Jason Thompson
JASON THOMPSON POP 'N FRESH. The 31 year old artist and Editor of web music magazine Echo From Esoterica makes lovely music for the common public that demands more from its radio than just Spandau Ballet and REO Speedwagon. These tunes are tasty and a balanced part of a nutritional breakfast!
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
I've been making music since my high school days. I had a lousy band back then called The Penguin Project that you don't really want to know about. Our big hit was "Communist Toilet". From there, I left the drums behind and picked up the guitar. The guitar tried to run away, but soon I mastered the Mel Bay EZ Chord Songbook and was wowing my parents and pets with songs such as "Old MacDonald" and "Three Blind Mice". Ever since then, I've been rocking out for Cheez Nips and cream soda.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
I play live in apartments, furnace rooms, and hot dog stands of the greater Pittsburgh area. I have to say it brings me great joy to rock out in front of a couple or family smashed on Hi-C and Mott's apple juice. My most special moment when performing live was when I was mistaken for both Lawrence Welk and Robert Goulet in the same night!
Your musical influences
The guy who plays the accordion every weekend down in front of Wholey's market in the Strip District of Pittsburgh.
What equipment do you use?
I use a various assortment of organic and electronic devices. You know, a guitar, a computer, a keyboard, some cheesy effects, anything to make me sound like the next Frankie Valli or Jack Wagner.
Anything else?
"Two Doors Down" by Dolly Parton is a song everyone should try to cover. A whole cover album of that song would be killer.
