Born in Glenelg, South Australia and now based in Hobart, Tasmania, Jolon van Santen is an artist driven by heart, honesty and an unrelenting need to create. With influences ranging from The Beatles and Bob Dylan to Mazzy Star and Radiohead, his music weaves together introspection, storytelling and atmosphere. Writing songs wherever inspiration strikes — often surrounded by sketch paper, guitars and half-finished ideas — Jolon channels life’s highs and lows into songs that seek connection, peace and meaning. As he prepares to release new singles, film clips and his upcoming album Where Clouds Gather, Jolon continues to build a body of work that reflects both the world around him and the inner landscapes he calls home.
Where are you from?
Hi, my name is Jolon van Santen.
I was born in Glenelg in South Australia, but now I’m living in Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia.
Who are your biggest artistic influences?
That’s a difficult one as I have a broad taste in music, but off the top of my head I would say The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Bryan Ferry, John Lennon, Mazzy Star, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Radiohead, Nirvana, Paul Kelly and Mazzy Star.
Tell me about how your creation part begins, and how is your workflow.
I usually start writing songs on a guitar and large pieces of sketch paper that end up strewn all over my bedroom. I record demos and then take them to the studio where I work with my producer Zarven Kara. I also have a home studio/jam area that I live in.
My workflow is constant. I work full time, so I’m working on music every chance I get.
Where do you find inspiration?
I’m inspired by other artists, my surroundings and life experiences. I gather inspiration from what I see going on in the world, sometimes escaping it through song. It transports me to a peaceful place where my dreams become reality through creation.
When is your favorite time of day to create your music?
A creative phase can hit me anytime, which can be frustrating if it’s late at night or if I’m driving somewhere, as I have to get the idea down before I lose it.
Describe how art is essential to society nowadays.
I think art draws people together and helps people take interest in different cultures, enabling an integration of all different kinds of souls. Music in particular can bring people together from all tribes, tongues and nations, because everyone loves good music, singing and dancing together. You see it at music festivals. One race – the human race.
Bob Marley comes to mind, crossing racial and cultural boundaries with his messages of peace, social justice and unity.
What motivates you to create?
This whole life experience and the extraordinarily complex earth we live on. The highs and lows, the sadness, the happiness, the beauty, the sorrow and the pain. The history and the future. The quest for love and the relationships we form while we are here, and hope of a better future for all.
I guess it’s my heart that motivates me.
How do you define success as a music artist?
Success for me is simply being recognised as an artist and having people listen to my music.
Does art help you in other areas of your life?
It gives me insight into who I am, through analysing what I’ve written and what I surround myself with. It’s not until I’ve finished writing or decorating that I can stand back, look at what I’ve created and self-reflect.
The inside of my home is covered in art. I live to make music and create inspiring, visually exciting areas to surround myself in. It gives me a sense of accomplishment.
How do you develop your art skills?
Through listening to other musicians, but mostly by constantly writing and reaching for a better song to create, refining my craft through practice.
What is your next move?
I’m about to release another two songs with film clips, “Ammunition” and “Hold My Hand”. They will be out in the next week or so.
I have another six songs almost completed in the studio, all with film clips to be released this year, with an album “Where Clouds Gather” to be released towards the end of the year.
I’ve also got lots more on the go in various stages.
Here is a link to my YouTube channel if you’d like to follow what I’ve done so far and what’s coming up soon:
https://youtube.com/@jvssongs?si=Bpxu1clJRwFywtRj
Where will we see you in 5 years?
Playing gigs, releasing tracks and film clips, and releasing more albums. I plan on leaving a lot of music behind before I leave this existence.