Jon Dacks is a talented self-taught multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter from New York City who has carved a niche for himself by blending the timeless sounds of 70s rock and soul with modern pop influences. Drawing from his diverse background, Dacks has cultivated a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative, connecting with listeners on a deep emotional level. Through his music, he offers an authentic portrayal of his personal experiences and inspirations.
The Roots of Jon Dacks’ Musical Journey
Jon Dacks was born in Philadelphia to a mother from Washington Heights in Manhattan and a father from Brooklyn, New York. As an only child in a divorced family, Dacks found refuge in music, which became a constant source of comfort and expression. “Music saved me from the darkness and gave me what I needed most—hope,” Dacks shared. His musical journey began with the soulful sounds of artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, and Sly & the Family Stone. These early influences laid the foundation for his love of soul and inspired him to explore his creative abilities further.
As Dacks’ musical horizons expanded, he was drawn to the energy of 70s rock bands like Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Def Leppard, and Soundgarden. These rock influences, coupled with his appreciation for soul music, helped him discover his own unique sound. In his words, he was captivated by artists like D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Lenny Kravitz, who managed to merge old-school influences with forward-thinking, genre-blurring music. “When I heard Lenny Kravitz mixing Sly Stone and Led Zeppelin, that was a turning point for me,” Dacks recalled. This realization fueled his ambition to create music that could resonate with modern listeners while honoring the past.
The City That Shaped His Sound
Jon Dacks’ upbringing in both Philadelphia and New York played a significant role in shaping his musical identity. Growing up in suburban Philadelphia, he spent much of his time in New York City, where the vibrant energy of the city fueled his creativity. “Music became the soundtrack of my life, and the energy of the city was the key that unlocked the door,” Dacks reflects.
Whether driving through Brooklyn or visiting relatives in Manhattan, Dacks was constantly surrounded by the sounds of his surroundings. Whether it was hearing Marvin Gaye’s Inner City Blues on a drive through Brooklyn or humming Stevie Wonder’s Living for the City during visits to his aunt’s apartment, the city’s diverse musical influences seeped into Dacks’ creative process. New York’s energy and its rich cultural tapestry provided Dacks with a unique environment in which to hone his craft.
Songwriting as a Tool for Self-Expression
Dacks considers himself primarily a songwriter, even though he is proficient in multiple instruments. For him, music serves as a means to express his inner thoughts and emotions. “Music has always been like a sixth sense, a way to give my imagination a beating heart for others to experience,” he explained. His songwriting process is deeply personal, often reflecting his own struggles and triumphs.
In a similar vein, Dacks compares music to Carl Sagan’s concept of books as “time machines,” allowing listeners to enter the mind of the artist and experience life at a specific moment. Dacks’ ability to convey raw emotion through his music is what makes his songwriting so impactful. His voice, with its baritone and falsetto range, adds an additional layer of depth to his compositions, helping him to connect with his audience in an authentic way.
Returning to Music: A Pandemic Revelation
After taking a hiatus from music to raise a family, Jon Dacks experienced a resurgence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many others, Dacks found himself grappling with the uncertainty of the world around him, but he also realized that his passion for music was undeniable. “Get busy living or get busy dying,” Dacks said, quoting Shawshank Redemption, which became his motivation during a difficult time.
Dacks turned to his love of music as a form of healing. Inspired by multi-instrumentalists like Prince and Stevie Wonder, who often recorded their music solo, Dacks decided to pursue his own music-making at home. With a simple setup consisting of a MacBook Pro, an Electro-Voice RE20 microphone, and Apple’s Logic Pro software, he began to record his music directly into his laptop and program his own drums.
The DIY Approach to Recording and Production
Dacks’ approach to recording music has always been driven by his desire for creative control. Using home recording technology, he was able to produce two albums: Feel Like We Do in 2021 and Soul Bruiser, released in August 2024. Despite playing most of the instruments himself, Dacks enlisted the help of bassist Rob Calder, who has worked with Ed Sheeran and Passenger, to lay down the bass lines for both albums. Additionally, producer Hanan Rubinstein mixed the albums at Daxxit Sound Studios. Dacks speaks highly of both, praising Calder’s ability to create melodies quickly and Rubinstein’s multi-instrumental prowess.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to work with these guys,” Dacks said, acknowledging their contributions to the creative process. Their work together helped to shape the sound of the albums, blending rock, soul, and pop influences in a way that feels both timeless and fresh.
The Road Ahead: New Music and Ongoing Inspiration
Currently, Jon Dacks is promoting his single Can’t Go Back from Soul Bruiser, a song that continues to resonate with his growing fanbase. The album, like the rest of his music, showcases his unique ability to blend different genres into a cohesive sound. His work is available on streaming platforms such as Spotify and can be followed on social media under the username @jondacksmusic, where he connects with fans and shares updates about his musical journey.
Dacks’ music is more than just a form of entertainment—it’s an exploration of the human experience, with its ups and downs, joys and sorrows. Through his music, Jon Dacks continues to inspire and connect with listeners, proving that creativity can thrive even in the most uncertain of times.
For more information and to listen to his music, visit www.jondacks.com
Published by Jeremy S.
