Daily Inspiration: Meet Simon John

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simon John.

Hi Simon, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always just loved music; even before I had started to learn how to do it I’d just skate or walk around and make up concept albums under my breath. I remember Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by OutKast and American Idiot by Green Day inspired me to do that. As I got older I kept finding new places to get better at making music for real. The guy who introduced me to guitar was like a big brother to me. He would come through and we’d jam and talk about music for hours. Then I did orchestra and jazz band in middle school. First time I got paid for music, the choir teacher secretly gave me 75 bucks at the end of my 8th grade year because I’d also accompany the choir and learn hella songs for them. Ended up going to Hamilton for high school and also went to Colburn for jazz guitar. On the weekends, I’d play locally in Los Angeles with different DIY groups. After high school, I studied at Berklee College of music and really started dropping stuff I was proud of. Now I self produce all my tracks and work as a touring musician / guitarist with artists that inspire me.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up I felt bad asking my parents for musical gear because guitar center & all of those companies make stuff more expensive than it needs to be. My mom was always supportive but I also adapted this mindset to make the most out of the least. It forced me to rely on the bare essentials and learn a bunch of instruments. I had luck in LAUSD because they provided music programs and instruments for the students. I’ve also had my fair share of J.K. Simmons-style music teachers throughout the years which I can laugh about now, but at the time was way too intense for what was at stake. As I get older I’m trying not to be surprised by stuff and just try to handle things the best I can. Mental health is definitely worth talking about and I think is something we all should keep tabs on, we got a lifelong commitment to our brains.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a musician; music is something in this world that is endlessly interesting to me. I play a fair amount of instruments (guitar, piano, bass, the computer, drums, viola…), sing, write, and produce songs.

I’ll really spend 8 hours straight on a song adding layers, taking things away, making new sections, and writing melodies. I don’t even like to take ear breaks when working by myself, which some people insist are important. When it comes to creating a musical idea, I want to live in it until it surrounds me as much as the world outside my room. Once I’m there, I feel the same responsibility to both understand and keep up with that world. Making music is also a great way for me to organize my brain and emphasize how many thoughts and feelings fly around throughout the day.

As a guitarist, I have been able to connect with amazing artists and also contribute to their wonderful work. I’ve studied and played many different styles of music and thank my ear for helping me pick things up quickly. I also get along with people who are passionate about music but I’m fond of meeting and hearing the stories of many people, I get a lot from shared lessons and joy.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was really about trying to make something. Movies, comics, books, and music was all I wanted to do. I had a phase where I was obsessed with making planes and boats. One time it rained and flooded at my childhood home and I tried making a boat out of a lego set box (it didn’t work). I was never allowed to play video games so whenever I was with my friends I would heavily suggest we make something instead of sitting inside.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_simonjohn_/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@simonjohn2023
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/simon-john-398336544

Image Credits
Wes Lachman – Photo #1 Veronica Bouza – Photo #2 Colten Hennis – Photo #3 Lucca Dohr – Photo #4