Interview: Jon Snodgrass

Photo by Michael Casey

We are thrilled to present you an interview with experienced singer-songwriter Jon Snodgrass! Today, we delve into his exciting sonic world, discussing his latest single and getting a sneak peek into the anticipation surrounding his upcoming full-length album. Jon also shares stories about his collaborations with notable artists such as Chris Cresswell, Chris Wollard, Bill Stevenson, Scott Reynolds, and more. Enjoy!

Can you share the inspiration behind the title “Barge At Will” for your upcoming album?

Please credit that saying to our friend Otis B. from San Diego, who passed away last year. a skater, artist, musician & ALL around inspirational dude to me and everyone in his orbit and beyond. the ironic thing is I needed his advice on several things during this LP process. hence the title. A lot of things I’m lucky to do can be traced directly back to him. like the FENDER guitar I’ve played the last 25 years and the first records I ever put out w/ CARGO/HEADHUNTER.

How did O’s saying influence the overall theme of the album?

Well, it basically means to just go for it. That’s how I make music and it doesn’t ALLways work. so, adding the Master Cho bit as a title track at the end is an example of that. and humility. exposing a ridiculous process. cuz it only works 1/2 the time. 

There are at least 3 songs on this LP that were conceived in the time it takes to listen to them. and 2 that I started over a decade ago. You may be surprised at which are which.

What can fans expect from your new single “Crunchin’ The Numbers,” and how does it set the tone for the rest of the album?

I made this tune up between Bo Diddly Plaza & Loosey’s Pub @thefestfl, tryin’ to persuade Cresswell to gig w/ me around Colorado Rockies away games, like I do.

Could you tell us about the recording process of “Barge At Will”?

I made 150, give or take, jingles & songs for people, during the pandemic. Bill helped me with a bunch, cuz it was fun. Then i was like, “we should make a real record.” he told me he had time the next week, cuz it was fun, so I scrambled some tunes together and wrote some more. a real life “barge at will.”, situation, right? there’s a good start on another record too. I still might add a song to this one. I am editing a bridge and ending on one song.  hah. the vinyl will have a longer version of a song. I like it both ways. 

Bill Stevenson played drums and bass on the entire album. How did his involvement contribute to the overall sound of the record?

Well, he’s written, recorded & played on some of my favorite songs of ALL time. I say it’s “fresh & familiar”FRESH really isn’t the word though. He’d send me bass/drums to MY songs sometimes and when I’d listen for the first time id be like, “is this my song?’’ hah! very unexpected stuff and also playing exactly what I pictured, because he’s such an influence. I really don’t want to exploit his involvement though. He’s first and foremost a real life friend, that just happens to be my favorite drummer. and my new favorite bass player. Getting to work with him and his son Miles was very enjoyable. 

You also collaborated with musicians like Chris Wollard, Chris Cresswell, Peter Wasilewski, and Scott Reynolds. How did these collaborations come about, and what unique elements do they bring to these songs?

I heard this Hawaii 5-O melody in my head for the “PreTeenWolf” song and thought, “I know who could play & appreciate that!” then I just rolled into the “Wonderwall 2” bit, that I had made up on stage in Calgary the year before. hah. my friend Darren was hoping i’d record it and it popped into my head and i just kept going. It’s silly. I love it. Im kinda re answering some earlier questions now. But I’m stoked JR agreed to do it. otherwise I’d be singing that part and that’d be too silly. Scott was actually working on his record with Bill at the same time. I was like, “I can’t sing this high part right.” on a particular song. I heard his voice doing it. So, asked himAnd he did it. I know he’s in there but i’m interested in who finds him. He’s not “featured” as they say. but he saved my ass, imo. Chris & Chris are two of my favorite people of ALL time. I’m lucky my friends are some of the best out there. there’s no advice or direction ever. just “barge at will.” 

Are there any specific themes or messages you explored though the lyrics?

Off the top of my head…life is short, we’re ALL equally significant AND insignificant. treat people how you want to be treated, keep the glass 1/2 full, be cool, stay cool, live and let live, I’m NOT the outdoors type, I back underdogs and  BARGE AT WILL cuz it’s almost over.

Chris Cresswell, Jon Snodgrass, Chris Wollard

How does “Barge At Will” differ from your previous solo records and works with Armchair Martian, Drag The River, and Scorpios?

I didn’t over think the songs. and it’s a 25 min ride that covers a lot of ground. I reference serious trauma that I have never talked about. and don’t plan to now. I think I explain how I this isn’t my job it’s just how I live. there’s no plan B. and then there’s  a song about a movie I saw on tv. and a silly song about slugs but actually it’s a serious song about acceptance. 

The album is set to be released on the opening day of the 2024 Major League Baseball season. Is there a connection between the album and baseball, or is it a coincidence?

No coincidence. I book gigs around Colorado Rockies away games, when I can. It’s fun. I sing about it on song 1, side 2. the Rockies are serious underdogs so I support them on the road. they need it. I take my uniform with me too. I think i’ll wear it at the gig, if they win earlier that day, if I was at the gig. There’s a lot bad vibes in the ROCKIES fan world. I recognize these problems. I’m not delusional. But anything can happen. I’ve seen the movie  Major League. 

Can you share your favorite track from the upcoming album and the story behind it?

I like DAN’S AMP. it’s the last one I wrote. It’s a song about our friend Daniel “Bug Phace” Snow’s little Fender amplifier. He found it in the trash years ago. He fixed it. But you used to have to play it on its side cuz the tubes would fall out. That’s been fixed awhile. Anyhow, I used it at his memorial service. A bunch of friends played his songs. I used his amp and played one we wrote together. I made up a riff on it I thought he’d like. So I used it on the record. 

How has your musical style evolved since your earlier projects, and what can fans expect in terms of musical progression on this album?

I really try to boil songs as far as I can. I normally add a new chord or two too. 

With the tour covering the East Coast, Midwest, and Canada, are there any specific cities or venues you are particularly excited about performing in?

I like places I’ve never been! I obviously love the places I go annually. That’s why I return. But, this year I’ll visit Tilsonburg Ontario, the Wisconsin Dells & 4 or 5 new (to me) baseball stadiums. AND I get to play a big time LA festival! Redondo BeachLife Festival and a bunch of gigs with my friends the MAD CADDIES, RAD OWL, VANDOLIERS and more. 

How do you balance your time between your solo career and collaborative projects with artists like Frank Turner, Cory Branan, Joey Cape, and many others?

Those things just happen when they happen. and they’re just second nature. or first nature? hah  Like I said above, I’d never call it a career or a job. It’s just what I’ve always been able to do. I don’t know how to do anything else. 

Are there any specific rituals or routines you follow to get into the creative mindset when working on new music?

I just pick up the guitar and something comes out. Or it doesn’t. 

Source: thoughtswordsaction.com