Jonathan Fernandes

Sky’s The Limit for Multi-Talented

-By Gasper Crasto

 

Young people have much to offer in making the world a better place. They are clever and tech-savvy and more engaged, and passionate than any other generation.

Meet Kuwait-based Jonathan Fernandes, without question, one of the most unique and bold new voices in the world of music and art.

Music has been a large part of his life, inside of school and out, and it offered him comfort, as well as a sense of pride in his own creativity.

Born to Mario Fernandes (Mario de Majorda) and Janette Franco, Jonathan studied at Carmel School, Kuwait from Kindergarten up until 10th grade before moving to Pune and Mumbai for higher studies.

Always interested in music, Jonathan is proud to state that his tryst with music began when he saw his uncle Mr. James Franco, formerly a member of Kuwait’s popular band Stepping Stones, playing the guitar.

 

Art of singing at an early age

The art of singing was instilled in Jonathan from a very young age; his first performance on stage was at the age of 9, in his native language - Konkani. He acted and sang in the drama ‘Aliza’ produced and directed by Rafael de Majorda on 9th April 1999. Jonathan went on to sing in ‘Kitem Mhozo Fuddar’ and later won ‘Best Child Artiste Award’ in the One-Act Play Competition organized by AVC in 2002.

Jonathan feels that music is something that he brought from his roots. His dad is an amazing artiste – a singer and a musician. Boosted by the encouragement in his early years, he learnt the guitar with the help of his uncle who taught him the first 4 guitar chords, after which there was no looking back. His uncle is really a gifted musician and singer, so he's got it on both sides and he's surrounded by it.

Asked how he groomed his skills, Jonathan said, “ My dad who is a professional Goan artiste has been instrumental in showcasing my talent. Together with him, I played the keyboards for the Holy Family Choir (now St. Anne and St. Joaquim Choir) for quite some time. I also took part in my dad’s Konkani drama Chuklelim Panvlam (staged on 24th June 2005) at the age of 15. ”

 

Innovating new trend of music

Eventually, Jonathan took interest in producing his own tunes with his guitar and keyboard as a means of innovative study.

“ My participation at the ‘Battle of the Bands’ in Kuwait made me learn a lot and helped me grow into a songwriter, music composer and producer. ”

At the tender age of 16, Jonathan stepped into the culturally rich and musically abundant motherland of India, moving to Mumbai city to pursue higher studies.  With all its surprises, he put his life in tune with two guiding stars who are renowned producers themselves. He credits Mr. Deep & DJ Chantz as his heaviest influences till date. With their help, Jonathan collaborated with artists of the likes of Apache Indian, Boy Ricci, Bombay Bassment, Microphon3, DSouza KC, DJ LionL and DJ Twisted bass to hone his talents in music.

“ My performances in Kuwait, Pune and in Mumbai’s finest venues like Enigma at JW Marriott, and Blue Frog have been very successful performances and I am glad I was a part of them. ”

When it comes to creating music, Jonathan reveals that he works hard to turn most ideas into songs. “ Some however, are turned into musical projects to explore the boundaries of my creativity, ” adds the youngster.

Jonathan’s music fuses instrumental artistry that range from simple, subtle melodies of rock, pop, rap and reggae to complex, layered works. “ I try to create a sort of a unique identity in my music that encompasses my efforts as a singer, songwriter and musician. ”

The song ‘Feel Good’ released on You Tube on Christmas Eve 2012 remains one of Jonathan’s favorite. Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6To9wVHY4

Further referring to his style of songs and singing, he said, “Although my music sounds much western, my style is influenced by my surroundings and upbringing as a Goan.”

Together with friend Bertrand D’Souza (D’Souza KC), the duo has created some inimitable songs. Their song ‘Adrenaline’ with the entire musical score by Jonathan has become extremely popular among friends and fans.

 

Jonathan as an Artist

No doubt, Jonathan is a good singer but it doesn’t end there. He is also a talented visual artist. A quick glance at his home, one can notice the paintings on the walls. Every artwork is complete with minute details.

Jonathan speaks a lot about his love for drawings from a very early age and how he filled the margins of his school books with illustrations, causing the furor of more than one teacher. The lad is an ingenious artist looking to convey his art through any form, and experiments in any pictorial style (graphic design, comics, graffiti, fantasy, realistic, etc).

Some of his art displayed in the images will speak about the genius behind the creations.

After completing his graduation from Rachana Sansad College of Applied Art & Craft (BFA) in June 2013, the gifted youth will be pursuing higher studies in Canada for a Master’s Degree in VFX (Visual Special Effects). He has a cloud of songs under his belt, ready and completed, waiting for the right time for release.

“ My parents are a motivating factor in my life, ” admits Jonathan attributing all that he is to the grace of Almighty.

 

What the future holds

About the future, Jonathan says, “ I want to stick to what I love doing best which is creating music, producing, writing songs for myself as well as people I collaborate with. I want to connect with people from around the world through music and make sure everything I write about or sing is straight from the heart, the soul of where music really lies... ”

To aspiring musicians and fellow dreamers like himself, Jonathan says, “ Follow your heart and live up to your own expectations. You will meet your own stars which will guide you on your way to success. Keep faith and never give up. ”

The multi-talented star sure has a lot to offer and he is yet to share his unimaginable talents with the world so you better watch out for him.

 

Jonathan’s Sound Cloud profile - https://soundcloud.com/j ferns

Adrenaline - https://soundcloud.com/dsouzakc/dsouza-ft-j-ferns-adrenaline

Feel Good - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6To9wVHY4