Madison Jones

Madison Jones' journey into music wasn't marked by a single moment of epiphany but rather a natural progression influenced by his surroundings. "I don't think it was a particular moment," he reflects. "More just something that happened." Growing up in a household that often echoed with the sounds of his mother and close friends playing music, it was almost inevitable that Madison would be drawn to it. The pivotal moment came when a drum set found its way into their home. "At some point, we obtained a drum set in our house, and it started there!"

Madison's musical style is an eclectic mix shaped by various artists and genres over the years. "There are too many to list," he admits. However, discovering the intense energy of heavy rock and metal, coupled with the boundless creativity of jazz, left a significant imprint on him. These genres provided a vast playground for him to explore and develop his unique sound.

An unusual fact about Madison that many fans might find surprising is his early childhood spent on an ostrich farm in the middle of nowhere, Ohio. "I grew up on an ostrich farm in the middle of nowhere Ohio when I was a kid," he shares with a smile, adding a touch of the unexpected to his musical journey.

Madison's first instrument was the drums, learned through a blend of informal lessons and self-teaching. "A good friend was a drummer, I would always be hanging with him, watching him play," he recalls. These sessions laid the foundation for his understanding of rhythm and timing, skills he values deeply even though he never considered himself a great drummer. "I was never a good drummer, but I think I understand timing and writing drums better than any other instrument."

His approach to songwriting is both intuitive and structured. "Usually starts with a specific idea, rhythm, or melody," Madison explains. From there, he builds layers and variations, meticulously crafting each piece until it meets his satisfaction. "The rest of the song tends to come to me after."

Among the many performances Madison has given, the small, intimate venues stand out as his favorites. "There's something about being right next to folks while playing that feels so much more real compared to being on a stage or separated by a barrier," he says, emphasizing the connection and authenticity these settings provide.

Had he not pursued music, Madison envisions himself in the Earth or Space Science field, driven by his lifelong fascination with these subjects. "Probably something in the Earth or Space Science field. Always been a big ol' nerd!" Outside of music, he enjoys photography, exercise, outdoor activities, and martial arts, finding balance and relaxation in these diverse interests.

One of Madison's favorite aspects of performing live is the opportunity to improvise. "I love improvising live! It has great benefits like improving your creativity and skill. It's also a lot of fun." He believes this spontaneity creates a unique and special connection between the musicians and the audience, a dynamic that is both challenging and rewarding.

A significant challenge Madison faced in his music career was learning not to settle for mediocrity in his work. "When I was younger, I felt that I needed to use everything I wrote, even if it was not up to par," he reflects. Over time, he developed the discipline to either move on from ideas that didn't resonate or invest the necessary time to refine them until they did.

Madison is excited about the future with Crossing the Rubicon, eager to bring his unique perspective to the band's music. "Well, I hope I can bring some unique takes to the music," he shares. Currently, he is particularly enthusiastic about the writing process and what it will yield, aiming to create new and exciting sounds that listeners will enjoy.

Madison is deeply passionate about wildlife and habitat conservation. "I'm passionate about this because I live on this planet, and at the moment, it's the only one we have," he asserts. He emphasizes the urgency of taking action now to preserve the planet for future generations, underscoring the responsibility we all share as stewards of the Earth.

When it's time to unwind, Madison finds solace in nature, video games, and music. "Hanging outside in a peaceful location, playing video games, listening to music, stretching," he lists as his favorite ways to relax. His love for sci-fi and fantasy genres in books and movies stems from their ability to push the limits of imagination. "I think those genres really resonate with me because they tend to push the limit of people's imaginations."

Madison Jones' memoir is a tapestry of experiences, influences, and passions that have shaped him into the musician he is today. His journey is a testament to the power of continuous learning, creative exploration, and the importance of staying true to one's unique voice.