Words With: Jont

In a freezing cold basement of The Night And Day Cafe, Gigwise catches up with hotly-tipped singer-songwriter Jont in surroundings far different from his songwriting base of LA. Having been fed, watered and tuned up for a fogged out audience, Jont shares his time before he climbs on stage for the first night of his UK tour.

Gigwise: This must be a bit different from your LA surroundings, how do you think playing in the UK will differ from the USA?
Jont: "I used to live in Manchester so it's good to be here. Obviously, it will be a bit different playing here. People look for different things and the atmosphere is always different. But it's good to play to fans anywhere, it's always good."

G: Speaking of which, I had a look on your MySpace account and saw you have a particular fanbase:
J: "Yeah, you mean all the cinema ushers." (laughs)

G: Yeah, I take it that's because your song 'Sweetheart' was in  the film 'The Wedding Crashers'?
J: "Yeah, they all grew to love it and it became the highlight of their night when cleaning up after everyone."

G: People are begging on your blog to let them download it for their wedding. That's a good feeling?
J: "I've actually written a song dedicated to the cinema workers. It's based from the viepoint of a worker who hears 'Sweetheart', decides to quit his job and goes on the road instead. (sings some lyrics). I think it's something that they'll really grow to like."

G: Your lyrics then. They could not be accused of being shallow. I won't pretend to know why you think we are all Grapefruits, but, what inspires you the most to write what you do?
J: "All kinds of things really. 'You can be the Stars was written for my niece, you know, just telling her to reach up there and take it all. Another one was unfortunately written about my old manager dying."

G: Oh..
J: "Yeah"

G: So I guess you wouldn't be a fan of the Pussycat Dolls then?
J: (giggles). "I would be lying if I said I knew who they were... The American dancers who have that song out "dontcha wish your girlfirend... (Bad Gigwise singing and gyrating) Ah yeah, but do they look nice?"

G: Oh yeah, men love them
J: Oh well I'm sure I'll like them

G: So lyrics are an important factor to you?
J: Personally yeah, it's just the kind of music I like to write. That's why I moved to LA, to write songs and find a decent producer.

G: I know alot of the people watching you tonight will be regulars on the Manchester band circuit. Bands and artists that have not yet been signed to a label. Have you got any tips to help any bands that are ready to move on?
J: Yeah and no. I mean, it's not a case of me sitting on stage and looking at people differently because I've been signed and they haven't. It's a process and it works differently for different people. Time changes things for bands and artists.

G: So what can we expect from you in the New Year?
J: The new album  mainly, touring, dates haven't been confirmed yet but I'll let you know for sure if you want to come and see me..

And Gigwise certainly does, without the pleasure of having to sweep an auditorium floor to hear him. And so Jont is off for his performance to a frozen crowd, knowing that this is just the tip of his own iceberg when it comes to charming potential UK fans. Jont's mini-album 'One Long Song' was released on November 21.