We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jonathan Pinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jonathan , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
My mom use to take me to church as a child every Sunday. She use to sing in the morning choir and would allow me to sit next the musicians playing. I would witness basically how music would impact the people in the church in a very healing and positive way even myself. Seeing this consistently made me want on to take on the path of being a musician. I wanted to be a musician with a purpose to heal and be a positive vessel in peoples lives.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Jonathan Pinson and I’m a drummer, bandleader and educator. As a drummer I’ve played and recorded with many great artist such as Herbie Hancock, Seal, Alex Isley, Marquis Hill, Gilad Hekselman, Mark Turner, and Georgia Anne Muldrow. I have a band called Boom Clap that is a reflection of my musical experiences with the intention of giving the audience a positive and thoughtful experience through musical storytelling. As an educator, I’m a profesor at the California Institute of the Arts. I go there with the focus and intent to inspire students become their best versions of themselves as musicians and as people and as well to be inspired by the lessons they give me with their own experiences.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
To be an artist is to be a messenger, scientist and a healer all in one. When I feel like I have inspired people to be better versions of themselves with my music, I think that is the most rewarding thing because that is truly all we have.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Honestly go to shows, buy merchandise and most of all support with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonathanpinson.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathanpinson/
Image Credits
Maya Guice
Ziarra Washington
Lauren Desburg