We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonathan Fairchild. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonathan below.

Jonathan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I”ve worked on would have to be the two songs I just finished post-pandemic with Jasmine Crowe. Poolside and Love is the reason. Poolside is about coming to life in Hollywood but loving the simplicity of good company and relaxing near the poolside. A stop and look at the flowers concept with a good uplifting beat, dancing, and soulful vocals. The song is very true to what I do to relax and find joy in daily life, stop taking a beat and look at the beauty around you. Sometimes we need a little reminder of gratitude in daily life. Through the pandemic, everyone had the way of life they loved taken away for a period of time and was forced to look within and reflect on life. Love is the reason and is a kind reminder that no matter what we go through we are a tribe-based culture and need each other’s love to survive and thrive. This new music is a mix of soul and pop, helping people deal with the pain of the past but uplifting them with joyful, soulful music to give them strength and hope for the future. My key to life is always to give, and share love and light.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I was a unique little boy with powerful voice years ahead of my time. I was introduced to the entertainment industry at 8 years old. I started off in dance, then made my way to Musical Theater. I got my first music production deal at 15 years old with Epic Records under singer TQ. This was a challenging undertaking because there was not much of a market for LGBTQ+ artists in the late 90s. I went on to join Legendary Righteous Brother Bill Medley’s daughter in her Vegas show MaKenna Medley and Streetwise. Between 2000-2002 both my parents passed tragically due to substance abuse and addiction. I spent the next six years working odd-end jobs and adjusting to life as an orphan until getting hired to open a new cafe in Studio City called Jinky’s. Jinky’s was like the TV show Cheers because it was a place where everybody knows your name! During my time at Jinky’s, I was inspired and grateful to have met many influential people. From newscasters, studio executives, gardeners, and local artists who we got to watch become some of the biggest stars to date. Everyone was loving and grateful to one another and that inspired me to return ban to my first love, music. In 2014 I was invited to go on tour and sing backup for LGBTQ+ artist Ricky Rebel. After several years of touring, I knew it was time to branch out on my own and start my solo career. For the last five years, I have dedicated this leg of my career to finding my voice as a solo act. I’m blessed to have been able to bring my experience over the years along with the lessons learned along the way. As a solo artist, I have had the opportunity to open for Lizzo, Aaron Carter (RIP), and international dance artist Naika.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

By the age of 19 years old my younger sister was put into foster care, my older brother was suffering from mental illness and living on the streets and I was homeless. My only life experience at that point had been on stage. Everything that once had value in my life was gone in a year and a half’s time. I knew what it felt like to successfully live my dreams and soon learned what it felt like to have nothing at all. It was only through community that I was able to slowly put the pieces of my life back together. It took many years and I still have obstacles that I deal with today, but it has been the community of loving people I keep around me that keeps me grounded today.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As of late, I have been challenged with learning how not to say yes! As a child entertainer, I was taught to show up, shut up, and stay workable. I was trained to do as I was told. There was not much room for opinion when you are hired to fulfill someone else’s creative vision. Even when I was singing back up I was there to support the main act. There was not much opportunity to have creative input. It was easy for me to show up smile and do as I was asked. Now that I am in the driver’s seat of my own career I have had to learn to articulate my opinion and fight for my vision. This is something that does not come naturally to me but I work on it every day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanpfairchild/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonathanfairchildP
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKAJUAzzGxfeEP0J343z7nw

Image Credits
Christina Havis