Soundcheck

J.S. Ondara Says Hello To The 'American Dream'


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J.S. Ondara is a Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter whose love for Bob Dylan spurred him to move to Minnesota from Nairobi, Kenya in 2013. Since he won a Green Card lottery that allowed the move, he learned to play guitar and has lived the so-called “American Dream.” He learned English both in school and because he wanted to understand the lyrics in music by Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Nirvana, Death Cab for Cutie Neil Young, and Dylan.  

Ondara, in an interview with Rolling Stone, describes his music as “old troubadour style,” that is “until I go electric and make everyone upset”, like his inspiration Bob Dylan. The DIY-musician, still in his 20’s, has just released his debut record, Tales of America and he joins us to play some of these songs, in-studio.

Set list: "Saying Goodbye", "Torch Song", "Days of Insanity"

 

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