Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Pilgrim.
Jonathan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
It feels hard to be brief- my story starts with the move here to Dallas when I was four – I grew up self-soothing via music… singing, then writing/piano. I did choir through school, then got a Music Education degree from Baylor. Good thing for scholarships. I was in Atlanta for a year off from school to write and record both independent and collaborative content with Treeleaf Productions at Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta. I wrote some awesome songs that I can’t get the rights to… but each lilly pad means something.
After college, I taught choir for five years- three as assistant director at Birdville High School in North Richland Hills, and two at Webb Middle School in Garland. This year, I am branching off and FINALLY chasing this dream.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve struggled with whether or not its right for me to pursue music as an artist, as it has been the main point of contention in my (former) marriage. Being trapped in an unsupportive relationship can be a real Achilles’ Heel.
Trying to catch my hands up to my brain can be challenging as a vocalist. I wasn’t ever a maestro on the keys, but I love music theory, chord function, and have learned enough to not get lost.
I went to jail once for a hit and run- on a mailbox. I lived one street over… was texting and driving, and ran into a mailbox and three bushes. $1400, three new bushes and a new mailbox later, it was expunged. This was in Atlanta – and I had no money… first world problems though.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
As an entrepreneurial musician, I would say my voice and the songs are the brands. I’m most proud of how I communicate through songwriting. I am currently working on an EP of six songs to be released in full by mid-end of 2019. We’ve just started on song #2. The first single will be entitled “Slow Down.” It’s an urge to just take a deep breath and…. see the title.
I’m a classically trained vocalist and specialize in melody/harmony interplay, and singing. I’m known for my voice, tone, and soul. I love vocal arranging too – BGV, playing with textures – that’s when it really feels like the mic is a paintbrush.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
This first song, Slow Down. I’m proud of the song, as well as the execution – major props to Jonathan Camacho @joncmusic on the collaboration. I brought him a song on the guitar and he helped cultivate it to something special.
Pricing:
- Just me singing/playing- $300/hr
- Full band- Drum, guitar, bass, keys, vocals- $500/hr
Contact Info:
- Phone: 214-735-3358
- Email: jonathanpilgrimmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/jonathanpilgrimmusic@gmail.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/jonathanpilgrimmusic
- Twitter: twitter.com/jonathanpilgrim
Image Credit:
Addison Patillo
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