Artist Spotlight: Jonathan Szatkowski
We dive deep with Jonathan Szatkowski to talk about writing from the soul, staying grounded, and keeping the music real.
Upcoming 100: What initially inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did you know it was the right path for you?
Jonathan Szatkowski: I wouldn’t say it was a choice–more of an innate and lifelong need to create.
Upcoming 100: Can you describe your musical journey so far, and the key milestones or achievements that have led you to this point in your career?
Jonathan Szatkowski: I started writing songs after buying my first guitar at the age of 18, and I almost immediately started writing songs. I played in a jam band in college, which solidified my love of music, and continued writing songs with the intention of forming another band. This didn’t happen until I moved to Mexico in 2019, where I met Oscar Diaz, and together, we composed the songs I’ve been writing few decades.
Upcoming 100: How would you differentiate your sound or style from other artists in the industry, and what makes your music unique?
Jonathan Szatkowski: We have a bit of an eclectic sound–some songs are pure classic rock, while others are more reggae or country. We simply create whatever feels right to us without sticking to a particular genre.
Upcoming 100: How do you balance the demands of creating new music, promoting your work, and building a fan base as a new artist?
Jonathan Szatkowski: It takes a lot of time and effort to learn how to promote, let alone actually do it. We’ve been at this for years now though, so we’ve gotten into a routine of how we record and release songs.
Upcoming 100: What role does social media play in your music career, and how do you use it to connect with fans and grow your audience?
Jonathan Szatkowski: We run ads on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, and we also post updates on these platforms as well.
Upcoming 100: Tell us about your creative process when writing and producing music, and how you refine your songs until they're ready for release.
Jonathan Szatkowski: I wrote most of the songs while living in San Diego, CA from 2009-2019, and Oscar and I have been working on bringing these to life. We also plan to start recording some of Oscar’s songs as well. We usually play songs over and over in rehearsal and go in the direction that the music takes us. Oftentimes, when I’m adding layers or solos to a song, I’ll simply improvise and pick out the parts that stand out to me. Then, I’ll re-record these and hope for the best.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle the challenges of breaking into the music industry, such as gaining exposure, securing gigs, or getting your music heard by the right people?
Jonathan Szatkowski: To be perfectly honest, I’d love to earn a living from music, but I don’t give a single fuck what anyone thinks. My goal isn’t to break into any industry–it’s simply to write and release the best songs possible. If people like what we’re doing, then great. If not, that’s cool too. My ultimate goal is to connect with people and unite under the beautiful banner of music.
Upcoming 100: Can you discuss your experiences working with producers, musicians, or other collaborators, and how these partnerships have contributed to your growth as an artist?
Jonathan Szatkowski: Working with other artists can be challenging, but also very rewarding. The goal has always been unity, and in order to unify and create the best possible song, you need to know when to give and when to take. Playing with other musicians has given me ideas I’d have never come up with on my own, and I love playing a new song that I’ve had in my head for years with other musicians and hearing something I would have never have thought of.
Upcoming 100: How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals as a new artist, especially during times of rejection or setbacks?
Jonathan Szatkowski: Do a little bit every day–keep your thumb on the button and apply steady pressure, and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish in a year.
Upcoming 100: How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and adapting to the expectations of the music industry?
Jonathan Szatkowski: As previously mentioned, Oscar nor I are concerned about the industry in any way. And, that industry is ever-changing anyways and always on the threat of extinction, so we just focus on what we can control and try to create the best songs possible.
Upcoming 100: Can you share a valuable lesson you've learned during your journey as a new music artist, and how it has impacted your approach to your career?
Jonathan Szatkowski: Treat it like a 9-5. Write even when you don’t feel like it and create even when you don’t feel “inspired.” Sometimes your best work will come at off times and you need to train your brain to be open at any moment. Creating art is more like gardening or taking out the trash than many people realize.
Upcoming 100: How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your music, and how do you use it to improve your craft while maintaining your self-confidence?
Jonathan Szatkowski: I’m interested to hear people’s perspectives of our music, but we don’t let it change what we’re doing. That being said, if 50 out of 100 people all have the same criticism, then maybe that’s something we should take into consideration when creating a new song.
