MusicTree Festival will be going down June 7 – 11 in Manchester, Tennessee. We will be publishing info and features about the bands as we close in on this event. Feel free to check out our coverage from 2012.

Let everyone know who you are, where you are from and what style of music you play?

(Ryan) I am, Ryan Jones (vocals/guitar) and I grew up in New Jersey. I met Ayrton Gauerke (drums), who is from Ohio, and we are from the band, SON-OF-JOHN.

(Ryan) SON-OF-JOHN, is a fusion of different music techniques, sounds, and styles. We are striving to bring a new element or edge to folk/rock music through lyrics and melody to bring the audience on a kind of journey…

What do you do for fun?

(Ryan) I like running, hiking, anything outdoors… Also, I grew up on the beach, so I love the ocean (surfing, body-boarding).

(Aryton) Storm chasing and photography to name some…I also like to blend those two.

What was the last song you listened to?

(Aryton) “Bitches Brew” – Miles Davis.

(Ryan) “Riders of the Storm” – The Doors.

What did you listen to when you were younger?

(Aryton) Grew up on jazz & blues…still rooted in it.

(Ryan) I started to listen to classic rock around the age of 9 or 10. Artist, like; Hendrix, The Doors, Cream, Eagles, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin. But also, I listened to a lot the Seattle ’90’s rock music, and Dave Matthews Band as well.

What do you listen to now?

(Ryan) Well, I recently just started listening to “White Buffalo” about a year ago and really dig his songwriting.

(Aryton) Anything alternative.

Have your tastes changed?

(Aryton) Tastes change unexpectedly. I especially love R&B, Gospel, and Soul.

(Ryan) I started getting into more classical and instrumental music.

Was there an “ah-ha” moment in your life when you knew music would be the path you were going to walk?

(Ryan) The first time I heard the opening solo to “Along the Watchtower” by Hendrix when I was like 10… changed my life.

(Aryton) My “Ah-ha” moment would be my 4th grade band.

How did you hear about Music Tree Fest?

(Ryan) I came across and ad online

How do you feel about being a part of Music Tree Festival?

(Aryton) I’m excited as hell and practicing my ass off.

(Ryan) I think it’s great of what you guys are doing to help get local artist get exposed to new listeners. It’s also great for the Manchester community businesses as well! So very excited, and very grateful to be a part of it!!

Do you have plans for Bonnaroo?

(Aryton) No plans for the ‘Roo…

(Ryan) Same here no plans for now, we’ll see…

Do you have an album available?

(Ryan) No not yet. We are in the process of recording.

Any last thoughts?

(Ryan) Not really, just can’t wait to get on stage!

Shout outs?

(Ryan) My wife, Lisa.