Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jonathan Tinne

Jonathan Tinne is an emerging singer-songwriter to keep your eye on. Since bursting onto the scene, Jonathan has quickly racked up thousands of streams worldwide with his signature sound and relatable lyrics.

His latest release, “California Weather”, is no different. The single finds him celebrating the things he loves most in life.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan about “California Weather”, his career, and what’s next for him.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jonathan: I was always around music growing up. For as long as I can remember, my household would always have music blaring. But the story of how I got into music is a weird one.

One Christmas around 2010, my sister got a small keyboard from Santa, which I quickly adopted. We would sing and play together, but I would usually be the one playing it. She would be the one singing. From then on, I was the only one who played it. I continued with the keyboard and my sister continued with singing.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jonathan: I would say that my parents had the biggest impact on my career. I’m very lucky to have such supportive parents who allowed me to push my limitations in such a volatile industry. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have traveled quite a bit before COVID was a thing, which exposed me to different cultures and musical genres. Studying musical theater definitely had a huge impact on me too.

PC: Tell us about your single, “California Weather”. What was the inspiration behind the song?
Jonathan: I almost didn’t release “California Weather” because I got so in my head about my vocals, but I’m sure glad I did. I’m sure many songwriters can relate when I say you could go through a week of writing a song and love it, but by Sunday you feel it’s the worst song you’ve ever written.

I went through stages of loving it and then thinking it wasn’t good enough many times before I released it simply because I cared about the subject so much I didn’t want to mess it up. I’m glad I did release it though because the song means a lot to me. I wrote it about my girlfriend and set it in California, my favorite place on earth. So it really encapsulated everything I love.

PC: It’s going to be featured in the Netflix film, That’s Amor. How did that come to fruition? What has that milestone meant to you?
Jonathan: I was very lucky to be in LA over the summer meeting my girlfriend and her family (I miss you guys) who are all in the industry. Just before my birthday, Christina Moore and John Ducey, the producers over at ESX Entertainment, sent some of my material over to the director of the movie who ended up loving two of the songs and featured them in the movie!

As a recent graduate of a musical theater college, it still feels quite surreal. It’s a massive milestone for me personally. I feel grateful every day. As a musical artist, it’s also been very reassuring and meaningful knowing people actually like my music!

PC: You’re an artist that’s steadily been releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Jonathan: This is a very hard question to answer. My mood and state can change day to day and my style of music has evolved a lot over the years. I used to write techno when I was still in high school and then moved to pop. I feel that I’m constantly changing based on what message I want to get across and what mood I’m in. I’ve never done it before but sometimes I would love to pick up an electric guitar and write a rock song. I think for now “California Weather” really sums me up and the way I’m feeling now.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2021, what does the year hold for you?
Jonathan: Going forward, I feel very motivated and excited. There are many projects in the pipeline and perhaps an EP before the year is out!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jonathan: Taylor Swift.

PC: First album you bought?
Jonathan: Life in Cartoon Motion by Mika! That album is still one of my favorites to this day.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jonathan: Olly Murs at the Marquee in Cork. He’s such a great entertainer!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jonathan: I think ~how i’m feeling~ by Lauv. More for the period when it came out, which was during the first lockdown here, but there’s also not one song I don’t like on it!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jonathan: The Glastonbury Stage.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jonathan: Music and dark chocolate.

To keep up with Jonathan, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.