Meet
Kuwait-based Jonathan Fernandes, without question, one of the most unique and
bold new voices in the world of music and art.
Music
has been a large part of his life, inside of school and out, and it offered him
comfort, as well as a sense of pride in his own creativity.
Born
to Mario Fernandes (Mario de Majorda) and Janette Franco, Jonathan studied at
Carmel School, Kuwait from Kindergarten up until 10th grade before moving to
Pune and Mumbai for higher studies.
Jonathan with his proud parents Janette Franco and Mario Fernandes
Always
interested in music, Jonathan is proud to state that his tryst with music began
when he saw his uncle Mr. James Franco, formerly a member of Kuwait’s popular
band Stepping Stones, playing the guitar.
Art
of singing at an early age
The
art of singing was instilled in Jonathan from a very young age; his first
performance on stage was at the age of 9, in his native language - Konkani. He
acted and sang in the drama ‘Aliza’ produced and directed by Rafael de Majorda
on 9th April 1999. Jonathan went on to sing in ‘Kitem Mhozo Fuddar’ and later
won ‘Best Child Artiste Award’ in the One-Act Play Competition organized by AVC
in 2002.
Jonathan
feels that music is something that he brought from his roots. His dad is an
amazing artiste – a singer and a musician. Boosted by the encouragement in his
early years, he learnt the guitar with the help of his uncle who taught him the
first 4 guitar chords, after which there was no looking back. His uncle is
really a gifted musician and singer, so he's got it on both sides and he's
surrounded by it.
Asked
how he groomed his skills, Jonathan said, “My dad who is a professional Goan
artiste has been instrumental in showcasing my talent. Together with him, I
played the keyboards for the Holy Family Choir (now St. Anne and St. Joaquim
Choir) for quite some time. I also took part in my dad’s Konkani drama
Chuklelim Panvlam (staged on 24th June 2005) at the age of 15.”
Jonathan's art - the world is my I-Pod
Jonathan's art - Tonbogiri (Dragonfly cutter)
Innovating
new trend of music
Eventually,
Jonathan took interest in producing his own tunes with his guitar and keyboard
as a means of innovative study.
“My
participation at ‘CRY’ and ‘Battle of the Bands’ programs in Kuwait made me
learn a lot and helped me grow into a songwriter, music composer and producer.”
At
the tender age of 16, Jonathan stepped into the culturally rich and musically
abundant motherland of India, moving to Mumbai city to pursue higher
studies. With all its surprises, he put
his life in tune with two guiding stars who are renowned producers themselves.
He credits Mr. Deep & DJ Chantz as his heaviest influences till date. With
their help, Jonathan collaborated with artists of the likes of Apache Indian,
Boy Ricci, Bombay Bassment, Microphon3, DSouza KC, DJ LionL and DJ Twisted bass
to hone his talents in music.
“My
performances in Kuwait, Pune and in Mumbai’s finest venues like Enigma at JW
Marriott, and Blue Frog have been very successful performances and I am glad I
was a part of them.”
When
it comes to creating music, Jonathan reveals that he works hard to turn most
ideas into songs. “Some however, are turned into musical projects to explore
the boundaries of my creativity,” adds the youngster.
Jonathan’s
music fuses instrumental artistry that range from simple, subtle melodies of
rock, pop, rap and reggae to complex, layered works. “I try to create a sort of
a unique identity in my music that encompasses my efforts as a singer,
songwriter and musician.”
The
song ‘Feel Good’ released on You Tube on Christmas Eve 2012 remains one of
Jonathan’s favorite. Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6To9wVHY4
Further
referring to his style of songs and singing, he said, “Although my music sounds
much western, my style is influenced by my surroundings and upbringing as a
Goan.”
Together
with friend Bertrand D’Souza (D’Souza KC), the duo has created some inimitable
songs. Their song ‘Adrenaline’ with the entire musical score by Jonathan has
become extremely popular among friends and fans.
Jonathan
as an Artist
No
doubt, Jonathan is a good singer but it doesn't end there. He is also a
talented visual artist. A quick glance at his home, one can notice the
paintings on the walls. Every artwork is complete with minute details.
Jonathan
speaks a lot about his love for drawings from a very early age and how he
filled the margins of his school books with illustrations, causing the furor of
more than one teacher. The lad is an ingenious artist looking to convey his art
through any form, and experiments in any pictorial style (graphic design,
comics, graffiti, fantasy, realistic, etc).
Some
of his art displayed in the images will speak about the genius behind the
creations.
After
completing his graduation from Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art &
Craft (BFA) in June 2013, the gifted youth will be pursuing higher studies in
Canada for a Master’s Degree in VFX (Visual Special Effects). He has a cloud of
songs under his belt, ready and completed, waiting for the right time for
release.
“My
parents are a motivating factor in my life,” admits Jonathan attributing all
that he is to the grace of Almighty.
What
the future holds
About
the future, Jonathan says, “I want to stick to what I love doing best which is
creating music, producing, writing songs for myself as well as people I
collaborate with. I want to connect with people from around the world through
music and make sure everything I write about or sing is straight from the
heart, the soul of where music really lies...”
To
aspiring musicians and fellow dreamers like himself, Jonathan says, “Follow
your heart and live up to your own expectations. You will meet your own stars
which will guide you on your way to success. Keep faith and never give up.”
The
multi-talented starlet sure has a lot to offer and he is yet to share his
unimaginable talents with the world. For
more information about this remarkably multi-talented artiste, you may visit:
Jonathan’s
Sound Cloud profile - https://soundcloud.com/j ferns
Feel
Good - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6To9wVHY4
FACT FILE - JONATHAN LAWRENCE FERNANDES
Birth Date:
|
02 / 02/ 1990
|
Place of Birth:
|
Kuwait
|
Debut Acting:
|
Konkani drama Aliza
directed by Rafael de Majorda - 09 April 1999
|
Favorite Musician:
|
Listen to different
genres of music
|
Favorite Actress:
|
Michelle Pfeiffer
|
Favorite
Actor:
|
Jonny Depp
|
Favorite Hobby:
|
Drawing and
basketball
|
Favorite Websites:
|
Google, YouTube,
Facebook and TubePlus
|
Favorite Book:
|
DMT
(Dimethyltryptamine ) The Spirit Molecule by Rick Strassman, MD
|
Activities involved
in:
|
Basketball, Music,
Art and enjoying the fruits of life!
|
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