Meet Jesse Nighswonger

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jesse Nighswonger.

Jesse, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
From singing funny punk songs on my guitar to my close friends, to making crazy electronic music on the family computer, I was always secretly making music since I was very young.

I was a very shy and awkward kid. It took years of kind words of those close friends to convince me that I was good enough. I didn’t start singing in front of people until I was 19. After countless failed bands I finally decided to just try it on my own. So I took my tiny ukulele and starting playing open mics around Woodstock where I grew up, as well as Atlanta. It’s at those open mics where I found talented, like-minded friends.

Around this time I started at The Art Institute of Atlanta for Audio Production. I met more great friends and that’s where I honed in on what my passions and expertise were. I fell in love with audio post-production for film, as well as creating music on Digital Audio Workstations such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro. After college, I began composing music for ads and short films. Then in 2015, I released my first full-length album, “What Are You Doing Tonight?”

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I have always had my hands in several baskets. I have worked as a boom operator, live sound engineer, film composer, sing-songwriter, and performer. It’s always been a struggle for me to narrow my focus down to one passion and run with it. The main thing ever stopping me has always been myself. Getting a freelance gig as a composer gives me the same security as playing and writing with a band.

There are either given instructions or a certain direction that is obvious to go in. Since I can draw inspiration from practically anything when I’m on my own sometimes I find it hard deciding what to do next and committing to a decision.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Jesse Nighswonger story. Tell us more about the business.
Since my degree is in audio production instead of music theory, when I compose music I rely heavily on sound design. Meaning I try to create unique sounds that don’t really sound like anything else I have heard. I have a certain knack for cinematic ambient music. Through these new sounds, I try to evoke the emotions necessary depending on what I’m working on. I thrive most when I have a very specific type of song to make for a client. I love researching and referencing to make something that would usually be out of my comfort zone.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I feel like generally, the universe has generally always been rooting for me. I have been fortunate in many ways. I am grateful that I am in a position that I can make music practically all of the time. In 2016 I had an opportunity to provide the music and sound design for an Atlanta Falcons promo video that played at The Georgia Dome for a season before the team ran onto the field.

I have made some long lasting friends over the years that have helped me get to where I am today. David Cone, Kyle Swick, Matt Hobbs, Chris Adams, and Cayce Buttrey are just a few of those friends. I plan to continue to be constantly learning, creating, writing and performing as much as I possibly can.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessenighswongermusic/

Image Credit:
Micheal Hicks, Abby Memoli, Ashley Ruban

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