Every once in a while, an album comes along that captivates you from the first note, and for our UK Sales Manager Steve, Tales of America by J.S. Ondara did just that. Discovered by chance, this album has quickly become a favourite, thanks to its “nowhere to hide if it is not good” recordings. The simplicity of the recordings leaves no room for flaws, highlighting Ondara’s incredible talent.
The story behind the music
J.S. Ondara’s journey to creating Tales of America is as compelling as the album itself. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Ondara grew up creating his own journals, poems and short stories while listening to a variety of Western music on his family’s transistor radio. Artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Radiohead, and Damien Rice sparked his passion for music, encouraging a dream to pursue it himself.
After moving to America at the age of 20 he quickly picked up a guitar and taught himself how to play, leading to a string of performances at local open mic nights.
After finding his footing in Minnesota, Ondara eventually enrolled in college where he studied music therapy. However, he quickly discovered that learning about and experimenting with music in a classroom was not giving him enough creative freedom.
Moving on from his short-lived academic career, Ondara found himself back in coffee shops and local bars. Using his experience of writing journals, poems and short stories as a youth he began writing his own songs while playing around with different guitar techniques and riffs. In 2017 he took his music to YouTube, where he was soon discovered by a multitude of people who instantly loved his work.
His work caught the attention of local Minneapolis radio station, The Current (KCMP 89.3 FM). The station, known for supporting emerging artists, recognised Ondara’s unique talent and began playing his music on air. This exposure significantly boosted his profile, helping him connect with a wider audience and industry professionals.
From there, Ondara’s career quickly gained momentum. He was signed by Verve Forecast Records, and in 2019, he released his debut album Tales of America, an album that beautifully encapsulates his journey as an immigrant and as a storyteller. The album’s authenticity and heartfelt lyrics have resonated with listeners worldwide (including ourselves), even earning Ondara a Grammy Award nomination – a remarkable achievement for a newcomer to the industry.
A masterclass in storytelling and simplicity
What sets Tales of America apart is its stripped-back production. The focus is entirely on Ondara’s voice and lyrics, which are both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving. The album is a masterclass in storytelling, each song painting a vivid picture of the struggles, hopes, and dreams that come with chasing the ‘American Dream.’
Above all else, this album gives you an insight into Ondaras ‘American Dream’. As Steve said, there is nowhere to hide due to the quality of the recordings – but also because of the sincerity and rawness of the storytelling.
To give this truly unmissable album a listen click the links below.
Listen to Tales of America by J.S. Ondara on Qobuz here.
Listen to Tales of America by J.S. Ondara on TIDAL here.
