J. EDMOND – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH A NEW RISING STAR

By Ralph Beauchamp

I first met J. Edmond when I started AMP which was about 6 years ago. I believe he was still a teenager and I noticed he was constantly on social media platforms pushing all the endeavors in his musical universe. He was a busy individual. Not only was he an artist but also a radio personality, a record executive and a podcaster. His energy seemed boundless. I wondered how a kid of such a young age can maneuver all these duties without self destructing. The only other person that I knew that could keep up with J. is Shannon Wilk who is an occasional correspondent and photographer for this publication. She also has the fortitude of a bulldog.

Go back a year or so and once again Edmond‘s and my path intersect. He was working at the Wall Street Theater (now the District Music Hall) in Norwalk handling publicity and I contacted him to cover the Buckcherry tour stop. Before the show, we had dinner and discussed the state of music at the moment. Things were opening up again after the several years of Covid. It appeared that people were going to shows once again. I found his points of view interesting and I still marveled at this young man’s determination to make a mark.

Now to the present. J. Edmond has shed some of his musical snakeskin in order to concentrate on his songwriting and performing. His creativity is at an all time high and his drive to succeed has never been stronger. He recently released a new single entitled “City Walk” and it is getting rave reviews from critics and fans alike. His star is beginning to shine bright. J. is on the road to stardom.

J. Edmond sat down with AMP to discuss all things music.

AMP: Can you give our readers a brief history of your musical career?

EDMOND: It started when I was 16 and still in high school. My dad and i would play. He was always teaching me new things. A high school teacher really started me in the right direction. From there I just couldn’t put the guitar down. All of a sudden I began to write songs. I wasn’t confident in my singing until much later. In fact, it’s only this year that I feel my vocals are where I want them to be.

AMP: You’ve wore many hats such as artist, record label executive and radio DJ. How do you handle all the chaos?

EDMOND: I take breaks which in retrospect are the hardest things for me to do. It’s the silence that is difficult to handle. My mind is constantly in motion. In addition, I’ve added a new hat. I’ve started to promote shows. Since my record label is done, I want to utilize my skills to help other artists find a base. I’ve come to the realization that in the music scene, if you are not the hot new thing, why not assist other acts in a variety of ways. By doing that, your star starts to also rise.

Stick yourself in a show you are promoting. The networking part was missing in my musical universe. It was all about me. Now my scope of action includes “us”. What is nice is that the scene in CT has become vibrant and alive and we as artists can find new avenues of exposure.

AMP: Who are some of your inspirations?

EDMOND: It goes all the way back to The Beatles, The Who and one of my biggest inspirations, Badfinger. As to now, I’m digging Thomas Ian Nicholas who is the actor in American Pie. He has a really good band and his new album is amazing. But my inspirations are constantly changing. I just love music and the history behind it.

AMP: Let’s talk about your new single, “City Walk”. Can you give us some insight into the song?

EDMOND: “City Walk” was written down in Florida. I had gone down there to see the All American Rejects with a friend. I had just interviewed Nick from the band on my podcast and it turned out their show at the Hard Rock was happening during my trip. He offered to get me in to check them out. You figure, my first trip to Florida and here I am with the All American Rejects at a great venue.

It turned out to be a lot for me. I relate to well with Brian Wilson and tend to stay in the background. So, the best thing for me to do in order to cope was write about it. “City Walk” is about that experience. A lot of my previous material centered around fantasies with imaginary characters. “City Walk” is the first song I’ve written that pertains to my actual life. It talks about mental health which I speak about quite openly. I feel it’s an important subject. The next tune to come out will be “Search Lights”. It’s LA produced and has a really cool vibe.

AMP: You have played a decent amount of show. Any particular one stands out?

EDMOND: I love playing The Cellar On Treadwell. I’ve booked several of my gigs there. The stage at The Cellar always seems to be calling my name. I crave playing live but I do enjoy my time in the studio. I’ve booked a ton more shows. More than I ever have.

AMP: What do you feel makes your music unique?

EDMOND: This is a hard question! Being able to embed the complexities of my mental health issues into my material. I’m sure other artists have done the same but my writing style lends itself to opening up my inner self. I also feel that my vocalizations are unique. I find my recents vocals take me to a special place. It has taken a while to perfect. In addition, my songwriting is very philosophical even though I tend to dumb it down. No one can sing along to a Socrates proverb, so I just have fun with it. Another thing is I feel I’m quite prolific. Like Neil Young, I’ll pull my car over when something inspires me.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

EDMOND: Pete Ham of Badfinger would be my first choice. I feel we are soul brothers. I really look up to this man.

AMP: What is your favorite activity outside of music?

EDMOND: I would have to say playing cards and video games. I’m a nerd. I also like hanging out with friends. I like this question because I’m usually so absorbed in my music that I forget what I enjoy when I’m outside of it.

AMP: What are some of the other themes you embed in your music?

EDMOND: So, we already discussed mental health but lately there has been a switch. Like I said, I previously wrote about fictional beings but now it’s about my personal experiences and fears. I’m so grateful to my team in assisting me on this journey I’ve embarked upon. Yet, it’s all so fluid. I’m only 24 and who knows where the future lies. The chronicling of the emotional rollercoaster I’m currently on hopefully helps others not to give up. Pursue what’s in your heart.

AMP: What’s next for J. Edmond?

EDMOND: I have “Search Lights” coming out July 26th. A bunch of gigs are coming up. My ability to book shows and become a promoter is very exciting. I’m now having fun as a young man as opposed to being the 60 year old man that’s stuck inside me. My therapist once told me that I wasn’t afraid of dying, I was afraid of living and I’ve taken that to heart. Now it’s all about living my best life. I’m living for today.

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