Meet Jonathan Kim of Jon Fledge in Mid City

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Kim.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Music wasn’t always my focus. I used to take life day-by-day by simply going to school, hanging out, playing sports and video games, binge-watching movies, and partying a lot. Writing songs just happened to be one hobby I shared with my friends since high school, and we recorded a handful of weird tracks together. Back then, they were purely fun to make and showcase within our circle.

However, after graduating from UC Berkeley with a mechanical engineering degree, I got a job in Silicon Valley, away from friends, family, and distractions. With the solitude, I had a lot more time alone, which I spent tinkering around in my music program, producing beats and remixes. That’s when my ambition began to grow.

I suddenly wanted to become really good at making music. This passion would keep me awake until 4 am even though I had work the next morning. Obviously, that’s no healthy way to live, and I quickly found myself exhausted. Torn between work and music, my performance suffered in both. I knew I had to choose one or the other.

During my last business trip, I met someone who helped solidify my decision. We talked about the one chance we get to live life, and suddenly I realized how much time I had wasted fearing failure. I returned from the trip, wrapped up my remaining work, sold all my furniture, and moved back down to LA to pursue music.

Has it been a smooth road?
Everything is being built from the ground up, from forming connections and learning the business to honing musical skill and knowledge. So far, this journey has resembled the pressure of entering a new school or work environment, albeit without the guidance of a teacher or manager. Still, that freedom has made it more exciting.

Being a musician can be quite harsh on one’s self-confidence since you invest a lot of time and effort without immediately receiving recognition, money, or growth. Success and mastery may appear to never be within reach, but progress, no matter how minuscule, is always a step closer.

Acknowledging little victories has kept me focused. Starting out, I had no idea where to begin. I explored various outlets to promote my music. Little by little, I began to expand my reach. Individually, it didn’t look like much, but over time, I realized those tiny steps added up to become stepping stones for greater achievements.

Above all, I try to go back to the initial reason why I shifted gears in the first place, the genuine love for music.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I write alternative R&B/soul music as Jon Fledge. My mother named me after the story of Jonathan Livingston Seagull. My moniker, which relates to flight, was chosen as a reminder to keep in line with the inspiration of self-discovery and pushing one’s potential.

I’m paying close attention to what my creativity provides me. The right spark expands my vision and allows me to create honest content. I aspire for my songs to portray a certain level of vulnerability so that listeners are able to relate to my music and find a home in the lyrics. I don’t need to be a star. I just wish to be a catalyst for good emotion. That’s the voice I’m striving to be.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
As a diverse hub of artists, Los Angeles provides many platforms for those talents to shine, making it an ideal place to jumpstart your story as long as you’re willing to put yourself out there. However, the market is currently saturated. Everyone’s trying to make it, and new music is being pushed into our ears every day. You’ve got to find a way to break through all that noise.

Aside from having work ethic and talent, those who are accomplished tend to also have a desire to help others. I’ve found it best to put the ego aside and make art happen, not just for yourself, but for people around you. You’ve got to be a curator, a focal point, through which other artists can get their voices heard. It makes you attractive and trustworthy, bringing opportunities in return.

In my short journey so far, I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with people who were very accepting and kind. They’ve made many projects happen, and I feel as I build more and more connections, success is drawn to those with a good vision and an open heart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jonfledge.com/
• Email: jonfledge@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonfledge/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonfledge/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jonfledge
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0KRr25f6KnPInhT6z31VbX

Image Credit:
Daniel Nguyen, Judith Kim, Steven Talens, Kyle Vertin, Katherine Soldevilla

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