Write a commentThe following is an interview conducted with John McConnell of John McConnell Music:
IHO: How long have you lived in Oswego/How long have you been performing in Oswego?
JM: In the fall of 1999, I moved from Ontario, N.Y., to Oswego, to attend college at SUNY Oswego. I played my first open mic at Old City Hall in September of 2003, and I landed my first paid gig at G.S. Steamers a couple of months later in November. Looking back, the 22-year-old me wasn't ready for his own four hour gig, but my friend, who managed Steamers at the time, had an opening and liked what he heard at open mic. And so, my Oswego-based musical journey began, a little over 17 years ago.
IHO: Has being a musician always been the dream?
JM: I remember being in middle school and attending the high school talent show one year. I was blown away by a band, assembled of older kids, performing "No Sleep till Brooklyn" by The Beastie Boys. That was the moment when I said to myself, "Hey, I wanna do THAT!" So, I got my first job when I was 14 and saved up to buy a guitar. I never intended to be a 40-year-old full-time musician but here I am, and I feel lucky and blessed to be here. In recent years, I've shifted my thinking with respect to the path that I've chosen; I like to think of it more as "answering a calling" than "pursuing a dream." That's the only way I can really explain how and why I do what I do. I wake up most days thinking, "So when will I get a real job?" or something to that effect. I recall being a small child who never wanted to grow up. I often wondered how I’d go from being a kid to an adult; putting on a suit and tie five mornings a week and driving downtown to a grown up job, much like my dad did. All these years later, I still feel like that kid! I keep answering the call everyday, often with fear, anxiety and reluctance but the call keeps ringing. Since 2003, I've played well over 2000 gigs, I've survived countless late nights, I've had more laughs and good times than you can shake a stick at, and I've played and sang my way through tendonitis and a vocal chord surgery. I've also had a couple of mental breakdowns along the way. Most importantly though, I've made a lot of great friends and have forged many meaningful relationships.
IHO: When you aren’t busy performing what can you be found doing?
JM: Mostly overthinking and biting the places where my fingernails used to be. But seriously, I spend a lot of time with family and friends. My relationships mean the world to me. Beyond that I enjoy cooking, playing golf, listening to podcasts, audio books and public radio (shoutout to WRVO!) and taking deep-dives into music listening. I'm in my second term as a Board Member at The Oswego Music Hall (Ontario Center for Performing Arts) and also function as a Program Director. Prior to COVID, I was volunteering my time as the Director of a regional songwriter series there called, The Hook. I hope to be able to get back to that soon.
IHO: What project are you proudest of/was the most fun to create?
JM: In early 2018, with the help of Kyle Ridlon Productions, Zink Shirts and many friends, community members, local musicians and local businesses, I created and spearheaded a live music event called, Music for Mental Health. It took place at The American Foundry on a cold Saturday in early January. When I say cold, there was one of those "cold weather advisories" in place and temperatures were getting down to like 30 below zero with the wind chill. That didn't slow anyone down from showing up, as we had a full house that night. The goal of the event was, first and foremost, to help lessen the stigma associated with mental illness and additionally, to raise funds for the regional branch of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness). The event was a success on many levels, and I hope to organize another of its kind in the future.
IHO: What has been the best community experience you’ve had since being a musician here?
JM: This is a tough one to answer, as I've had so many amazing community experiences across my years making music while based in Oswego. Music for Mental Health comes to mind for sure. Another event that is high on the list is the benefit that my family, friends and the Oswego community organized for me in 2018, to assist with the expenses associated with vocal cord surgery. I do think it is important to include the experience of hosting open mic every Tuesday, up until quarantine started, for the past 13 years at Old City Hall. The consistency in which the community has supported and participated in this event has been incredible. The environment that has grown around it has been kind, loving and supportive. Through the weekly consistency of this event, I've had the opportunity to shake hands with, and get to know, many amazing people! I've learned a lot about music, live sound, performance, humility, relationships and beyond. I've been given the opportunity to be mentored there and also to mentor others. I thrive on helping folks to feel comfortable when they are noticeably uncomfortable and open mic has been a great forum for that process. I'm eternally grateful for the community's support of this event, and I hope to return to my weekly duties there down the road. In the meantime, you can find me playing tunes and bantering on about nothing and everything, every Tuesday evening from 7:30pm-9:30pm live on Facebook at John McConnell Music. Big love!
John McConnell is something of an Oswego legend. Perhaps it is his approach as a songwriter and storyteller, one of vulnerability and authenticity that lends itself to his universal respect. Or possibly the openhanded way in which he chooses to live; generously sharing his time and energy to further other's musical talents and freely spreading positivity and blessings with every note played, lyric written and breath taken. John exudes a love for live music that he liberally shares with this community through the countless benefits in which he participates. Looking to book John? Email him at: johnmcconnellmusic@gmail.com or send him a message on FB: https://www.facebook.com/JohnnyMcTunes.
