JonnyGO Figure

Of all the reasons a teenager would dread having to notify their parent about an imminent suspension from High School; skipping all of your cycle courses to fritter your entire day in the Music Resource Center would be far down such a list. For all the good that music has given to Jonathan “JonnyGO Figure” Klien, it has also been a stable instigator for the once trouble youth tenure in HS; beginning with his suspension, to his invariable bureaucratic battles with the administration, finally a...

Of all the reasons a teenager would dread having to notify their parent about an imminent suspension from High School; skipping all of your cycle courses to fritter your entire day in the Music Resource Center would be far down such a list. For all the good that music has given to Jonathan “JonnyGO Figure” Klien, it has also been a stable instigator for the once trouble youth tenure in HS; beginning with his suspension, to his invariable bureaucratic battles with the administration, finally and most notably his wrangles with his parents. So why would something that he adores like no other, betray him? “It’s almost like music is jealous of the other facets of my life and wants me to herself” says JonnyGO. The consummate non-conformist, this alluring son of Brooklyn was nurtured to be a performer from his formative years. At the fond age of four, he began DJing under the auspices of his Dad; at age 12, he remembers a visit to Guyana where he freestyle for a group of established reggae artists. HS would ensue and with it, the opportunity to harness all his years of ‘music theory’ into practical application at John Dewey’s, MRC. One cannot censure the juvenile JonnyGO for being awestruck with the leeway to apply his zeal; it was the tunnel vision like mentally that caused the recoil. As if in the incidence of music his psyche becomes a singular organ, forgetting its moral obligations of Calculus or attendance or the canal of prospect from ones parent. So what of that dreaded conversation his mother had with the principal? “The school called my parents, and my mom said”, "I don't care, he's was born that way, let him do what he loves." HIS SOUND – JonnyGO mixes electronic beats with punk guitars and new wave synths over dub baselines and multifaceted drum patterns. His 80’s British punk/reggae "rocker" styled loom to vocals draw inspiration from Dennis Seaton of Musical Youth, Brinsley Forde of Aswad, David Hinds of Steel Pulse and Julian Casablancas of The Strokes. Notably, their laid back conduct to performance made them charismatic front men, who all possessed a “slurred” pitch that made their voices distinctive. HIS APPROACH - JonnyGO wears many hats, as a producer, singer, songwriter, rapper and DJ. These traits have allowed him to constitute a very singular sound that has many influences but no comrades. JonnyGO approaches songwriting rather straightforward, drawing ingenuity from his own experiences yet abstract enough to insinuate comparisons with his fan base. “The reason women love R&B but they only like Hip-Hip is because, they feel like they can relate with the singer and more importantly, because they understand the lyrics”. As such, his principal objective as songwriter is to create perceptible stories. His hooks draw stimulation from his days as a DJ, where the intent was a catchy chant and crowd participation. On the opposite end of this spectrum is his rap alter-ego who possesses a chatty, quick-tongued swift flow. This is where JonnyGO delves into his ‘wikipedic’ intellect of musical references and pop culture based on real life. “You wouldn’t catch me in baggy trousers like the Madness”, a reference to the inimitable apparel of 70’s British ska band, Madness. “I want to make my references but in a way that captivates enough interest that people will do their research”. HIS STYLE - is considered Ultra Genre Bending, which switches from Indie Rock rifts, to Hip-Hop flows, Emo appeal, R&B harmonies, Reggae energy and Pop lyrics. KEY TRACK "Born This Way" The lyrics articulates his relationship with music in the prophetic words of his mom. The hard-hitting baseline, fused with subtle synths and a sophisticated drum arrangement epitomize New York hipness.