My relationship with Jon Madof began with an email. Or, it began when I first encountered his string of remarkable albums for jazz icon John Zorn’s Tzadik label in the early years of this century. Or, it began before both of us were born, our heroes and influences already blazing the trails we’d attempt to follow and expand. Jon is an extraordinary musician, and while his catalog of music is highly recommended and speaks volumes about who he is, the music only tells part of the story. Jon has followed the trends and technology of our ever-changing world, and he continues to find ways to make and share music, not only in spite of, but by embracing challenges, turning them into opportunities. (We talked about this a few years back for 1455’s second annual StoryFest.) Jon and I began talking about the intersection of technology and entertainment during my years as an industry analyst (see us in action, circa 2014) and you can read my appraisals of his music here and here.

Jon remains my go-to guy when I want to get the lowdown on how musicians are managing to survive (and thrive!) in a world overwhelmed with content and ostensible obstacles. As always, it’s our pleasure to have his perspective.