Episode 185: Jon Bernson

Look At My Records!

Episode 185 of Look At My Records! features an interview with multidisciplinary artist Jon Bernson. The San Francisco-based songwriter has a long and fascinating history of writing eclectic, narrative-driven songs that incorporate several other means of expression, including sound design, dance, and tableau vivant, to name a few. Berson began experimenting beyond the traditional confines of songwriting in the late 1990s as the frontman of Ray's Vast Basement, developing a multimedia approach that is frequently referred to as 'musical fiction'. He’s continued his expansive and interdisciplinary approach through other musical projects, including Exray’s and Window Twins. He’s also written plays, such as When Lighting The Voids, and is a founding member of the Howells Transmitter arts collaborative and record label. Most recently, Bernson shared a new album called Higher Lows, which was heavily inspired by Leonard Cohen's 1984 album, Various Positions. Like Cohen, Bernson recorded the album using a variety of Casio synthesizers that he accumulated over the years from thrift stores and juxtaposed darker lyrics with bright sonics. Tune in to our interview to hear about how Bernson started his first project, Ray’s Vast Basement, while living in a storage shed on the edge of the Point Reyes National Forest, how he’s transitioned between projects, what it was like recording Higher Lows while an artist in residency at The Space Program in San Francisco, and much more. Plus, Bernson picked some awesome records from my collection, including choice cuts from Purple Mountains, Public Image LTD., and The Cars. You can follow along with Jon’s picks via the official playlist for Episode 185.

You can purchase a copy of Higher Lows via Bandcamp. The album is also available on all streaming platforms. Keep up with Jon by checking out his website and following him on Instagram.