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10 Questions with ... Jonathan L
February 9, 2016
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
One of very few pioneers of the alternative format. PD, MD, Music Magazine publisher, radio promotion, and on-air talent.
1. Congrats on your new song "(Don't Be Afraid) Move" featuring Go Satta!" What inspired you to write such a unique and personal song about life?
Danke. In leu of writing a book, which many keeping asking me about, I wrote the lyrics in my head and then on paper about a year ago. A couple of months ago I began the process of it coming to fruition. Although based on my experiences, I feel that many who really listen it will resonate with the lyrics.
2. Talk about how you came up with the lyrics, which includes one of your legendary references, "Pleasantly Annoying."
Truthfully, they are based on my personal life and many friends that I speak with. Many are not happy. Divorce, relationship break ups, lost jobs, and generally being unhappy. I never mention myself in the lyrics. It is a message for anyone, especially for those who are seeking more happiness. As far as "Pleasantly Annoying" goes, it is a catch phrase I am very well known for, and felt it is me, so hence getting that in there. Let's face it, anyone ever on-air in radio wants to be known and remembered for a catch phrase. Many won't ever achieve it. I am fortunate in that respect.
3. What made you decide to collaborate with Go Satta on this spoken word recording?
In my head I had a few musicians in mind, but a duo (Go Satta) kept popping up first. Lee Boyd is 100% British and wife Moriah Nixon is an American from Detroit that moved to England to be with her love back in 2011. They both related to my lyrics. Musically, I have been playing them on LWOL a lot for over a year. I have to add that I wanted a German label to release the two versions, both clean I might add (lol). I had a couple of labels in mind but went with Emerald & Doreen, which coincidentally is the same label as Go Satta, which was not the reason. Just worked out that way.
4. What was your thought process on the "good morning" intro and the "Don't listen to me at all" cold ending on your song?
Good question. First, I really like 'spoken word.' Second, knowing radio and songs from all my years and ears of experience, I wanted to add in my personality with a hook. A comfortable beginning and a cheeky ending. Both me in a natural way.
5. What do you hope people take away from listening to your song?
It is a message for all ages. After various listens, listeners will summarize in their own way the song is really about hope, changes and mortality. Even though this was written before we are losing icons and familiar persons that we identify with such as David Bowie, Lemmy, Glenn Frey recently, life is short. If you aren't happy, only you can change that. Example; if you are 30, be ready. Blink and you will be 50 or older. I am not ashamed to admit by years end I will be 70. The song is not meant to be a downer. Just a message as something to think about. Do something about, if you are wallowed in unhappiness. To me it has many positives. Meshing the music which is up-tempo was another key factor. I am hoping radio will get it, and play it.
6. What has been the biggest change in your life since moving from Arizona to Germany six years ago?
Happiness in every way shape and form. After divorcing my first two wives and being very unhappy for far too many years, I met the dream woman, albeit later in life, who truly understands and supports me in every way. I feel the same about her. True love, friendship, and companionship that is not easy to find. Gaby (Gabrielle) is my life.
7. What is a typical day like for you today?
Wake up and listen to music. Really. All day long and a certain portion of the evening. I can't stand silence. Of course putting together shows from all the downloads sent. That requires time and thought. Many elements going in to one show. Editing my website and blog. Promoting the show, and contacting all of the musicians giving them the heads up they are show with schedule of when. And being "Wusband" of the flat, cleaning something every day while Gaby is working hard on her feet all day long at her hair salon. I can't stand dust and dirt. Clean living is healthy.
8. Your passion for music hasn't wavered since I first met you 25 years ago. Explain your motivation and drive to produce your weekly worldwide radio show, Lopsided World Of L show.
Thank you. It sure hasn't. To me putting a show together is equitable to a puzzle. It isn't done until it is done. It also keeps the "boy" in me. As a retiree, it keeps me active doing what I have been doing for the better part of my life. I might add, entertaining listeners with a show that is unlike any in America or for that matter the rest of the world makes me feel a sense of accomplishment. I reject that LWOL is a 'specialty' show. It is more than that.
9. What artists on your show do you feel that U.S. radio stations needs to discover?
Wonderful singer Shirley Levi from Los Angeles. She should have a new album, her second, out this year produced by Val Gary. Also, a young man from Liverpool and now residing in London. Ali Ingle. He is the most creative lyricist I have encountered in years. Ali has a unique voice too. I have been championing both for four years. Radio might not discover them now, but my feeling is that they will somehow, someway in the future.
10. Finally, let's take a trip down memory lane. What stands out the most from when you launched "Virgin Vinyl" on KLPX in Tucson back in 1982?
Massive ratings on a very commercial rock station. High double digits in all age demos. Playing music that many never heard or understood, but were fascinated and kept listening. In 1983 breaking Suicidal Tendencies song "Institutionalized" and KLPX adding into night rotation, and proudly gave me credit in the trade magazines. That was a biggie for that time period.
Bonus Questions
What would surprise people most about you?
I am a loyal person. And, a Baseball and Fantasy Baseball fanatic. I spend 6 months of the year playing Fantasy Baseball, and watching games on MLB.TV every night while most of you are sleeping in America.
Shawn, you are guilty of getting me involved with FBB back in 2003. (Smiling) I miss going to games at Dodger Stadium, as a lifelong Dodgers fan from Brooklyn to Los Angeles.
Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without _______?
Lox on toast
What are your favorite things to do in Berlin with your beautiful wife, Gaby?
Traveling is tops, whether in Berlin or other Countries in Europe. Eating, taking walks, taking naps together. Discussing world politics and just naturally being together every day. Laughing together is very healthy. We do that about many things. Very healthy and good for the soul.
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