Meet John Idalis | Singer-songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Idalis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi john, how do you think about risk?
This is a great question. I think taking risks are definitely necessary in all aspects of life. Both professional and personal. As I songwriter, I ask myself things like, “Should I release this song about this very personal aspect of my private life?” But also I think everyday we are assessing risks, even benign things like, “Do I have time to go to the store before it closes?” But thank goodness we do. Because yes, sometimes things we try don’t work out but when they do… it’s gratifying. Something I tell myself is that I’m not gonna get any W’s if I don’t take any L’s. Once I accepted taking L’s as just an inevitable fact of life, it made me less afraid to take risks.

I did learn from a young age not to be delusional when it comes to risks though. Like unless you come from a rich family and inherited lots of money, quitting your day job to just chase your dream is dangerous. Unless you like sleeping in motels and habitually borrowing money from others. I don’t recommend it. I say be reasonable. Yes, don’t be afraid to share your art to the world but also don’t be ashamed to work a normal job. Daniel Johnston worked at McDonald’s while making albums. And now he’s regarded as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of the past century.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a singer-songwriter and something I am proud about, even looking back at my earliest work… was the fact that I just did it. Nobody told me I should be a singer-songwriter. Nobody told me I should even make my own music. In fact there were people who flatly told me not to. Or demeaned my desire for musical pursuits. Maybe it’s the one trait of autism that’s beneficial: I genuinely don’t care about what’s “expected.” I do things I like because I like to do them.

I think that’s why Daniel Johnston is so inspiring to me. That neurodivergent attitude of, “I’m gonna make art for the sole purpose of enjoying making art.”

I will say coming to terms with my autism and embracing my passion was not easy. During my childhood I was bullied for my voice, my lack of dancing ability, my lack of any apparent performing talent- for the longest time I tried to fit the mold of the “competent” triple-threat child performer. Then when I was 20, I had an epiphany while doing homework: why do I have to believe what OTHERS believe constitute “good art?” If making a piece of art makes me feel fulfilled, then it was a GOOD time. No matter what others think.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Great question! We don’t have Food City in my home state of California (to my knowledge at least), so if I was bringing a family member or friend from my hometown, I’d take them there first for some bomb caldo and pan dulce. We also don’t have Fat Cats back home, so I would take them there for some arcade games and bowling. Then take them to local classic, Barro’s Pizza, for some delicious pizza. Lastly, First Friday! Great place to get a vibe of Phoenix.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Two people I want to shoutout: my Mom and my sibling, Lawrence. As aforementioned with the discussion about risks, these two people shaped my judgment of taking risks. They remind me to be daring but they also keep me humbled- which are two things I very much appreciate. It’s all about balance.

Website: https://www.johnidalis.com/

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Youtube: https://youtube.com/@johnidalis?si=ggiU4dnSkPUJCGNe

Image Credits
Kayla Dewees, Misti Green, Flash PhotoVideo.