Photo: Jonathan Rundman
Music has always come naturally to Jonathan Rundman.
“Starting at age 18, I spent 30 years as a touring singer-songwriter,” says Rundman, an Edina resident. “I’m part of the tradition of American rock music that includes people like Tom Petty and John Mellencamp.”
Rundman spent the past decade of his career touring and recording with the New York City-based band The Silos, which inspired him to refocus on his own singer-songwriter identity. He plans to release his first solo album in 10 years, Waves, and tour as the opening act for The Silos on its Midwest tour. “This new one is a bit like a comeback album,” he says. “I’m so excited to play my own songs as the opener and then play keyboards with The Silos for the headlining set.”
Rundman describes his new sound as a homage to rock and roll records in the ’60s and ’70s. He played vintage instruments in a live studio and recorded it onto a 2-inch analog tape. “No computers, no synthesizers, no AI,” he says. “It was a thrilling experience to work this way. I think the listeners will be able to hear the fun and spontaneity of the creative process.”
The songs on Waves vary greatly in style. He features classic rock, rockabilly, atmospheric country and even power pop sounds. His children are also featured on violins. “[I’ve] invited my son and daughter to play with [me] as soon as they were able to learn a simple part on their violins, so they’ve been jumping up on stage with me for as long as they can remember,” Rundman says. “Both my son and daughter play violin on my new album, and both are now writing their own songs and booking shows with their own bands. It’s become a family tradition.”
Rundman’s album release party with The Silos is on April 23 at The Parkway Theater in Minneapolis. “I’m so excited for this hometown celebration,” he says.
