TALENT SCOUT - Jon Deas

Keyboardist Jon Deas is making his musical mark with guitar wiz Gary Clark Jr. Find-out more about our TALENT SCOUT Artist of the Week below!NAME: Jonathan DeasHOMETOWN: I was born in Buffalo, New York and now live in Austin, Texas.MUSICAL TRAINING: I was a student of the Buffalo Academy for the Visual and Performing Arts from the fifth through the eleventh grade. I was also heavily involved in the church community from a young age until now. FIRST GIGS: My first gigs were cover gigs. I performed all over Austin with different bands, trying to find my way. MUSICAL INFLUENCES: My key influence was my Pops, Patrick Deas. He always kept me around music growing up. As I learned what I liked, I started to gravitate towards jazz with a little help from my great uncle, Leroy Williams, who was the drummer for the Barry Harris Trio for decades.WHAT I’M LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW: Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, Cory Henry, Christian Sands, Donny Hathaway, Ray Charles, and a bunch of others.MY BIG BREAK: My big break came when I got a chance to sit down with Gary Clark Jr. in the studio and work on his latest album This Land. Upon completion of the record, he asked me to go out and tour the world with him. The rest is being written everyday. LATEST PROJECTS: Tameca Jones, Jackie Venson, The Peterson Brothers and Alesia Lani. These are all really great artists and musicians that I have had the pleasure to record and tour with, melting faces around the world. Jon Deas with Gary Clark Jr.FAVORITE KEYBOARDS AND WHY? My favorite keyboards are made by Korg. I’ve always been a huge fan. You can’t beat the feel, the authentic sounds and the user friendly approach for the studio or touring. I’m an official Korg artist and I'm happy to endorse their brand. WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?  This is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life, and if I didn’t have the support of my wife, Genevieve and my family, it wouldn’t be worth it. I’m enjoying every moment and am going to continue to grow with this awesome team. I intend to make more records, and maybe even release my own, ADVICE TO THE NEXT GENERATION: Know what you want, and work diligently towards your goals. Be the light wherever you are and always share love with others. No one can refuse love. The world needs more of it.For more information visit Jonathan on Instagram