Thanks For Your Time: Gotye, Kimbra, Jonti, October 2012

One of the artists David and CJ saw with FosterThe People in June 2012 was Kimbra. They enjoyed Kimbra’s set and played her CD regularly after they were introduced to her music. So, when it was announced she would be back in the DFW area in October 2012, we were all over wanting to get tickets. Kimbra was slated to be one of the opening acts, along with Jonti, supporting Gotye. Like most people, the only song we knew from Gotye was his single “Somebody That I used to Know”. Kimbra is the female vocallist in that song. We were only familiar with the one Gotye song and Kimbra’s Vows album, so had no idea what to expect. I have to say that I was pleasantly suprised by the amount of talent displayed by each act that night. The Gotye/Kimbra/Jonti concert remains one of my favorite shows to this day.

Jonti

Jonti is a multi-talented singer/songwriter/electronic musician. When he came on stage I remember thinking “he is the sweetest thing ever!” Jonti’s humility and gratitude made him so charming and appealing   Not to mention the talent he has by being able to make music out of anything, like a lunchbox.  David met Jonti that evening in the venue lobby. After the show, CJ would correspond with Jonti via Twitter, making arrangements for a Skype session with Jonti on Christmas that year. Check out Jonti here: http://www.stonesthrow.com/jonti

Kimbra

So our goal for this show was to meet Kimbra. CJ had found her tour manager and was corresponding for several weeks before the concert. The day before the event we get an email from Kimbra’s tour manager telling us she arranged for a brief meet and greet with us after her set. In preparation for the meeting David painted a couple of pctures to giveto Kimbra. After Kimbra’s set we were escorted to the green room back stage and had the pleasure to meet Kimbra. It was just us, no one else. David seemed a little nervous, but she was super sweet. She thought it was pretty neat we were taking David to concerts at such a young age. I admit I was a little nervous too, but she made us all feel comfortable. Check out Kimbra: http://www.kimbramusic.com/

Gotye

The suprise of the night came from Gotye’s performancve. Wally DeBacker (Gotye’s actual name) is one of the most talented artists around. I had no idea he was such an accomplished drummer, musician, performer and songwriter until I saw him live. He totally deserved his Grammy. When you get a chance, check out some of his other music: older Gotye and his other band, The Bascis. We didn’t get to meet Gotye in person, but we have had an email relatiobnship with him over the past couple years. Wally gave us some great advice regarding David’s budding music interest and possible future career. Here is an email he sent in 2013:

Cool to hear Susan. I was interested in music from a young age, though I only really actively started pursuing it when I was 15. I got drum lessons, and started to mess around on the family piano learning songs by bands I liked and then writing and singing my own. It’s great David is so interested in music. Perhaps lessons on an instrument of his choice would be inspiring for him? Or looking up local music performances, perhaps suggest things he’s not aware of yet and offer to take him to check them out (a small jazz gig? a classical music performance…I don’t know what he’s listening to, but variety is always good I reckon).Also, doing activities outside of music is actually beneficial for creative pursuits. Sometimes they relate when you don’t expect them to, for instance when sports help your motor skills and contribute to your ability to develop the technical side of playing a musical instrument. Or how maths, physics and engineering cross over into music in a huge way (e.g. harmonic relationships: maths, recording and mixing music: physics, instrument design and construction: engineering)I’m guessing David’s already into messing around with music on computers if he wants a MIDI keyboard for Christmas?The fact you and Craig are keen to support David’s interest in music is really wonderful, good on you. Cheers, Wally

To Wally, Kimbra and Jonti,Thankls for Your Time. Much appreciated and wishing much success to you all.