Podcast - Interview with Jonah Knight

Art from Jonah Knight's album: Singer/Songfighter

This past weekend, I was able to attend a house concert by Jonah Knight, and had an amazing time. I had the opportunity to interview Jonah (Paranormal Modern Folklorist Extraordinaire) with Michael Morrison (friend, fellow blogger, and host of the house concert). Jonah's the type of laid back artist who just wants people to hear and enjoy his music, so it's all up on Spotify. It's also all creative commons licensed, so if you want to take his music based on Mercury Retrograde Press authors and use that to create a fan trailer for a movie, go for it. 

If you listen to the podcast for only one reason, it should be for our discussion of steampunk. Jonah's music is storytelling based, and it doesn't sound like what you'd assume steampunk would sound like. "He's a folk artist who loves steampunk so much he wrote a bunch of songs about it." We go into the trappings, costumes, and decorations of the subculture and how they're distinct from the wealth of storytelling and musical opportunities that the setting provides.

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The first impression of Jonah is how genuinely nice he is. And as an editor, I hate using that word, but honestly "Nice Guy" encapsulates it perfectly. Whether he's talking about how he released some of his music for free because its purpose was to draw attention to the books and authors that inspired him, or he's talking about the true story of how he invented the first airship, Jonah is one of those instantly likable people. (Sometimes, if he's feeling super nice, he releases secret EPs online). 


I was able to get a few videos of the concert so if you don't have time for an hour-long podcast (and for some reason you're not on Spotify yet), please give these a listen. The first song, "Deep Under Ground," isn't about a specific Lovecraft story, but is set solidly within the mythos of the Deep Ones.

I was surprised that he didn't mind photos or videos during the concert. Equipped with only my iPhone, I did my best to steady and aim the phone (which is also why the videos are vertical). I wanted to capture a bit of the energy that pours off of him in a concert, but of course a phone cam video isn't going to do that a bit of justice. I can't give you the chills that went down my spine listening to "Ghost in My Guitar" after his stories about the history of his 1949 Gibson. Or capture the sweetness in his voice as he talks about trying to convince his five-year-old son to be an astronaut with "Oh, the Places You Will Go."

His new album, "Creepy Christmas" was a success on Kickstarter, and due to be released later this year. "Some Christmas songs I have decided are just too happy." To illustrate, he played us the creepified, "Santa Clause is Coming." I can't wait for the rest of the album. It sounds perfect for misanthropes like me who don't appreciate hearing nothing but carols from October to January.

He's currently in the running for a Pegasus Award check out info on how you can vote here. I should also mention the best story of the day. Jonah has been asked permission to use his "Pirate Song" in promotional materials for the official German Pirate Party.

Check out his website to sign up for email alerts on cool new stuff and find upcoming shows. He's also on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and of course Spotify.