Folks in Southern California are no stranger to Jonathan Lee. Blending West Coast grit and country rock, Lee has created his own sound that catches ones ear while brining high-energy to the stage. Think the soulful sound of Stapleton fused with the stage presence of Zac Brown Band. His debut single “Saturday Night” introduced this West Coast native to the rest of the Country world, and what an introduction it is.
We recently caught up with Jonathan to talk about his life in SoCal, his musical influences, “Saturday Night” and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JL: I’m an artist, builder, and storyteller based in Southern California. Music has always been the thread running through my life, but I’ve never believed creativity belongs in just one lane. Whether I’m writing a song, designing a home, or bringing an ambitious vision to life, I’m driven by the same idea: creating experiences that make people feel something.
My work is heavily influenced by the contrast between beauty and struggle – the tension between polished California living and the grit that exists beneath it. That’s where my latest music lives as well. It’s cinematic, honest, and rooted in real experiences rather than trends.
At the end of the day, I’m someone who’s fascinated by craftsmanship. I believe the details matter, authenticity lasts longer than hype, and the best art whether it’s a song, a building, or a conversation leaves people feeling like they’ve discovered something true.
CN: Which artists have influence you both personally and as an artist?
JL: My musical influences are all over the map, and I think that’s what gives my music its identity. I grew up listening to legends like Willie Nelson, Marvin Gaye, and so much incredible music from the ’60s R&B era. There was an honesty and soul in those records that has always stayed with me.
As I got older, I gravitated toward artists like Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Bob Seger, and the great country storytellers. Those artists taught me that a song can be both deeply personal and universally relatable and that great music isn’t just heard, it’s lived.
What I’ve always admired most is authenticity. Whether it’s Marvin Gaye pouring every ounce of emotion into a vocal, Willie Nelson’s timeless storytelling, or Springsteen painting vivid pictures of everyday people, they all created from a place of truth. That’s the standard I try to hold myself to. I don’t chase trends; I chase songs that feel honest. If a listener can hear one of my records years from now and still connect with it emotionally, then I’ve done my job.
CN: Finish this sentence: “Success to me means…”
JL: Success to me means waking up every day with the freedom to create the life I believe in. It’s knowing that I’ve stayed true to who I am, built something that lasts, and made a genuine impact on the people who experience my work.
CN: Your new single, “Saturday Night,” is out everywhere digitally as well as on country radio. It’s a great tribute to the 9-to-5 grind. What inspired you to write this song and why is it important for you to tell those kinds of stories for the everyday, hardworking people?
JL: Saturday Night was inspired by the idea that, for a lot of us, it’s not just the weekend we’re looking forward to, it’s the person waiting for you at the end of a long day. We all know what it’s like to put in the hours, deal with the stress, and carry the weight of everyday life. But when you have someone who can make all of that fade away with a smile, a hug, or just their presence, they become your “Saturday Night.”
Nick Sturms and I wanted to write a love song disguised as a blue-collar anthem. It celebrates the hardworking men and women who get up every morning, put in an honest day’s work, and then get to come home to someone who reminds them why they do it all in the first place.
I’ve always been drawn to writing songs about real life because those are the stories that connect us. If Saturday Night reminds someone of that person in their own life, then the song has done exactly what I hoped it would.
CN: If someone came to one of your shows for the first time, what would you hope they would walk away saying about your performance?
JL: I hope people walk away saying, “That’s one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen.”
I’ve been fortunate to hear that from a lot of people over the years, and it’s never something I take for granted. From the very beginning, I’ve believed that if someone spends their hard-earned money and gives me two hours of their life, they deserve an experience they’ll never forget.
I want every show to feel like an event. Incredible musicianship, real emotion, moments that make people laugh, sing at the top of their lungs, and maybe even tear up a little. I want them to leave feeling like they were part of something instead of just watching it.
The greatest compliment I can receive isn’t that I have a great voice or wrote a good song—it’s hearing someone say, “I came in as a fan of the music, but I left as a fan of the artist.” That’s the kind of connection I hope to create every single night.
CN: What’s one place you’ve always wanted to perform but haven’t had the chance to yet?
JL: Without question, the Grand Ole Opry.
Every country artist dreams about standing in that circle. It’s more than a stage – it’s a place where generations of legendary storytellers have shared their music. Growing up listening to artists like Willie Nelson and so many of the greats, the Opry always represented the heart of country music to me.
To be invited to perform there would mean that I’ve become part of a tradition that’s much bigger than myself. It’s not just about checking off a bucket-list venue; it’s about earning the opportunity to stand where so many of my heroes stood and contribute my own chapter to the story of country music.
That said, Red Rocks is right up there, too. As a performer, it’s hard not to dream about playing a venue that’s as breathtaking as the music itself. My hope is that one day I’ll have the privilege of playing both.
CN: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, either in music or in life?
JL: The best advice I’ve ever received was simple: “Every once in a while, zoom out.”
