"The path ahead looked impossible," J.S. Ondara says of his boyhood dreams. Those included the usual adolescent fantasies: trips to the moon, adventures in an alternate universe, etc. But alongside piloting a spaceship, Ondara dreamed of becoming a singer/songwriter. Skipping school in his native Nairobi, Kenya in favor of "consuming" music at internet cafes, Ondara nurtured what he calls a "foolish dream" — one that looks and sounds more real every day.

Celebrating the release of his debut album Tales of America, Ondara returned to The Current's studio for the first time since 2016. He performed "Saying Goodbye," "Torch Song," and "Days Of Insanity" from the new album, and host Andrea Swensson sat down with him for an enlightening conversation about his past, present, and future. Highlights include a discussion of the number of songs he wrote for Tales of America; why listening to English rock songs felt like traveling in a spaceship; and how he put together his all-star backing band.

To hear the full in-studio session, use the audio player above.

Songs Performed

"Saying Goodbye"
"Torch Song"
"Days Of Insanity"

All songs from J.S. Ondara's 2019 LP, Tales of America, available via Verve Records.

Hosted by Andrea Swensson
Produced by Jesse Wiza
Engineered by John Miller
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Cecilia Johnson

External Links

J.S. Ondara - official site

J.S. Ondara - Facebook

J.S. Ondara - Twitter

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