Jono Dorr Interview
We recently sat down with Jono Dorr, a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. to discuss his journey around creating music and what inspired him in the making of his new sample pack.
What inspired you to start creating music and how long have you been creating music for?
I started playing music when I was in third grade because my friends were playing guitar and drums, and they needed someone to play bass. I happened to have an uncle who played music, and he had gifted my mom a bass many years before that. So, I just had a bass sitting in the closet that I was able to pick up and start playing with my friends immediately. Then, it evolved into learning new instruments as you do in bands. It went on from there.
Do you have any placements? If you have had any placements, who have you had them with?
I've had placements with The Neighborhood, Hayley Kiyoko & Kehlani, and French Montana.
What samples do you normally like using when creating your own beats?
Sometimes, I'll start with a sample and add a bunch of instruments around it. I may even take out the sample and just have the stuff that I've added. Sampling is just a way to get going when you're stuck or not feeling inspired. It's a way to get some level of momentum to where you're invested and interested in taking the idea further.
What vibe were you trying to achieve in the sound pack?
I just create freely. It's hard to describe a specific vibe. I just make whatever mood I'm in at the time. Maybe I want to do only piano for a while or only guitar stuff or only vocal ideas. Those are the only sort of constraints I like to put.
How do you see other creators and producers using a sample pack?
I see people loading it in and maybe adjusting the BPM to whatever they have going on. They might also take a more creative approach by adding instruments, reversing things, pitching things, or chopping things. All of the above would be advantageous.
Do you have any specific tips that you would recommend for creators when using this pack?
I would say, use pitch shifters, tape plugins, distortions, and time pitch warp. These tools are helpful for achieving the desired sound.
What advice would you have for upcoming creators?
Make it a daily habit of making stuff all the time. Don't be too judgmental about it. The more you do that, the better you'll get, and you'll be able to pull on a bunch of different things if someone wants you to pull up different styles.
What are the top three producers of all time?
My personal favorites are George Martin, Kanye, and Boi-1da.
What is your favorite studio snack?
I don't like to eat while I'm in sessions, but if I have to, it's just something quick. At home, I like the combo of rice crackers, almond butter, and apples. That's one of my favorite between-meal snacks.
What's your dream collaboration?
I'm a big fan of Bon Iver and James Blake. I also love the comedian Tim Dillon, so that would be pretty funny to do something with him.
Interview by Sean P. Jones
You can check out Jono Dorr’s sample pack here.