When you’re chasing a dream, it’s easy to become so focused on the next goal that you forget how far you’ve already come. We’re wired to think about what we haven’t accomplished yet instead of appreciating the progress we’ve made. There have been plenty of moments in my career where I felt like I wasn’t moving fast enough. Then I’d take a step back, look at where I started, and realize I was living dreams that once felt completely out of reach. That perspective changes everything.
It reminds me to stay grateful, keep working, and enjoy the journey instead of constantly racing toward the next destination. Success isn’t just found in the milestones, it’s found in recognizing the distance you’ve already traveled.
CN: What’s something about Jonathan Lee that people would never guess just by listening to your music?
JL: I think most people would be surprised to learn that music is only one outlet for my creativity. I’m just as passionate about architecture, designing beautiful homes, and even designing and restoring classic cars. I’ve always been fascinated by craftsmanship, how great design, whether it’s a song, a house, or an automobile, can make people feel something.
To me, those worlds aren’t all that different. Writing a song, designing a home, or envisioning a timeless car all start the same way: with an idea. From there, it’s about refining every detail until it feels effortless, even though an incredible amount of thought went into creating it.
Offstage, I’m probably sketching ideas, studying architecture, admiring iconic automobiles, or dreaming up my next project. I love creating things that have character, tell a story, and stand the test of time. That’s really the common thread through everything I do.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
JL: That’s a tough question because there are so many artists who’ve shaped the way I think about music.
If I could collaborate with someone from the past, it would have to be Willie Nelson. He’s one of the greatest songwriters and storytellers to ever pick up a guitar. There’s an honesty and simplicity to his music that’s incredibly difficult to achieve, and I’ve admired that my entire life. Sharing a song with Willie would feel like coming full circle.
As for artists today, Chris Stapleton would be high on the list. He’s one of those rare musicians who can combine unbelievable vocal ability with raw emotion and timeless songwriting. Every time he sings, you believe every word.
I also have a lot of respect for artists like Sturgill Simpson and Post Malone because they aren’t afraid to follow their own creative instincts. They’ve shown that authenticity is more important than fitting into a category, and I think that’s something every artist should strive for.
At the end of the day, the common thread is simple: I admire artists who make timeless music. Trends come and go, but great songs live forever. That’s the kind of music I hope to create.
CN: What’s one song, by any artist, that you wish you had written?
JL: Without hesitation, it would be “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young.
To me, it’s one of the most beautifully written songs of all time. There’s nothing flashy about it. It simply tells the truth. The melody, the imagery, and the emotion all come together in a way that feels timeless.
I’ve always believed the hardest songs to write are the ones that feel effortless. Harvest Moon is one of those rare songs that instantly makes you feel something. Whether you’re hearing it for the first time or the hundredth, it has the same warmth, honesty, and sense of nostalgia.
That’s the kind of music I aspire to write – songs that don’t just have a season, but become part of people’s lives. If I could write one song that people are still playing around campfires, at weddings, and on long drives decades from now, I’d consider that a life well spent.
CN: When you’re not on stage or writing songs, what does a perfect Saturday night actually look like for you?
JL: Honestly, I’m pretty simple. A perfect Saturday night for me starts with great people. Maybe cooking dinner at home, sitting outside with a glass of tequila, listening to old records, telling stories, and laughing until way too late. If there’s a guitar nearby, there’s a good chance someone ends up playing songs before the night’s over.
If it’s not that, you’ll probably find me driving somewhere along the California coast, dreaming up my next home design, admiring a beautiful classic car, or planning my next project.
CN: What can fans look forward to the rest of this year? New music? Album? Tour?
JL: There’s so much coming this year, and I honestly can’t wait for people to hear it.
Right now, we’re releasing two albums at the same time, along with a steady stream of singles, so there’s constantly new music rolling out. And on top of that, we’ve already recorded a third album that’s set to come later this year, so there’s a lot more on the way than people might even realize yet.
And then there’s touring, which I’m especially excited about. Later this year we’ll be doing a run of smaller, more local shows. Nothing huge or over the top, just really intimate nights where we can get back in front of people, feel the energy in the room, and actually connect. That’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.
CN: If there’s one message you’d like to leave with your fans, what would it be?
JL: First and foremost, thank you. The fact that anyone chooses to spend their time listening to my music, coming to a show, or following this journey is something I’ll never take for granted.
If there’s one thing I’d hope people take away from my music, it’s that life is meant to be lived fully. Chase the dream that’s been on your heart, love your people well, forgive quickly, work hard, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The things that matter most usually require courage. And if my songs can remind someone to slow down, appreciate the people they love, or give them hope during a difficult season, then I’ve done exactly what I set out to do. At the end of the day, I don’t just want to make records. I want to make music that becomes part of people’s lives.
For more information on Jonathan Lee, visit jonathanleemusic.komi.io, Facebook, and Instagram.
“Saturday Night” is available on Spotify and Apple Music.
“Modern Day Bonnie & Clyde” – Lee’s latest single – is available on Spotify and Apple Music.