jondrakemusic

Nonlinear, layered, baroque, and “anti-hipster” are just a few of the terms that have been used to describe Jon Drake’s music. A believer in the tried and true practice of CDs, Jon’s music connects with listeners in a tangible way that feels almost foreign, yet authentic. 

Coming from a musical family, Jon’s path was carved for him in certain ways. His grandmother was a classically trained cellist, and his mother was a singer and violinist. After picking up his mother’s guitar at the age of 11, Jon began playing electric guitar and involved himself in a number of music projects. By his 20’s, he had already played in several bands and started writing and recording original songs. 

It was during law school where Jon’s interest in recording music truly developed. When he wasn’t studying entertainment law, he housed himself up and created experimental recordings. Channeling himself through synth and reverb-heavy sounds, Jon recorded his first full-length EP titled Childcraft: a snarky, aggressive, yet melodic reaction to the system. 

Upon moving from Wisconsin to Colorado, Jon toured heavily with his band, even opening for the well-known L.A. punk band, The Meat Puppets. After a stint in Telluride, CO he then moved to Seattle, where he resides now, both creating music and working as a wildlife biologist. 

Jon’s music can be described loosely as punk-influenced “alt-indie,” yet the complicated layering and dynamic vocals make it difficult to classify. His “character voice,” which on any given song can resemble the vocal palates of Johnny Cash, David Bowie, or Matt Berninger (The National), remains unique and ever-evolving. As in baroque fashion, intricate and well-balanced layering can often be heard– making it an exciting experience for listeners from start to finish. Even with punk-like sentiments, Jon’s music steers clear from droning vocals and cookie-cutter song patterns. 

In 2015, Jon released his EP Great Divide, followed up his two-song EP Blood Moon (2016), which was inspired by the astronomical phenomenon.. Jon’s latest (2017) release is the EP Leader. The EP, which was recorded at The Spot Studios, features songs such as the self-titled, “Leader” and “Sympathy for the First Lady” – both painfully relevant commentaries on the country’s current state of affairs and current leadership. Staying true to the punk attitude, the EP remains catchy, energetic, and straightforward. 

Whether he is writing music about animal mythology and wildlife observations, or character flaws and whacked out politicians, Jon Drake creates music that is generally “out there” – and out there to make listeners feel something. It’s the kind of music that is, at times, unintentionally profound, yet intentional with its mission. With a large number of word-of-mouth fans, his music caters to the old school music lover – not by age, but by creative mentality.