From the tiny town of Edinburg, Virginia, to the modern landscape of Los Angeles, California, singer-songwriter John-Robert has just released his latest EP titled Garden Snake. Garden Snake, out now via Nice Life, is a six-song collection that recalls his musical roots of acoustic folk and pop. 

With starry-eyed ambition, John-Robert passed up a scholarship to Berklee College of Music to pursue his own musical journey. His debut single, “Adeline”, has over eleven million likes which helped him co-sign and collaborate with names like Alessia Cara, Camilla Cabello, and more. Live Nation’s Ones to Watch quoted John-Robert as “a small-town teen poised to become the next big singer-songwriter”. His talents began way before “Adeline”. When he was just thirteen, was handpicked to perform on Ellen where he was gifted a $5,000 Guitar Center gift card that he turned into a laptop and music interface. It wasn’t long until he taught himself to produce and began posting covers of Coldplay, KISS, and Ed Sheeran to YouTube. 

With Garden Snake, John-Robert is paying homage to his humble beginnings. John-Robert shared, “It’s a return to form inspired by my musical upbringing in Virginia. This project feels the most like myself, and the songs feel lived in. While the writing process was me grieving the loss of a previous relationship; the recording process was a celebration of all the new ones.” Garden Snake is not only a healing exercise for the now 23-year old singer-songwriter, but is giving him a chance to reconnect with the people, places, and music that brought him to this point. 

Thirteen Magazine is excited to share our interview with John-Robert as we explore his past, his EP, Garden Snake, and what’s to come in the new year. Read more below!

THIRTEEN: Congratulations on the release of Garden Snake! Can you expand on the EP as a whole?

JOHN-ROBERT: It started as a passion project. I was learning Ableton and wanted to take everything back to basics. Pulling inspiration from the music I grew up around in Virginia. This project feels the most like myself and helped me move through a lot of pain I was carrying. It’s also the first time I’ve fully self produced a body of work. I’m proud of it, and glad these songs get to see the light of day.

THIRTEEN: Since Garden Snake is an homage to your musical journey thus far, tell us a little bit more about your past. What helped you get to where you are now?

JOHN-ROBERT: When I was 12, I was a cast member on a local show called “The Shenandoah Jamboree''. The show was centered around Ben “Cooter” Jones, from Dukes of Hazzard, and was held at “The Big Yellow Barn”. (Which literally was a giant yellow barn.) They almost exclusively featured traditional country, bluegrass and folk artists. It was there I grew an appreciation for the storytelling in those styles of music. As a performer there, I would “countrify” my modern music taste to fit the theme of the show. It was a huge learning experience, and I reflect on my time there fondly. 

THIRTEEN: What do you miss most about your hometown of Edinburg, Virginia?

JOHN-ROBERT: First and foremost my family. Otherwise, I mostly miss the seasons. It’s nature's annual show that happens all year round. It’s breathtaking. My hometown is quiet and everyone knows everyone. You’re bound to see a familiar face at the pump. My goal with “Garden Snake” was to make LA feel more like home. 

THIRTEEN: What artists helped define your childhood? Do any of them still influence your music today?

JOHN-ROBERT: To be honest, I’d have to say early Ed Sheeran. No one in my hometown was itching to start a band. That’s why I was so in awe of Ed’s work with the RC 30 Looper Station. He was doing stadium tours as a one man band- building songs from scratch in front of people. He’s like the hibachi steakhouse of live music. I got a looper station myself, and would save song ideas in the channels of the pedal, before I could produce. I also took cues from his guitar playing. Primarily his right hand. He’d utilize palm muting to distinguish the different sections of his songs, and was the most percussive guitar player I’d seen at that time. It was incredibly inspiring to me. 

THIRTEEN: You were awarded a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, why did you feel it was important to pass on that opportunity to pursue your own music?

JOHN-ROBERT: Even with the scholarship, college was still an expensive option. I figured working in music doesn’t require a degree, so I jumped at the opportunity to make music in LA. The point of a music school is not only to hone your craft, but to make connections. I felt that jumping into the scene in LA was a great way to learn through experience, and work with people I idolize. 

THIRTEEN: At any point did you worry you made the wrong decision about Berklee? Do you wish you had taken the scholarship?

JOHN-ROBERT: Honestly, a part of me did for a while. The structure of a curriculum was something I was lacking when left to my own devices. My first couple of years in LA were incredibly isolating. A music college is a great way to bond with your peers over common interests. That sense of community was something I was struggling to find at first. With that said, I wouldn’t go back and change a thing. I work with a label that puts their artists first, and am privileged to be making music full time.

THIRTEEN: “Sweet Child” is the first single and music video we saw come from this EP. Why did you choose that track as a first look into Garden Snake?

JOHN-ROBERT: I didn’t want to take myself too seriously, and the intro back up vocals showcase that. I have my friend Julian laughing in the intro, and my other friends joking in the live room during the bridge. Those moments make me smile and contradict the theme of the verses. It felt like a good introduction to the project. Especially since I followed that tune up with a song as wistful as “Westward Bound”.

THIRTEEN: You really brought a traditional way of storytelling into a more modern and contemporary soundscape. What is your process like?

JOHN-ROBERT: I wrote the songs alone in my room, just balling my eyes out. When recording, I wanted to celebrate the community I have in Los Angeles. So I brought the songs to my friends to jam out. I didn’t want that part of the process to feel like open heart surgery. That’s why the tone of the music and lyrics, in my opinion, juxtapose each other. I was aiming for the feeling of folk music, without completely abiding by all the traditional rules of the genre. Once I had my intentions set, it was easier to make a project with a consistent tone. 

THIRTEEN: How do you feel your musical identity has changed since your debut single, “Adeline”, in 2019?

JOHN-ROBERT: Funny enough, I returned to the intentions I had when I wrote that song. This last project was a return to form. Songs written on guitar, with an emphasis on storytelling. The things I haven’t shared or released is more… daring. I identify with a lot of music. However, when I explore different musical ideas, I still want to sound like myself. Not me trying on different genres. Rather a sound that is all my own. I’m more open to sampling - viewing Ableton as its own instrument. I want to build a foundation with recording live instruments, and build out from there.

THIRTEEN: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself that is about to perform on Ellen? What about when you were 19 and just signed to Nice Life/Warner Records?

JOHN-ROBERT: I’d give him a hug and tell him I love him. People and opportunities come and go. I’d want him to understand that I’m with him for life, and I’ve got his back. Self love is preached, but can be incredibly difficult to internalize

THIRTEEN: It sounds like Garden Snake is only the first of many upcoming releases. Can you share a little bit more about what you’ve been working on?

JOHN-ROBERT: It’s too early to share… But I’ve been making music with some friends from Virginia and I’m in love with how it’s sounding. I want to capture the energy of the house shows I’d attend in Harrisonburg Virginia. That’s something I’m most excited about. Aside from that, there are alot of songs that are finished, and shelved at the moment. Time will tell when it makes the most sense to release them.

THIRTEEN: What else can we expect to see from you in the new year?

JOHN-ROBERT: I’m joining BAILEN on tour in February! Love their music! I’m excited to learn from them. Aside from that, I’ll be releasing more music. At this point, I think that’s all I can say.