At the “End of the Line,” Jon Danforth Has a Song For That

Jon Danforth is a singer-songwriter born and raised in Ferndale, Arkansas, and currently living in Dallas, Texas. His songs join together folk influences with indie rock elements to create an acoustic-driven, melodic take on Americana music. He has released four EPs since first launching out as a solo act in 2017 and is now preparing to release his debut full-length album, entitled Beginning and End.

“Beginning and End” was written in a cabin deep in the woods of the Ozark Mountains, and the at-times haunting and at-times playful, acoustic-driven sound reflects that rustic location. The songs explore things ending and things beginning. Whether it be the ending of a relationship, the shedding of a way that you used to view the world, or the passing on of a loved one; each of these types of events trigger whole new chapters in life. Songs like “End of the Line” and “Afterlife” look at the weightier sides of endings, while songs like “Maybe a Little” and “Cherry Tree” address the topic at hand with humor and light. The album reminds the listener that every beginning requires something else to end, and every ending allows for something else to begin. 

While “End of the Line (Pinkman’s Song)” may be an homage to Danforth’s favorite show Breaking Bad, people who have never watched a single episode (like me!) can plug into Danforth’s gravelly voice and literary songwriting. As the song builds in intensity and Danforth’s voice cracks with emotional straing, you’ll feel a sense of catharsis yourself.

In our interview, Danforth describes his musical inspirations and taking songwriting less seriously.

1. Does your album have an overarching theme?

The title of my album is Beginning and End. The overarching theme for the album is that every beginning requires something else to end, and every ending allows for something else to begin. Whether it be the concluding of a relationship, the deconstructing of a way that you used to view the world, or the passing on of a loved one; each of these types of events trigger whole new chapters in life. Each new season or chapter in life almost always requires an evolution of who you were or how you thought, which means an old part of you ends.

2. Who are some of your musical influences?

Some of my main influences are Johnny Cash, Nickel Creek, Josh Ritter, John Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Father John Misty, and Wilco.

3. What 5 albums are you going to make your kid listen to and why? I am going to make my kid listen to a lot of albums, but here are the top 5:

Nickel Creek, Why Should the Fire Die – This is one of my favorite albums of all time. It’s such a beautiful record all the way through.

Radiohead, OK Computer – This album still blows my mind. I’ve never heard anything like it.

Johnny Cash, Live from Folsom Prison – A classic. I put this on every time I go on a road trip.

Fleetwood Mac, Rumors – Because you can’t beat Stevie Nicks.

Jimi Hendrix, Are You Experienced – Such an iconic rock record.

4. Do you play covers at your shows? Why or why not?

I used to have no desire to learn or play cover songs. My thought was, “why would I play someone else’s song when I could just create a new song that no one has ever heard before that’s mine?” Nowadays, I love playing covers and intend to always try to have some included in shows. There are so many wonderful songs out there to enjoy by playing them with other people. Also, by learning and playing covers, I feel that I can improve my own songwriting.

5. Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?

Have fun with it. Be open to inspiration and influences in unexpected places. One of the obvious but still cool things about songs is that there are many different purposes or applications for them. There are songs for dancing or working out or processing grief or expressing love or going on road trips; and just about any feeling or experience you go through in life. Because that is true, I don’t think it’s necessary to try to be super deep or super technical on all your songs because sometimes simple, silly, or imperfect is what the song calls for.

Jon’s debut full-length album Beginning and End will be released on February 18th, 2022.

Jon Danforth — Official, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify