Jonathan used to be a computer programmer and a self-proclaimed "code monkey." But in 2005 he gave it all up and traded it in for shiny new career in Internet troubadourity. Most of his music is thematically tied to the best tenets of geek culture: zombies, video games, science fiction, evil overlords and the like. But what distinguishes Jonathan from the rest is his refreshingly original combination of musical style and lyrics. You wouldn't think that a song about a giant squid's lament over the ships it crushes could be both poignant and meaningful. It's a testament to Jonathan's abilities that his music, though thematically ridiculous, can actually be quite touching.
The musical business model is as unique as the artist. On the music section of his official website, you can listen to every song he's released so far, and download many of them for free. Most songs have three payment options ranging from none at all, to fixed price, and lastly, pay what you think it's worth. Thanks to avid (or is that rabid?) fans and solid word of mouth, Jonathan's Internet rock stardom is well on its way.
Personally, I was introduced to Jonathan's music through his contribution to the genius video game Portal (as was part of The Orange Box). The final credit song "Still Alive" was by far the funniest and most clever compositions I'd heard in a good long time. Possibly ever. After some Internet sleuthing, I discovered who the mind behind the music was and was subsequently pulled into the glory of Jonathan's genius. I guess you could say I've been a fan ever since.
My current favorite songs from his list: Skullcrusher Mountain, Code Monkey, Shop Vac, Drinking With You, Tom Cruise Crazy, and The Future Soon. Seriously. Go check them out.
So here's to Jonathan Coulton. Making geek culture cool... or at least a little less uncool, for those of us who just can't help ourselves.
4 comments:
Ahh, I'm going to have to look into him.
And you and Age both wrote about some type of geeky-ness.
"Aperture Science:
We do what we must
because we can.
For the good of all of us.
Except the ones who are dead."
Portal rocked my world. I... yeah, what I said before.
I get to leave another comment on behalf of my lovely wife, Bethany, who found this little tid-bit hilarious every time I fought my way through Test Chamber 18:
"Soon you will be baked, and then there will be cake"
The cake is a lie. And Portal rocks so hard it makes my fillings shake.
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