A Creative Escape

"There's definitely also a time for criticism, when you should be soliciting it, and not a time when you should just be creating. If you give something to someone too early in the creative process - whatever you're creating, whether it's beat or a story or whatever - it's not your're best work. You should feel like it's good and solid before you give it to someone, so they can help you take it to another level."

On this week of The Moonlighters' Club, Joel sits down with co-host Funsho for a laugh-filled interview with Jon Simmons: a Maine native, Emerson alumnus, freelance writer, managing editor and hip hop producer.

With such a varied resume, it's safe to say Jon has many interests. During the day, he serves as Managing Editor for Skyword's digital publication The Content Standard, but at night, he's focused on every aspect of music discovery - both listening to new classics and creating his own. His experience as a freelance writer for Monster.com and regional music publication Sound of Boston helped him hone his editorial skill set, and his musical sensibility allows him to draw connections between writing strong stories and writing great songs.

Jon's passion for music and storytelling began at an early age, since he comes from a creative family. During his time at college, Jon was able to take songwriting classes at Berklee College of Music. Upon graduation and getting some "real world" experience, Jon found an opportunity with Sound of Boston, where he works to highlight local hip hop groups, funk bands, indie rockers and other popular acts. Although it's a volunteer-based organization, it has resulted in paid gigs at Brighton Music Hall. 

He jokes that sometimes it feels like he's got too many passions, but whether it's publishing articles or creating fresh beats, Jon gives it his all. He dreams to someday have a studio and big names fronting the beats he produces, but until then, his writing keeps his mind sharp - and he likes to stay busy. 

Listen to learn about the time Joel played saxophone alongside Tito Puente, and about all the different artists in Jon's family. After that. keep up with him at jonsas.com, follow him at @jpopsmusic on Twitter and Facebook and check out his work at Sound Of Boston and The Content Standard.