on it, however. I’ve always believed that good punk rock should be hopeful, while the world may suck we should always look to make it better rather than wallow in despair.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Henry Rollins is one of my idols, and his book, “Get in the Van”, chronicling his journey with Black Flag was one of the single most radicalizing things I have ever read. Ironically, his cautionary tale of how difficult it was to be a touring punk band in the 80s made me fantasize about life on the road. I thought they were so bad ass alienating the audience as much as they could, and harnessing the anger in the venue to create such a violent and raging hardcore punk show. The tales between the shows captivated me as well, I learned quick that you meet a ton of interesting folk out on the road. The book taught me many lessons on what it means to be in a band, and reinforced my ideology that you need to always look out for yourself. If you see opportunity, you need to snatch it. Perseverance is the key of success. It wasn’t until last year that I finally had my chance on the road with my band during a weekend run. While it certainly wasn’t an experience like “Get in the Van”, I can attest that touring is an extremely fun experience and you certainly do meet many interesting individuals along the way.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Watching a project come together in real time is both excruciating and endlessly blissful. I know when I’m on to a good thing, and once a project gets officially started, such as recording a song bit by bit, it’s exciting and fulfilling to put the pieces together. For example, right now Killium is working in the studio on our second album, “Manifesting Flies”, and the unfinished tracks are sounding amazing. I love that I can hear the new songs that I wrote in my bedroom with a full band, but since the process is drawn out, I’m left with the pain of waiting to hear it all finished. It’s absolutely worth it to let it take time, but I’m so antsy to get it finished. Just having my little tunes fully fleshed out is rewarding, and it’s even more so when people are receptive to it. I cannot believe people like the songs on my first album that I produced on my own. It’s so cool to hear people sing along with me at shows to songs that started out on my phone’s memos app. I suppose it’s starting to sound like most of the creative process is the most rewarding, but it’s true! I’ll refrain from claiming that though, I really do get a kick out of the process of actually making the music and hearing it all click in real time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/killium
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killiumofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KilliumOfficial/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@killiumofficial

Image Credits
The first photo (Where the camera man is being threatened by a man wielding a guitar), was taken by Ed Brussa of Liminal Media LLC. The other three were taken by Spencer Tragesser.