Face to Face with... Jonathan Elias

Jonathan Elias is an Emmy Award-winning, Grammy-nominated music industry veteran with a catalogue of successful records to his name. He is the founder and lead composer at Elias Arts, which he formed in 1980 as Elias Associates and transformed into one of the world's foremost commercial production companies. Here, he tells us about his new album, Prayer Cycle 2: Path to Zero, which features guest vocalists Robert Downey Jr., Sting, Alexander Ebert, Sinead O' Connor, and posthumously, Doors frontman Jim Morrison.

What does Path to Zero mean and tell us about the new album...

Path to Zero is really just a terminology that I use to refer to a path to no nuclear weapons. Idealistic as it sounds, it really is important that we achieve it. The new album is intended to increase awareness about the importance of finding a way to get to real nuclear disarmament, for the sake of future generations. It’s a wish I hope to pass on to my children. 

What’s the experiential dimension to the record?

I've been working with a lot of world artists throughout the years, and I was hoping to pass on some of their wisdom that I've been exposed to on this record, as well as my own creative process. 

You worked with some famous musicians on the record, but why did you want famous voiceovers to feature?

Because I felt that it had a narrative quality to it and really needed people who had a great dramatic sense, like Robert Downey. With Jim Morrison's reading being so powerful, it felt natural to have a few other readings. 

Do you think creativity is compromised when there’s a charity/political message involved?

I was acting as the composer and artistic director on the album so I don't really feel that I made any compromises, other than that it took a lot longer than it was ever supposed to. 

What do you enjoy about composing for commercials and can you tell us about some recent work...

Well the Nissan Polar Bear spot was just nominated for an Emmy award. Working commercials have always been my first love. Both the collaborative and technical aspects, they are little studies to me of different styles of music. 

When you started Elias Arts, did you expect it to develop into what it is today?

Oh my, no. I never expected anything like what I have seen or done in my career. I expected to be a music teacher and I would have been happy with that.

Is winning awards important for the Elias’ reputation and industry status?

I think when you work a lot and do good work it’s nice to be rewarded. But there are so many great things we all do that never even see the light of day so I often look at awards as a fluke. 

And what was it like to personally win an Emmy and be Grammy-nominated?

It’s nice, but again I have done and seen a lot of great work that has never even been heard. But my kids think it’s cool. 

What inspires you as an artist?

Everything. These days more and more I think about the world that we will leave behind for the next generations. The young composers that I work with every day inspire me as well; I'm surrounded by some incredible talent. 

How do you keep your passion fresh after so many years in the industry?

A lot of therapy and it’s my first love.

What have you seen/heard/read recently that’s impressed you?

I would say working with Yungchen Lhamo, a wonderful Tibetan singer that I have grown to know. Her friendship has been very inspiring to me. A lot of Rumi poetry as well, I've rediscovered him.

Where do you see Elias Arts in five years time?

I hope that we continue to reverberate with a lot of young, fresh talent like it is now. It’s a great, creative place to work and I’m excited for what's coming next.