J. EDMOND – A GOOD CONVERSATION WITH A NEW RISING STAR

J. EDMOND – A GOOD CONVERSATION WITH A NEW RISING STAR

By Ralph Beauchamp

I met for the first time J. Edmond when I started AMP which was about 6 years ago. He was young and I noticed that he was constantly on social media platforms promoting all endeavors in his musical universe. He was a busy person. He was not only an artist but also a radio personality, record executive and podcaster. His energy seemed boundless. I wondered how a child of such a young age could juggle all these tasks without self-destruction. The only other person I knew who could keep up with him J. is Shannon Wilk who is an occasional correspondent and photographer for this publication. He also has the strength of a bulldog.

Go back a year and once again Edmond's and my path cross. He was working at the Wall Street Theater (now the District Music Hall) in Norwalk handling publicity and I contacted him to cover the Buckcherry tour stop. Before the show, we had dinner and talked about the state of music at the moment. Things have opened up again after many years of Covid. It seemed that people were going to shows again. I found his views interesting and still admired this young man's determination to make a mark.

Now in the present. J. Edmond has shed some of his musical snake skins to focus on his composition and performance. His creativity is at an all-time high and his drive to succeed has never been stronger. He recently released a new single titled 'City Walk' and is receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike. His star begins to shine. J. is on the way to stardom.

J. Edmond sat down with AMP to chat all things music.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of your music career?

EDMOND: It started when I was 16 and still in high school. My dad and I would play. He was always teaching me new things. A high school teacher really started me in the right direction. From then on I couldn't put the guitar down. Suddenly I started writing songs. I wasn't sure about my singing until much later. In fact, it's only this year that I feel like my vocals are where I want them.

AMP: You've worn many hats, including artist, record label executive and radio DJ. How do you manage all the chaos?

EDMOND: I take breaks which in retrospect are the hardest things for me. It is the silence that is hard to handle. My mind is constantly in motion. Additionally, I added a new hat. I started promoting shows. Since my record label is over, I want to use my skills to help other artists find a foothold. I realized that in the music scene, if you're not the hot new thing, why not help other acts in various ways. By doing this, your star also begins to rise.

Stick yourself in a show you're promoting. The networking part was missing in my musical universe. It was all about me. Now my scope includes “we”. The cool thing is that the scene in CT has become vibrant and alive and we as artists can find new avenues of exposure.

AMP: Who are some of your inspirations?

EDMOND: It goes all the way back to the Beatles, the Who and one of my biggest inspirations, Badfinger. So far, I'm digging Thomas Ian Nicholas who is the actor in American Pie. He has a really good band and his new album is amazing. But my inspirations are constantly changing. I love the music and the story behind it.

AMP: Let's talk about your new single, “City Walk”. Can you give us some insight into the song?

EDMOND: “City Walk” was written in Florida. I had gone down there to see All American Rejects with a friend. I had just interviewed Nick from the band on my podcast and it turned out that their Hard Rock show was happening during my trip. He offered to put me in to check them out. You see, my first trip to Florida and here I am with the All American Rejects in a great venue.

It turned out to be a lot for me. I have a good relationship with Brian Wilson and I tend to stay in the background. So the best thing for me to cope with was to write about it. “City Walk” is about that experience. A lot of my previous material centered around fantasy with fictional characters. “City Walk” is the first song I wrote that is about my real life. It talks about mental health which I am very open about. I feel it is an important topic. The next tune to come out will be “Search Lights”. It's made in LA and has a really cool vibe.

AMP: You've played a decent show. Does anyone in particular stand out?

EDMOND: I love playing The Cellar On Treadwell. I have booked several of my gigs there. The stage at The Cellar always seems to be calling my name. I miss playing live, but I enjoy my time in the studio. I have a ton more shows booked. More than ever.

AMP: What do you think makes your music unique?

EDMOND: This is a tough question! To be able to incorporate the complexity of my mental health issues into my material. I'm sure other artists have done the same, but my writing style lends itself to opening up my inner self. I also feel that my voices are unique. I find my recent vocals take me to a special place. It took some time to perfect. Also, my songwriting is very philosophical, even though I tend to ramble on about it. No one can sing a Socrates proverb, so I'm just having fun with it. Another thing is that I feel like I'm pretty productive. Like Neil Young, I'll pull my car over when something inspires me.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

EDMOND: Peter Ham of Badflower would be my first choice. I feel like we are soul mates. I really look up to this man.

AMP: What is your favorite activity outside of music?

EDMOND: I would have to say playing cards and video games. I'm a nerd. I also like hanging out with friends. I love this question because I'm usually so engrossed in my music that I forget what I enjoy outside of it.

AMP: What are some of the other themes you incorporate into your music?

EDMOND: So, we've already discussed mental health, but lately there's been a change. Like I said, I've written about imaginary beings in the past, but now it's about my personal experiences and fears. I am so grateful to my team for helping me on this journey I have embarked on. However, it is all so fluid. I'm only 24 and who knows where the future lies. The timeline of the emotional rollercoaster I'm on right now I hope helps others not to give up. Chase what's in your heart.

AMP: What's next for J. Edmond?

EDMOND: I have “Search Lights” coming out on July 26th. Lots of concerts coming up. My ability to book shows and be a promoter is very exciting. Now I am having fun as a young person, instead of being the 60 year old man stuck inside me. My therapist once told me that I wasn't afraid to die, I was afraid to live, and I've taken that to heart. Now it's all about living my best life. I live for today.

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