John David Wilson

Story

After completing getting a degree in Design, i made a semi-serious run at making a living by playing music. After tiring of meal plans that were usually showcasing Raamen noodles, i returned to graphic design and that has been my main bread-maker ever since. My passion for creating and playing music has never waned and have been lucky enough to be in a band that has been going strong for 10+ years. (Four Stories Tall). Presently, besides writing and recording w/ FST, I am really enjoying learning and creating with Ableton Live.

Profile

Instruments

Genres

Influences

Equipment

Languages

What is music to you? What does it give you?

Truly, there are few things better than listening to or playing great music. It goes Deep.

What is your music dream?

To play in an afterlife with no physical or mental limitations.

If you could change the world - what would you start with?

same 'ol answer: true, unadulterated, unselfish love.

Which is the most memorable song from your childhood?

Poems, Prayers, and Promises

Who are your favorite musical artists or bands?

so many. Radiohead, Marillion, Split Enz, Rush, Peter Tosh, John Denver, Black Midi, Black Crowes....man, it's endless.

What inspires you to make music?

Hearing it. Seeing a great gig. Experiencing other art forms. Deep dish pizza.

What is the message you want to send with your music?

Transcendence.

How do you feel when you perform in front of an audience?

I've been told i never look happier. Or more focused. i believe them, lol.

How do you see the musicians’ reality nowadays? What could be improved?

Unless things change, which i hope they do, musicians who play good music and are masters of their instrument cannot truly expect to make a secure, good living at it. Not that it can't be done of course...especially if your skills include good marketing.... It seems now the average listener is happy with what Rick Beatto calls 'low-information' music. Which can be created by just about any one.

What do you think of Drooble?

brand new to this. i'll let ya know later, lol. My hope is that i will be able to socially interact with other musicians. Trade stories, secrets, and stems.

What frustrates you most as a musician?

easy: breaking down and setting up my kit. ( i typically have no less than 11 cymbals) This is why i do not regularly gig any more!

Do you support your local scene as a fan? How?

to be truthful, not near s much as i used to. But i like to haunt the more artsy-fartsy music scenes. Like Dallas' DAMN (ambient music).

What qualities should a musician nowadays have in order to get their music heard by a larger audience?

IMHO: the willingness to sell a decent chunk of your soul and also become a social media expert. Everything other avenue is almost unsurmountable.

Share some awesome artists that we’ve never heard of.

Phil Bush, Mark Matos, Mark Murray, Kent Duren, Mark Turner, and me.