Apr 16, 2024
In the world of music, inspiration is the guiding force behind every mesmerizing melody, every soul-stirring lyric. For Jon Becker, a rising star on Swayde, inspiration knows no bounds. It's found in the rhythms of life, the echoes of experiences, and the harmonies of collaboration.
Join us as we peel back the curtain on Jon Becker's artistic voyage, where melodies are born from the fusion of German precision and Spanish passion. From humble beginnings to chart-topping success, Jon's journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the unwavering dedication of an artist determined to share his gift with the world.
Prepare to be swept away by the rhythm of his story, as we delve into the depths of creativity, collaboration, and the pursuit of musical excellence.
Swayde: Can you share the key sources of inspiration that drive your creative process?
Jon Becker: Inspiration can come from anywhere. Some melodies in my mind, some new tracks I'm listening to or the instrumentals I get from producers. But also life in general. What I (or my friends and family) have experienced or what I'm currently going through is really inspirational, especially for the lyric writing.
Swayde: How do your German and Spanish roots influence your musical style and choices?
Jon Becker: Tough to say. I've never sang in Spanish professionally, even if a lot of my favorite songs are Spanish. But let's say, my style is kinda cheesy and emotional which are definitely stereotypical characteristics people have in mind about the Spanish. But also I always want to work very accurately and sing technically correct, so maybe you can see my German side coming through there. And some say you can hear some accent but that’s an outrageous lie.
Swayde: Collaboration can be a powerful aspect of the creative process. Have you had any notable collaborations that have significantly impacted your work?
Jon Becker: Absolutely yes! The most important collaboration for me was right at the start with Rival and Cadmium. Our first three songs had so much success and it was absolutely stunning to work with those two geniuses. But honestly, I learned a lot from almost every collab, even the ones which haven't been successful. It still is exciting to work with someone from somewhere on this planet and create your own track, certainly a life-changing experience.
Swayde: How do you approach collaboration, and what do you believe makes a successful musical partnership?
Jon Becker: I always try to be polite, friendly, and patient. If my opposite acts the same it is already a success. But if you want to finish a project, communication is the most important tool. Keep everybody constantly updated and informed through texts and video calls, so the iron (stands for the song in this poetic metaphor) stays hot. Because if it's cooled down once, you can be pretty sure, it will never be a sword (wow…ok what I actually mean is the song will never be finished).
Swayde: With seven years of working unnoticed before gaining recognition, what are the most valuable lessons you've learned on your journey in the music industry?
Jon Becker: I learned a lot and I still have to learn so much, especially about the promoting part. Before I met Rival and Cadmium I had no clue about contacting labels, other artists etc. I still struggle at that part. But when it comes to the music part, what I learned is that you have to finish songs/projects. Sounds simple but it is the hardest part. To do that, you have to accept that a song will never be perfect. But at some point, you have to say, "Okay, that's it, this is the release version", even if two weeks later you would've done something different or sung a part in a better way. People will listen to your music completely differently than you do. You don't need "perfection" to touch people's hearts, and music (and art in general) should be about this: touching other people and making them emotional in any way.
Swayde: Are there any specific challenges you faced that turned into important learning experiences?
Jon Becker: There have been so many challenges but the hardest one was to turn myself into a "business musician". I started with the approach that I only wanted to work on royalty base because it worked so well in the beginning and it's the coolest way to work together. But after a lot of releases where I put so much hours and work in and no streams or money came back, I came to the conclusion that I have to take money in advance for my services as a vocalist/songwriter. I still don't like to be the guy who has to do that, but it's inevitable if you want to make music at least on a semi-professional level.
Swayde: What are your musical ambitions for the year 2024?
Jon Becker: Being much more active and effective again. I wanna release on a high rate again, acoustic covers or original songs. Also being present on social media again with musical content. Taking my musical destiny into my own hands more (Spanish cheesiness alert).
Swayde: Do you have any specific goals or projects that you are excited to pursue in the coming year?
Jon Becker: There are some promising projects but the most important for me is to get back on track and making more music again. And who knows, maybe I can answer that question differently in 2025.