SuburbanHorror:: Morning.

Jess King: Ha, good evening.

SH: Oh right, you're in Tokyo. It's not too late is it?

JK: Oh no. I'm a bit tired, but feeling good. I just finished my show.

SH: How'd it go?

JK: Very cool. A diverse crowd of travelers- lots of Japanese businessmen. A few that have come to a bunch of my shows already, so that's always nice.

SH: Oh I know it. I'm huge in China. Would you say you're getting popular over there too?

JK: Yes, definitely. The fanbase seems to be growing quickly, which is fantastic.

SH: That's great...for your career and it because it answers one of my other questions. Only 98 left. Isn't this great?

JK: Haha, fantabulous.

SH: Ok. Before we get started, I just want to say that your voice is enchanting.

JK: Oh, thank you so much.

SH: I haven't heard a voice that angelic since I heard, "Mr. Olds, the results are negative."

JK: Haha, that's very kind of you. I try to be as honest as possible, and to write from the heart (well, it's the only way I can imagine writing) so I'm glad to know it has reached you in that way.

SH: Mmm definitely. I've been reached. But I just wanted to get the nice stuff outta the way before I get mean.

JK: Eeks, don't scare me.

SH: Allright, maybe you can start by telling me everything about yourself ever.

JK: Ok well, I'm based in NYC, where I've recently recorded an EP with Steve Addabbo, hopefully out in June sometime. I began writing songs in high school, began performing them while in college. I've always known music would be my destiny, it was only a matter of sorting out the path in order to make that possible...

SH: Ya know, I was gonna ask you about the EP, but you just said something that fascinates me: why do you think music was your "path"?

JK: Well, from the time I was very young and began tinkering on the piano, I loved it. I was also encouraged to play the piano from a young age, which certainly helped move things along. But I was a pretty insecure kid, and extremely shy. My voice tended to surprise people - it was somehow stronger than they imagined it would be. It felt strong and empowering. When I say I "knew" music was my destiny though, I don't mean I wanted to be a 'star'. It was more of an internal self-knowledge. I wanted to do something that brings clarity and truth.

SH: So music was a release for you?

JK: In a way. Writing, and later songs, for me was something I was always drawn to as a kid. I'd walk around with my little notebook and pencil, just writing stories to occupy myself. But sometime around high school, everything clicked - the music and the writing came together, and I was certain I wanted to be a songwriter.

SH: It just came easy to you?

JK: Absolutely, it always has. Maybe it sounds selfish, but I have to write songs. I seriously can't imagine myself without it.

SH: That's deeper than a transcendental philosopher reciting poetry at the bottom of the ocean.

JK: Haha, thanks.

SH: But I see what you're saying: writing songs is a compulsive act for you in a way?

JK: Yes. Writing songs initially came easy, because I did them in private. But I'm a very self-critical person; so creating has always been something very personal. More recently though, I began co-writing a bit, and I've actually found my writing improves when working with someone else. And because I have a strong sense of who I am as a person and artist, I've evolved through collaborating with someone. But, there obviously needs to be a strong trust in the other person.

SH: Do you collaborate on the music too, or just the lyrics?

JK: Both. It would be hard for me to separate the two. The music and words usually come effortlessly, at least in the early stages of the song, before the "door is open". I find that's when my writing is most honest and free- without judgment.

SH: So your songs mostly come from your subconscious?

JK: Most often, I would say yes- but only up to a certain point. It's funny though, I often wake up in the night with a melody and lyrics that are for some reason floating around in my head. I usually write them down, go back to sleep. Also, running is also another time when I get a lot of ideas. Actually, this is the most common time I get ideas. I think there's something in the rhythm of the step, the cadence. I'm most free at this point. That's so important, to feel free, especially in the city.

SH: I can imagine. Tokyo's huge.

JK: Oh no, I mean New York.

SH: Right, I've been there once [read: The Panda Blog's "Dear Pen Pal" 1/19/07].

JK: I love Tokyo too, though. I didn't think I would feel the energy and pulse of New York anywhere else- but it's here, and it's wonderful.

SH: Must be nice. I can only feel my pulse after I've taken off my 3rd layer. It's freezing here.

JK: Haha, sorry to hear that.

SH: That's ok, it's 20 today.

JK: I know, I almost feel guilty.

SH: You should. I'm expecting an apology.

