Listen "EP10: Jon Gomm on Songwriting, Musical Storytelling, and Writing Your Own Rules"
Episode Synopsis
The Guitar Journal podcast returns with a new episode featuring the extraordinary Jon Gomm, acclaimed singer-songwriter and virtuoso acoustic guitarist from Yorkshire, UK. In this wide-ranging conversation, host Jesse Paliotto and Jon explore fascinating insights into the guitarist's creative process—from developing song concepts before touching the guitar to his approach to alternate tunings and performance techniques. The discussion covers everything from the challenges of touring the US to Jon's unique method of handling online critics (hint: it involves his mom). This episode gets into both technical wisdom and some deep artistic philosophy.Also, check out Jon demoing his arranging method by deconstructing his song "Deep Sea Fishes", breaking down how he builds complex arrangements from simple elements. It's a masterclass in fingerstyle guitar that connects Jon's remarkable ability to balance technique with authentic emotional expression. Links"A Little Respect" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHfbPBAGe4M"Deep Sea Fishes" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei4nRyWV0GcJon's Instructional Videos - https://www.jongomm.com/video-lessonsJon's Guitar Bootcamp - https://www.jongomm.com/bootcampTracks00:00 Introduction to Jon Gomm and His Music03:13 Experiences at NAMM and Music Trade Shows06:14 Challenges of Touring in the US08:54 The Art of Covering Songs11:37 Songwriting Process and Techniques12:20 Deep Dive into 'Deep Sea Fishes' Songwriting15:30 Technical Guitar Playing and Performance32:05 The Art of Tuning and Fingernails33:47 Songwriting Process: From Concept to Arrangement35:30 Production Techniques: Blending Acoustic and Synthetic Sounds37:24 The Importance of Originality in Music40:09 Navigating Creativity and Learning42:06 Exploring Alternate Tunings46:28 Texture and Expression in Fingerstyle Guitar54:46 Advice for Aspiring Guitarists01:02:40 Upcoming Projects and Events
More episodes of the podcast The Guitar Journal
EP 16: Mike Dawes on Fingerstyle Microtechniques, Covers as Creativity, & The Algorithm Game
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EP 14: Sean McGowan on Fingerstyle Jazz, Crafting the Music, and The Holistic Guitarist [New Book]
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