Jon Chi on his album, ‘River of Marigolds,’ and songwriting process

Songs & Stories

In this interview, musician John Chi joins host Steve Roby on the Backstage Sonoma Show to discuss his musical journey and current projects.

John, formerly the band leader for Rainmaker, is embarking on a solo career with his latest work, ‘River of Marigolds.’ The album blends his introspective songwriting with various styles, reflecting influences from artists like U2, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and the Grateful Dead. The conversation delves into John's early musical influences, their impact on his artistic development, and how significant events, such as the pandemic and California wildfires, shaped the themes and songs on ‘River of Marigolds.’

Steve and John discuss specific tracks from the album, like "Got to Give the Devil His Due" and the title track "River of Marigolds." John shares the backstories behind these songs, explaining how his experiences during the pandemic and his reflections on family and the environment influenced their lyrics and composition. The discussion highlights how "Got to Give the Devil His Due" captures the joy of returning to live performances post-pandemic and how "River of Marigolds" explores deeper themes of family history and hope amidst challenging times. John's thoughtful approach to songwriting and varied influences are evident as he explains his creative process.

Towards the end of the interview, John talks about his current and upcoming engagements, including a performance at Terrapin Sunday Daydream and a show at Sweetwater Music Hall with his band, The Pacific Syndicate. He expresses enthusiasm for sharing the stage with a rotating cast of talented musicians, emphasizing the joy and connection he finds in live performances. John believes his music has evolved to blend songwriter-focused elements with jam band styles, and he looks forward to continuing this fusion in his future work.