JK: I'm sorry.

SH: Mmm, still hate you. But ok, now that we've charted the philosophical mysteries of art creation, how bout you tell me about the EP.

JK: The EP's a 5-song disc called "Love Me Back" (title track). It's basically a glimpse of me as an artist- but stay tuned for the full-length album, which is an even bigger glimpse! I'm psyched to have worked with Steve Addabbo on it. He's a wonderfully gifted producer and just an amazing person. We wrote several songs on the EP together. Thankfully, Steve was open-minded and I couldn't be happier with the result. The good thing about Steve is that he's all about doing a great album - meaningful songs for the sake of art - not in order to 'sell' records. Although that would be nice- to at least keep making the art, ya know?

SH: Definitely. There aren't enough Pepsi products in the world for me to endorse. But ok, I'm too interested in this: you mention on your site that you're composing music for a feature film?

JK: Yes. I'm doing the score for Wild Hogs. The new movie with John Travolta, William H. Macy, Martin Lawrence, and Tim Allen.

SH: Wow, really???

JK: No. But do you mind if we hold off on this for the time being? Things are going great with it, but I'm just nervous talking about it.

SH: Not a problem. Ok, I also noticed that you're unsigned- has the right opportunity come along?

JK: Well, that's a tough question - I guess 'yes' and 'no'. I was in a situation where I was being pushed into a style that wasn't really me, and so I'm glad to have avoided that circumstance in this case.

SH: Was that with a particular label, if you don't mind me asking?

JK: Sorry, I'm not comfortable disclosing this as I don't know what my future will hold.

SH: I figured. Couldn't hurt to ask, right? Ok, just a few more questions: Can you tell me a little about the International Songwriting Contest? And then the VH1 "Rock and Roll Mystery Tour"?

JK: Sure. I received numerous emails advertising a songwriting contest. I'd never entered any writing contests before, but it looked interesting so I submitted "Love Me Back". Needless to say, I was pleased with the result (finished 4th, behind Fat Greggy & The Panda with "College Graduate"). The VH1 Rock and Roll Mystery Tour was a TV show that never made the cut. I was selected along with 8 others from across the country to take part in what I thought would be a great opportunity to be heard and gain exposure. Didn't turn out that way, but a good experience anyway. But in the end, I feel like enough good things can happen in this world, so with a little talent and determination, things eventually have to come together, right? Haha, or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

SH: Haha don't we all. Allright, I gotta couple more questions for you, then we hit the speed bag.

JK: Sounds good.

SH: Ok, I'd regret if I didn't ask: what are your thoughts on music downloading ?

JK: I don't believe in fighting technology. We've got to find a way to make things work with the future.

SH: I couldn't agree with you more and I wish I would've said that.

JK: Haha.

SH: Ok, now: besides yourself, what's the best thing to come out of your hometown?

JK: Nothing really.

SH: I'm with you. Modesty's for losers. Allright, what's something you'd want people to know about you?

JK: I honestly want to make the world a better place. When I'm successful financially, I want to help those in need. Making a difference is what wakes me at night- it's the only thing that really matters to me. Whether through art, teaching, giving humanitarian aid; connecting with people is at my core. Now, I probably sound like Miss America, but that's the truth.

SH: Wow, it just got kinda real in here. But ok, wanna hit the "Speed Bag"?

JK: Hit me.

SH: Ok: if you were you have a dream about me, what would I be wearing?

JK: Nothing.

SH: Really???

JK: Everything, and then some.

SH: Shit. Ok, next question: you've been performing in Tokyo for a few months now: what's the most American tourist-y thing you've done?

JK: I ordered a hamburger at a Sushi Bar. And it was delicious!

SH: I just teared up. Ok, next: if you just wrote the best song ever, what would you title it?

JK: Dreams Come True (No More Peanut Butter & Jellys)

SH: Ok, now I'm flat out weeping. Next question: how often do you Google yourself?

JK: Never.

SH: Liar.

JK: Ok, all the time.

SH: Really? I was just kidding. That's so vain. Ok, last question: you've been promoted on A&E's Biography Magazine, you were part of VH1's "Rock and Roll Mystery Tour", and you went to Dartmouth College: why are you talking to me?

JK: I was bored. But I'm not anymore, so I gotta go. See ya, Nick. I'll send you a CD!

SH: Good Answer.

-Nick Olds