Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Leon.
Hi Jonathan, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Started by learning to play the guitar back in 1998. I got involved deeply in music while in high school performing on every activity I could and joining multiple projects from composing and performing for theater plays, talent shows and even performing in the streets for cash. I joined a hardcore band, record multiple singles, and toured multiple cities while living in Puerto Rico. Then move to Florida to go to college to study civil engineering. After a few semesters, I change to a different school to study Recording arts and Music production from 2009-2011. During this time, I attended multiple Dubstep and Drum&Bass events and fall involve with the sound. Then, I moved back to my homeland Costa Rica and started working as a studio engineer, live sound engineer, and acoustics specialist. By 2013 I started producing my own music with the intention of creating a catalog to attract future clients. Between 2013-2016 I was in a period that I call “Try&Error.” Basically, making all kinds of music to expand my music skills and truly understand what sound I really wanted to pursued. By posting my music online, sending my music to DJs, and assisting to festivals like Shambhala Music Festival in Canada, I was able to consolidate my vision and started the path I’m on today. Bookings started to happen little by little to end up performing in the festivals that inspired me in the first place like Shambhala Music Festival, Burning Man, Emissions West Coast BassCulture, doing multiple tours between the US and Canada between 2017 till 2020.
After 3 apocalyptic years, I’m finally back on the road for a summer tour.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like any road, it takes hard work to build it and make it smooth. My road still under construction. The only thing it comes out easy is the air I breath, everything in life is a struggle, and It’s within that struggle where I find the solution to overcome it. The one thing I can really say it’s a true struggle for me is social media. I’m terrible at it; my mind only works properly making music and living life. But when it comes to social media, I have a hard time expressing myself and expanding my work inside that realm. It just never feels natural.
Also, the music I make is not common in my country and, for many people, is just strange, If I play a show is because is my event, or I may get one or two bookings a year for festivals or government-sponsored events that I have to apply for.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Well, I’m from Costa Rica, 5 million population, rare and exotic by default. I’m known for my narcoleptic condition, I think I’ve slept more than I’ve been awake in my 35 years of existence on earth, which feels like living in two different worlds. I specialize in having a very simple lifestyle; even if I crave success and abundance in live, I always go back to simplicity, that Costa Rican “Pura Vida” lifestyle. I feel really proud when I’m able to help my friends or anyone who crosses my path to brake chains like smoking cigarettes, doing dangerous drugs, or struggling with mental health. As I said on a past question, my road is still under construction so every effort to make it smoother is always something to feel proud of.
I love working on acoustics projects like studio designs or acoustic treatment for all sort of spaces; I feel I get to apply everything I learned from my academic studies. As for music, I love sound design, the endless possibilities of creation, and the potential to impact human body, mind, and soul.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I don’t know what music industry means till this day. I know there’s a savage entertainment industry out there.
I believe there’s a big difference between Music industry and Entertainment Industry. All I can see is that one trends to go down, and the other trends is go up.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/JLEONs
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_jleon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JLEONofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jleonofficial5704
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jleonofficial
