Jonathon Ng, or more commonly known as EDEN (or The Eden Project), is a phenomenal artist that should be at the top of everyone’s playlists. At the age of 20, this Irish musical genius has turned his dreams into reality, working hard and writing music in his bedroom. As he is easily one of my favorite musicians, I was in complete awe when I was given the opportunity from Universal Music Group to attend one of his shows and interview him. I had the honor of interviewing him a few days before the show took place this past Monday evening.
1. As a musician, what does a typical day/week look like for you?
It depends on what is going on at that time. If I'm on tour, a day could be driving for 5+ hours to get to the venue, do a VIP meet & greet during sound check, grab food, play the show, get some sleep before doing it again the next day.
At home, I can be a little more flexible with working on music, hanging out with friends and do whatever.
2. What is the craziest fan experience you’ve had so far?
Some people have traveled so far to get to some of these shows. The first person in line for the first Dublin show actually flew from Germany which was pretty crazy. Also if a fan has the logo or lyrics tattooed on them, seeing that in person is crazy because that is something that will live on them forever.
3. If you could collaborate with any artist of any time period, who would it be and why?
Without a doubt Michael Jackson because he was a genius and a major influence in terms of singing and music for me.
4. What would you be doing if you weren’t a musician?
I like to the think if I wasn't a musician, in another life I would’ve been a race car driver. Yes, I’m like a 12-year-old kid.
5. How long does it take you to write a song on average?
It varies a lot. Sometimes months and there are some songs that I've started a couple of years ago that still aren’t finished. But I can do a cover in a couple of days. It’s weird. Sometimes it can take no time at all and sometimes longer.
6. Do you ever get writer’s block when you’re writing your music?
Yes, absolutely. For example, during the summer when I had time at home, I wanted to get work done and make music. But I just couldn't get into the right head space and rhythm to create until the last week or two before I left for tour. so I have definitely experienced that.
7. Do all of your song inspirations come from personal experiences?
Yeah definitely. But a lot of people expect one song to be about one specific thing, which is never the case for my music. I tend to draw from a bunch of things. For instance, it’s not like I had a shitty Monday and wrote about it on Tuesday. more like I had a bunch of shitty Mondays for a while and those would then be combined into one song. It is always more complex than just one thing. The songs draw on the way I feel, think, and all the experiences that I have gone through.
8. How has your music changed from End Credits to I Think You Think Too Much Of Me?
I definitely approached writing i think you think to much of me in a hugely different way. I had a more solid idea of what I wanted to achieve and was deliberate on how each song was created. Whereas with End Credits it was more 'let’s just see what happens'.
9. What advice can you give to any aspiring artists?
Forget what other people are doing. Everyone has their influences and has their own taste in music or art, whether it is photography, painting or what not. But you could probably find a 12-year-old who can mix better than me or a 10-year-old who could take better pictures than someone else. It’s a cliché, but no one in the world can do you better than you. Do what makes sense to you and focus on just expressing yourself rather than imitation.
Watching one of my idols perform right in front of me was truly amazing. EDEN’s raw talent is so powerful, and I got chills multiple times throughout his performance. The lights, stage, and atmosphere were all stunning, and the opening act, Elohim, was phenomenal as well. This show was easily one of my favorite concerts, and I couldn’t have asked for a better night. You can download his music on Apple Music here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-think-you-thin... or listen on Spotify here: https://play.spotify.com/artist/1t20wYnTiAT0Bs7H1h... . ♪
