Interview: Jonathan Ogden
Check out our Mini Interview series. We have asked the brilliant singer songwriter Jonathan Ogden five quick fire questions about music. Have a read below.
1. Which artist or artists first inspired you to become a musician, and what about them sparked that passion?
Honestly, it was probably my family. I'm the youngest in a big, and very musical family so the house was always filled with music. My Dad and one of my older brothers played in church, some of my brothers were DJs and showed me electronic music, my sisters were really into pop, my parents played a lot of folk, country and worship songs. I think I was very drawn to electronic music from an early age. I really liked The Chemical Brothers, Moby and Royksopp. When I first got into making music I was trying to make music like them. I think I was drawn to how electronic music can be such an experience, the live sets are often very visual, the music gets you dancing but can also be very soaring and uplifting. That idea stuck with me I think.
2. What’s your all-time favourite album, and why does it stand out for you?
Teen Dream by Beach House is probably up there. It introduced me to a more shoegaze / dreampop world, it sounds very home-made and simple but it's so rich melodically, I don't think there's a single song I'd skip on that album. It also gets really epic towards the end which is quite a nice, unexpected turn. I saw them play this album live in Manchester Cathedral and it was absolutely stunning.
3.What was the very first gig you ever went to? Where was it, and when?
My parents took me to see Cliff Richard in the 90s, at Manchester Arena. I don't remember much about it to be honest, but I think I had a good time!
4. What’s the most recent gig you’ve been to? Where and when was it?
I saw Oklou at New Century in Manchester just a couple of weeks ago. It was one of the best concerts I've seen all year. She's a French electronic artist, and reminds me a lot of my early inspirations form the 90s and early 2000s too, but she's doing it in a new way. Her live set was amazing.
5.What does the next year look like for you—any exciting plans, projects, or goals?
I'm releasing a new album! I just started the year with a single 'Stay With You' but there's a lot more on the way. It's probably my most bright and upbeat project I've ever made, and it has a very full 'band' sound, so I'd love to try and take this one on tour as well, hopefully later in the year!
