You’ve already released two full albums, Blind! and Isolophobia. Looking back, how did those projects shape the artist you are today?

I did those albums mostly by myself. I still feel the struggle to produce when I feel so inspired musically. I’ve learned that the producer part of me isn’t what I’m completely interested in. Not to say I won’t ever go down that route again. It’s just that recording this EP has been really effortless and fun. Whereas making those 2 albums felt like a long struggle, and I don’t believe music should be that.

Jonathon Goldie

When you recorded your new EP at The Noise Floor in BC, how did that studio environment influence the sound or direction of the project?

The space for one thing was what I was looking for. I was tired of being a producer in a bedroom. The sounds of the instruments sound bigger and take up more space. It was totally inspiring working with Jordan Koop (Producer/sound engineer). The songs have a haunting quality to them, but not to say they’re dark-sounding… quite the opposite! Well, maybe one song does. That song is called “The Narcissist”. Think Grizzly Bear’s Yellow House. That’s what inspired that song while recording, though it was not the original inspiration.

The EP doesn’t have a confirmed title yet — you’re considering SISU or making it self-titled. What do those choices represent for you?

Well, it represents more of where I’m at – at this moment. I felt I could more easily express that this time, without having to worry about the technical side of things.

That’s a theme I know I’m expressing a lot. But yes, SISU could be the title. Sisu

is a Finnish concept representing an extraordinary level of perseverance, courage, and resilience in the face of extreme adversity, a unique national character trait that involves tapping into a latent inner strength to overcome challenges. That’s the exact meaning. I thought that sounded so cool and had a lot of meaning to it. I’m also 1/4 Finnish, so there you go.

Independent musicians juggle a lot — from writing to promoting. What does being an independent artist truly mean to you, both creatively and personally?

Well, I’m taking courses to learn the more direct, objective part of promoting and selling. That is going to be very different this time around. I can’t say too much at the moment. Being an artist used to mean I had control over everything, but the most important thing is my vision, and that whoever I’m working with, I’m expressing that vision; otherwise, there’s no point.

Can you walk us through your songwriting process? Do you usually start with a melody, a lyric, or just a feeling you want to capture?

For this EP, I’ve written the songs out in order that they will appear. I usually start with the music, and I form the lyrics overtop the music. I listen to what sounds good, but this time around I’m making sure there’s meaning to the lyrics, at least to me. In the past, I mostly just aimed for whatever kinda fit. I’m more direct on the EP.

Each of your previous albums had a distinct emotional energy. What kind of vibe or story do you want this EP to carry for listeners?

I’m kind of returning to my brighter, positive self. But this time, maybe less forced. I feel what I’m singing about is genuine, and the vibe… I’m not completely sure. I’m hoping it feels somewhat like a personal journey/experience for the listener.

Was there a breakthrough moment during the making of this EP — a lyric, a recording day, or even a single song — that made you feel, ‘This is the project’?

On “The Narcissist”, there was a point I was playing piano on it, and trying to figure that out, and it all clicked. I felt a lot of joy playing the piano, and like I had discovered something. I’m looking forward to hearing the final mix of that song myself!

Vulnerability seems to play a big role in music today. Do you find it easy to pour yourself into songs, or is it something you have to push yourself toward?

Vulnerability, I don’t struggle with too much. I feel like I’m pulled to artists like that – Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley, Thom Yorke, James Blake, Jack White… those kinds of artists. I think it’s the way I sing as well… just laying it all there for everyone to see. That’s ok with me. It’s my personal life, I’m not too keen on sharing with people, which may be too exploited in the world.

If someone discovered your music for the very first time through this EP, what first impression would you want them to walk away with?

It feels somewhat immediate and welcoming. I’m never trying to alienate anyone. I just do/make things that I feel are honest… I guess it’s something I’m working on with my lyrics. To give more meaning and for someone to take something from it, whether it’s personal to them or not.

You’ve already built a catalogue with two albums and multiple singles. Do you feel pressure to reinvent yourself with each release, or are you more focused on refining your signature sound?

I never feel like repeating the same thing. Though I’m not a very well-known artist at the moment, I’m not really super keen on completely reinventing myself yet. There will come a time when I hope to get the recognition I’d like. I feel like what I’ve done so far isn’t too crazy… I guess I also get pulled to working with different equipment on each record. Like on Isolophobia, it was mostly about playing around with my prophet 6. I sold that though, in declaration to the world, I would do things differently this time around. (Hah!)

Do you have any dream collaborations — artists, producers, or even visual creators — that you’d love to work with in the future?

I feel I need to get better at my craft first, then I would enjoy working with certain producers. I mean, I love James Blake’s work. He’s more in the electronic world, though. I love Ed Droste’s voice (from Grizzly Bear) and Daniel Rossen’s guitar playing (he has a great voice too). They heavily inspired me in the past, and probably still influence me (as mentioned above).

Finally, for fans waiting on this new EP, what message or feeling do you want them to take away from it once they press play?

Be patient with me. I’m learning to be an Artist, and do everything that comes along with it, such as promoting myself, and hopefully playing in a city near you.

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