Life & Work with Jonathan Carrillo of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Carrillo.

Hi Jonathan, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Close to Midnight was formed in 2023 out of a shared passion for heavy music and a hunger to create something honest, raw, and unforgettable. We’re more than just a group of musicians, we’re a geologist, a creative director, a nurse, a chef, and more. Each of us comes from a completely different walk of life, but we were all drawn together in Atlanta, GA by the same fire: a need to make music that hits hard and says something real.
What started as a few connections on social media quickly turned into something bigger. The name Close to Midnight was inspired by a lyric in “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, a nod to that electric moment right before everything changes. It’s not about the artist; it’s about the feeling. That edge. That anticipation.
Our sound blends crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and raw emotion. We’re not chasing trends; we’re building something authentic. Music that mirrors the chaos, clarity, and resilience it takes to keep pushing through life.
When we step on stage, we give everything. The energy, the connection, the release, that’s what we live for. Close to Midnight isn’t just a band, it’s a space where people feel seen, heard, and alive.
This is just the beginning. We’re here to shake the ground, bring people together, and leave a mark with every single note.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Close to Midnight is proud to announce that we’ve finally got a full lineup! It’s been a long journey to get here, with a lot of difficulties along the way. We’ve gone through several lineup changes and finding musicians who are not only talented but truly dedicated has been a struggle. It hasn’t been easy, but each step taught us something valuable and brought us closer to the right fit.

Now that we’re finally all here, the energy and chemistry are stronger than ever. We’re excited to move forward, focus on our music, and take the next steps as a complete band. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s made us even more determined to succeed. We can’t wait to share what’s coming next!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a metalcore / hard rock act from Atlanta, GA.

What are your plans for the future?
We’re currently cooking up some fresh music that’s already in production, and trust us, it’s going to hit hard. The sound is evolving, and we’re hyped about what’s coming next. On top of that, we’ve got a few killer shows lined up, so we’ll be hitting the stage soon to bring the energy and connect with fans in new places.

But that’s not all, we’re also working on some exciting collaborations that are going to add a whole new dimension to what we’re doing. We’re pushing boundaries, taking risks, and embracing the creative energy that’s coming from all sides. Big things are in the works, and we’re ready to keep raising the bar.

The future’s looking bright, and we’re just getting started. Stay tuned! We’ve got a lot to share, and it’s going to be awesome!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.closetomidnightband.com
• Instagram: @closetomidnightband
• Other: Apple Music & Spotify: Close to Midnight

Image Credits
Photos: @JonCarrilloPhoto
www.joncarrillophoto.com