I do most of the writing, producing, and performing alone. However, I am indebted to many friends for their significant contributions: Fernando Apodaca, Rob Machado, Eric Warner, Austin Wrinkle, John Fowler, Ted the Drummer, and many others.
Born in New York, now in Hawaii via San Diego, Los Angeles, Mexico, Berkeley and Big Sur. Sixteen songs were compiled from 70 or so home recordings by a couple friends in 2001 to create "15 Songs by Jon Swift" (the 16th is a Beck tune). In 2003, I wrote and produced a full length album called Coming & Going. My latest album is called Pathway released 20 December 2008. I have also had the honor of being part of a number of compilations and film projects. My complete discography to date is:
Drifting: 1997, Poor Specimen Productions.
The first of Taylor Steele's signature series chronicles the life of surf stylist Rob Machado during the early years of his surfing career. This film will be re-released in fall of 2007. Jon contributes two songs to the soundtrack.
15 Songs by Jon Swift: 2001, jonswiftmusic.com
All songs written and performed by Jon Swift, except Heartland Feeling which was written by Beck Hansen.
Shelter: 2001, The Moonshine Conspiracy (now Woodshed Films).
A modern classic surf film that brings together world class surfers and musicians in a remote part of New South Wales Australia. Jon makes a cameo appearance and contributes two songs to the unique soundtrack.
Coming & Going: 2003, jonswiftmusic.com
All songs written, produced and engineered by Jon Swift. Guest performers on the album include Eric Warner, Austin Wrinkle, Fernie Apodaca, Sylvia Apodaca, Johnny Parsec and Matt Rodella.
Tribute to the Ocean: 2004, Digalog Records.
A compilation to raise money for the Surfrider Foundation and the Heal the Bay foundation. Features Honest Man from Jon Swift's Coming & Going album.
Tropicalize: 2004, Universal Japan.
This is a compilation with many artists released only in Japan. Album features Jon and Rob Machado playing an obscure Jon Swift original.
Tropicalize II: 2005, SurfRock Intl.
This is another compilation released only in Japan. Features an unreleased song written and performed by Jon Swift, with Rob Machado producing and providing a backup vocal track.
Sliding Liberia: 2008, Woodshed Films
A socially conscious surf film set in post-war Liberia. This production chronicles the lives of several Liberian people through the civil war and documents the impact that riding waves has on a small fishing village.
Pathway: 2008, jonswiftmusic.com
Third full length album released 20 December 2008.
Hi Jon! Wanna house sit in February? I will be away mid to end of Feb! Feed the cats, pick the veggies and eat them, and collect the mail! Pretty easy. HAHAHA.... let me know when you're up here next! XOXOXO
Swifty...star gazing solo or with friends, I always think that during those moments you just might be doing the same, and possibly looking at the same star. Feelin fine in 09, my friend!
SWIFTY!!! Yeah 2000 and 9 is a year that will be full of more Jon Swift moments for sure. I was so excited when you CD arrived...I shed a tear when I opened it because it was broken in half:( Damn postal service sucks these days....that's why I send my mail unicorn express or pegasus express if it is overseas:) Miss you....
You sounded great at the Doris Duke Theater last night!! Thanks so much for all your support! Peace and happiness be with you for this coming new year!
I can't believe I'm going another few week without you! It will be great to see you play at the Bonzer Front again! Safe travels! Tell Big Sur I love her!
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