We had the good fortune of connecting with Jon Rauhouse and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Being a musician, especially a sideman, you kinda have the business aspect of entertainment foisted upon you. As I started to get more successful both workwise and monetarily I had to embrace all the aspects of a small business: accounting, Banking, scheduling, transportation, assets, taxes, etc. I had to figure out if I wanted to be a professional musician, I had to become one.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The main thing that has contributed to my success is versatility and an ability to adapt. I realized early on if i wanted to make this a viable living, I could work more if I played more instruments. So I started adding instruments (tools) to my resume and people would get more sounds for their buck. I am most proud of the fact that I have been playing music with Neko Case for twenty plus years and have traveled the world with her and we have 2 Grammie nominations and 8 records. I started out locally like most musicians and just kept at it. Got noticed nationally and started touring in Vans in other national acts. I ate a lot of Taco Bell and Ramen Noodles in those days. But if i could play, I would. Wherever it would take me. One of the Lessons I learned was that, in my position, you just cant be a jerk. People just don’t stand for that sort of thing any more. It’s too competitive
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m going to have to assume the Covid crisis is over so the first thing I would do is head to Juan’s Authentic Mexican Food at 1516 E Thomas. I was born and raised in the Valley and it is the best. Other restaurants on this visit would be Cherryblossom Noodle Cafe, Thai Recipe Bistro, and Green New American Vegetarian and then for sure Kream Coffee to top it off. The first attraction would be the Musical Instrument Museum (the MIM) it is an amazing collection of Instruments from all over the world. Then maybe over to the Roberto-Venn School of Luthiery and check out the Guitar building school in downtown Phoenix. If it’s in the spring and all things are normal we would go check out an MLB spring training training game at one of the various ball parks. Then to just go and hang out I would say Cibo, the front room at the Crescent Ballroom, or the Rose Room at the Valley Bar
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My Wife Jennifer
Website: www.jonrauhouse.com
Instagram: @rauhouse
Twitter: @jrauhouse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jonrauhouse
Image Credits
Elaine Thomas Campbell