With Jonathan Maki's falsetto musical stylings and his unique classical guitar playing, he produces a funky, folky, groove that would make anybody's ears wanting more.

8 MP3 Songs
POP: Folky Pop, ROCK: Folk Rock



Details:
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jonathan Maki has been writing and performing music since the age of 12. Many of his early projects were bands that played primarily cover tunes at neighborhood parties and local talent shows. Shortly after turning 17, Jonathan's band, Bedtime For Francis, recorded a full lenth LP of original songs which showcased his ability to write fun, danceable music. The LP was 12 tracks of a funk/pop mix, punctuated by a four piece horn section.

While going to school at Miami University in Ohio, Jonathan began to write and perform more original music with his band Groverbox. Shortly after it's inception, Groverbox was invited to record a song on a compilation disk entitled "The Music of Miami", which showcased local talent. It was around this time that Jonathan also began playing alone at area coffeehouses and bars, further developing his songwriting abilities and pushing them in new directions.

After graduation, Jonathan moved back to the East Side of Milwaukee and continued to develop his unique combination of folk, funk, and rock. He spent roughly a year writing and playing at local open mics until he met drummer Ted Fleming, and formed Rub. Rub was an experiment to once again put a band behind Jonathan's writing abilities. He felt the songs he had written were polished and ready to be filled in with other musicians.

At was at this time that Jonathan made contact with two other local musicians, bass player Jonas Wittke and guitarist Ben Davis. The foursome clicked instantly and in a few weeks began playing at local clubs. The music was again very funky but highlighted by Jonathan's poetic folky lyrics. Fans of the band often commented on the well written music as well as the incredible fun emanating from the band.

After playing with Rub for about a year, Jonathan moved to Minneapolis where he now resides and teaches art to 3rd - 5th graders. Now he has started a new project called "Maki" playing with Minneapolis musicians John Jindra (of Mooter, Animals Expert at Hankering, and his solo works), Scott Fremont (of Flim Flam Man and Effloresce). Along with the "Maki" project Jonathan continues to play solo shows at local bars and clubs and often returns to Milwaukee to reunite for shows with Rub.

In December of 2001, Jonathan recorded a demo CD at Oarfin Studios. He is presently promoting the CD in Minneapolis, Milwaukee and on the internet.


Milwaukee expatriate Maki issues new EP
By Paul Doro
There is a lot of good music in Milwaukee that people just don't know about. It's hard for a new artist to get people to attend their show. We talked to Jonathan Maki, a rising star in the local music scene, about his own unique style of music, the life of a struggling musician and much more. Maki, who now lives in Minneapolis, has a new EP titled "Precious."

OMC: How long have you been making music?

Jonathan Maki: For about 15 years. I started making music when I was in seventh grade. Both original music and covers. Instead of playing house, my friends and I played band.

OMC: How much music have you recorded thus far?

JM: My high school band, Bedtime For Francis, released a full-length tape. But this is the first thing I've done on my own. Sometime in the near future I'm going to start working on a full-length album.

OMC: What are your goals? How far do you hope to take your music career?

JM: Right now I'm trying to do a lot of legwork and get the music out to indie labels. As long as it's fun I'm going to keep doing it.

OMC: Your music has a unique sound. How would you describe it?

JM: Funky rock groove something. I've heard comparisons to Jeff Buckley and Beck.

OMC: What do you like best about your music?

JM: It makes me move and it makes other people move. I hope it makes you think or at least reflect, and I think it's fun.

OMC: What inspires you to write music?

JM: Living alone really helps. I have plenty of creative time. Driving around a lot is also helpful. I keep a recorder handy so I can get lines down when I'm driving. My lyrics are very visual. I try to paint a scene with words.

OMC: What kind of music do you enjoy listening to?

JM: Right now I'm into electronic music and the Red House Painters, but my taste varies.
OMC: Is your music career frustrating right now? Is it hard to get the word out?

JM: The hardest part is finding good people to play with. Finding gigs is difficult too and it's time consuming and expensive. But Linneman's has been great so far.


OMC: How do you feel about the music scene in Milwaukee?

JM: I've had really good turnouts so far. It's been standing room only. But it is hard to get people to come out unless they really know the band. No one is willing to take a chance on a new band.

If you get a chance, why not check out a new band? Rub featuring Jonathan Maki -- along with Jonas Wittke on bass, Ben Davis on guitar and keyboards and Ted Fleming on drums -- celebrates the release of "Precious" with a gig at Linneman's on Sat., Jan. 20 at 10 p.m. Accordionist Mike Brenner opens the show. The music is fresh, funky and highly contagious. Visit Maki's web site at www.jonathanmaki.com or go to www.rubonline.com