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

Hi Jon, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
Genuine passion. I can’t tell you how many concerts I’ve been to where some of the acts onstage looked like they were bored out of their minds, all the while I’m down in the audience dreaming of an opportunity to play in front of any crowd. It was those acts where the entire band was putting on a show, everyone was into it and even though it might have been the 3rd or the 37th stop on the tour, they were still loving what they got to do. Even bands I had no interest in seeing originally who may have been opening acts would sometimes totally change my mind about them because of how passionate they were about the music they were playing.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Originally, sound design was a hobby for me that started back in high school. Being that I had always been a massive fan of the Halloween season, creating horror soundscapes and haunted house music just became what I composed most. After being involved in the haunted attraction industry as a scare actor at a Southern California theme park shortly after graduating high school, I was subjected to tons of Halloween sound FX and soundtracks early on, some of which were rather awful in quality (like the season I was a monster in a room with nothing but emergency sirens playing… for an entire month, plus). I started to think that I could make Halloween soundtracks myself, at least ones better than that. And I’ve never stopped since.

This year, I’m incredibly lucky to have joined the production team for the return of ‘Nightfall At Old Tucson’, composing all the audio for the park, mazes, shows, rides, and almost everything else heard at this season’s event. The other members of the production team were very receptive to everyone’s ideas and I felt welcomed and trusted to do what I’ve done for so long. I’m sure my 22 years and counting in the professional haunted attraction industry in general didn’t hurt much, either! It really was a dream come true the entire time and it had a lot to do with the whole team being supportive, having each other’s backs, and all of us acting like an actual team. I can’t wait to work with them again!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Rooster Cogburn Ostrich Ranch in Picacho is a must-see if you’re an animal lover. I absolutely love that place! Super clean, super friendly, tons of awesome and healthy creatures all over.

Tucson Botanical Gardens is a great spot, especially the butterfly room. I could sit in there for hours.

Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is always worth seeing. Being a big fan of animals, everything about the desert museum is always a great visit. Reid Park Zoo is another fun spot in town to see much bigger creatures.

Bookman’s on Speedway is a stop for me every so often to see what’s new. I pretty much always want to take home at least one of the musical instruments they’ve got out.

Heirloom Farmer’s Market at Rillito Park. Get yourself some of that fire-roasted garlic from The Roasted Chile and spread it on some toast with a little butter *chef’s kiss*

Tucson Roadrunners Hockey at the Tucson Arena! I’ve always been a big hockey fan and the Roadrunner games are a lot of fun.

If we’re talking food then Paco’s on Grant & Craycroft gets the vote for my favorite spot to eat in town. Trident Grill is a great place to get a drink with a solid variety of food. Baja Cafe for breakfast! Jimmy’s Pizzeria, Luke’s, Native, Vivace, The Persian Room, and of course ranch fries from Eegee’s.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without saying anything that they’ll just make fun of me for after they see this, Andrew & Rachel Mitchell have been a super supportive part of my life for a very long time and it’s hard to imagine where I’d be without them.

Mike & Noelle Lisenbery are my rocks back home in Southern California and I miss them pretty much all the time.

Website: www.JonAutopsy.com

Instagram: @official_jon_autopsy

Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialJonAutopsy

Youtube: YouTube.com/JonAutopsy

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