This guy! What a great guy. We met Jona a few months ago and we just knew he was a quality guy. Not many can hold all these titles at once; Rocker, Vegan, Traveler, kind and compassionate, and... a Model, even if he didn't try. The beard, those tats and that Aussie swag... this guy loves a good time! We had the privilege to interview him, hang out and ask him a few more questions. Read more below:
Where are you located?
Adelaide, Australia/Irvine, CaliforniaWhat is it that you do?
I play guitar in an Aussie metal band called I Killed The Prom Queen, travel the world and grow a beard.
When did you realize that this is what you wanted to pursue?
I began playing the guitar at 12 years old and by 18 years old I had already been in 4 bands and began traveling Australia with my music. A career in music wasn't exactly my plan, its just what happened, and i'm fine with that.
Describe a few steps you took to make this happen.
First of all I believe you have to be truly passionate about what you want to do. I didn't pursue a career in music for money or fame, or any other reason. I pursued music as a career because its all I thought about 24/7, it is all I knew how to do or be good at and combining the feeling of performing live on stage in front of a crowd and traveling with my best friends sounded like a perfect time to me.
What are some of your accomplishments as a band member?
I have performed at hundreds of festivals around the world, through Europe, Asia, Australia and the US, I have won two Kerrange Magazine Awards (one for best album, one for best music video), I have played with and met most of my idols in music and received a number 1 album on the Australian ARIA Charts.
What do you believe makes a quality group?
It is difficult to say, but I believe it to be a combination of talent, hard work and motivation, sacrifice, good business instincts and also a great team behind you.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
When it comes to writing new music I take inspiration from events which have occurred in my life and had an impact on me. Whether it be a relationship (good or bad), losing someone close to you, traveling and visiting amazing new places etc. I also take musical influence from peer bands, and many different genres of music I love. When we began as a band I almost exclusively only listened to other metal and hardcore bands, these days I take influence from many different genres, everything from classical or electronic music, to ambient/post rock.
What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
Many people will tell you to pursue a more realistic career choice but if music is what you are truly passionate about, I believe you should follow your heart and try to build a career out of that.
Did you ever think you would be where you are today?
I remember being 16/17 years of age, having a difficult time in high school with my teachers and fellow students, and thinking, I’m never going to amount to anything and I’m never going to have enough money to travel and see the world. Fast forward four years and I was embarking on my first tour of the USA from Australia.
Where can readers find out more about you?
www.instagram.com/jonaweinhofen
Do you have any new releases on the way and when will this release?
Our recent album ‘Beloved’ was released in February through Epitaph Records worldwide and we have a new single and music video for the song ‘bright enough’ is out.
