Not originally from, but representing Spain today is Jon Tessier. With an alternative take on indie pop music, he’s got his debut single “Like The Sun” out and about as well as his current “Mad World.” We talked about most of the above and more as we got to know this international gem.

Kendra: You’re not only inspired by musicians but other creatives like Dali and Woody Allen. How do these non-musicians inspire your sound?

Jon Tessier: As a creator, I find it important to seek inspiration in other artistic fields. Dali and Woody Allen are masters in their disciplines. Even though I’m in music, they are an enormous inspiration in regards to artistic process and work ethic. Sonically, I would say they influence my research (how to look for things, like which sounds to use and which vibe I’m going for), my musical inspiration essentially comes from my musical influences and personal experiences. I will say this, most of the time non-musicians inspire the songwriting, when I see a Dali painting or watch a Woody Allen movie, they ignite personal emotions that trigger themes and images for my songwriting. I quoted Dali and Woody Allen just as examples, there are other creatives outside of music that inspire me as well.

Kendra: Born in Brazil, but living in Spain…When you think of your day to day, your way of life where do you feel like you fit in better?

Jon: Even though I was born in Brazil, I left the country when I was two years old to live in Malaysia, a country I called home for 16 years. I’ve also lived in France and Canada. Now I live in Spain where I feel like I fit in better. I think feelings of “belonging” and “fitting in” usually have a deadline, I’m certain I will end up someplace else in a few years. Don’t get me wrong, I love all the countries I’ve lived in, I just like to change it up when I can.

Kendra: What made you want to go solo after being in bands for years?

Jon: I was always in bands growing up, going solo was simply an opportunity to try something different.

Kendra: What’s the story behind your debut single?

Jon: The name of my debut single is called “Like The Sun”, it’s a pop rock ballad with an uplifting chorus, when I tracked it I got inspired by the idea of creating a “musical response” to the bossa nova song “Girl from Ipanema,” because when I was growing up it’s a song that I loved and was always around me.

Kendra: Lastly, what’s to come from you this year?

Jon: “Like The Sun” official video is in the works and I’m going to release more songs throughout the year.