Artist Interview CDreviews.com Interview with Jon-Erik Borgen Contributed by Joel Dunham JON-ERIK BORGEN The briefest of introductions: Jon-Erik Borgen is a very talented singer-songwriter who currently lives in Boston. Though you haven't heard of him, I'd suggest you go by his CD now at www.jeborgenmusic.com. Don't bother testing the waters, just get it. Yes. It is that good. O.K., so if you don't believe me, read the review first: http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=119 Recently I had the luck to catch Jon-Erik for some words despite his and my finals CDreviews: First off, thanks for doing the interview, it's a pleasure. So, starting from the start! Could you give us a brief synopsis of how you came to where you are, self-releasing this record, studying at Berklee? Jon-Erik Borgen: After graduating from school I was working out in Colorado Springs for a non- profit foundation and on the side I was playing covers of classic rock and folk tunes at small coffee houses and bars like Wooglin's and the Ancient Mariner. At that time my guitar-playing was nothing special but I loved playing and writing simple songs. I started taking lessons from Dan Kirchner, a local bluegrass guru who was also steering me in the ways of applying theory and melodic structure to songwriting. After working in Colorado for a couple years I came to the realization that I wanted to study music and be around the music business full time. By far the most important part of my musical journey was meeting and becoming good friends with Brad Corrigan of Dispatch. In the fall of 2001, I went out on the road with them as their guitar tech and stagehand. The whole experience was surreal. Living life on the road in a tour bus, working the gigs, seeing sold out crowds at venues like Roseland, The Fillmore, The Orpheum, Central Park, and seeing the band interact and perform, was so amazing to me. Instantly I was hooked. That period ultimately solidified my goal of heading east to Berklee and taking a stab at songwriting, performing, and whatever else was going on in the music world. CDreviews: I sensed some interesting rhythms in your guitar style. Do you feel you've been influenced by any "world" music? JE: I've never been hooked on one style or another. I certainly appreciate any type of music that grooves and makes me feel uplifted. The back beat rhythm of reggae and the dance feel of swing jazz are two styles that I think I connect with on a greater level and they certainly come out in my writing. I also love the feel and melody inherent in Latin and Afro Cuban music, but I have a lot to learn in that regard. For the most part my guitar style is based in folk and rock and if other world styles are present, it only adds to the uniqueness of the songs. CDreviews: How do you write your songs? JE: For me, there really is no structured way of going about the process. On the album 'Outside', the rhythm guitar parts all came first and then the melody and lyrics followed. I have yet to write a song where I am writing the lyric first and then following up with a guitar part that correlates to the mood of the words. The feel and melody of the guitar most directly influences the tone and sentiment of the lyric. In terms of thematic elements, the ideas for lyrics stem from life experiences, books, movies, fantasy, or just plain gibberish. Saving the words and melody for last is a real frustrating way to write because the initial stab at it feels like it's been vomited or forced and I'm hardly ever content. I try to reserve some patience and remember take the time to step away from the song for a while and approach it later with a fresh heart. Of course there are songs where I've done this for years and they're still not even close. Sometimes it's a crapshoot and things fall in place. With the song, 'outside.' I ended up writing and recording three versions of the lyric- The first being about a hobo living on the street, the second was a girl strung out, and finally about me living away from home. On the flip side, 'windsor gardens' was written in ten minutes. CDreviews: How do you know your collaborators on this record? Have you gone on tour? What configuration of people comprises J.E. Borgen live? JE: The guys who played on the record (George Correia on Drums/Perc, John Mailloux on Bass, and Jason Medeiros on Keys) were all good friends of John Mailloux's (Bongo Beach Productions) from Fall River and each one was brought into the studio at different times during the production. John was really the mastermind behind putting everyone in place. CDreviews: Where are you touring? J.E.Borgen: I wouldn't use the word 'tour'. It's in the plans but the last few months I've steadily played and promoted my music in smaller clubs around the Boston and New England area. Right now I have a few college shows lined up for 2005 but it's my goal to put together a tour in 2005 and really plug the band and CD. It's definitely something I'm doingin house so it's a bit hard to pull off a consistant tour schedule. I really have to picks my spots. When I'm playing live it's typically a three-piece band with my friends Dave Brophy on Drums, and Erik Privert on bass. Both these guys are established jazz players, but they're on spot with any style. Erik and Dave are a perfect fit for what I am trying accomplish on stage and in communicating the songs in a live setting. I am constantly shaking my head inamazement of their talents. Jason Medeiros plays on keys every now and then. He's also featured on the record as well. I've been really lucky finding all these guys and having them contribute in such a meaningful way. CDreviews: Who've you been listening to lately? Got any influences? JE: I've always been drawn to artists who were saying something meaningful and doing it in an original or captivatingway. Ever since I can remember, singer songwriters like Dylan, Simon and Garfunkle, and Gordon Lightfoot were playing in the background. More recently, artists like The Beatles, Bob Marley, Dave Matthews, Mark Knopfler, and Natalie Merchant have been strong influences on my sound and musical education. Now, I am digging Wilco, Coldplay, Ryan Adams, Jamie Cullum, and Jack Johnson. CDreviews: Any work on new albums? JE: The songs are slowly but surely coming into the mix and we've started to test them out live. The plan is to get back in the studio and lay something down by next spring. CDreviews: Do you know Sarah Brindell? I reviewed her album for the site too. JE: I most certainly do! She was my Arranging teacher at Berklee last spring. She is a crazy cat. Good teacher. Very talented. CDreviews: I'm running dry on good questions. Anything you'd like to add or shed light on? JE: Yeah, I really enjoy Kraft macaroni and cheese. www.jeborgenmusic.com Read Joel's review: http://www.cdreviews.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=119