Fire and Light – An Album by Jonathan Gottlieb

Congratulations to Jonathan Gottlieb on the release of his–at times upbeat and light, and at times soothing and smooth–Baha’i-inspired album Fire and Light! This nine-track album features songs based on passages from the Baha’i Writings and in this post, Jonathan shares with us how these songs came to be, and what he learned in the process of creating them:

Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by a rich cultural diversity and moved to Washington State when I was seven. During my schooling, I met my wife on the east coast and we currently reside in the Silver Lake neighbourhood of Los Angeles with our kids.

In terms of music, I initially learned trumpet and some piano and then started playing guitar and singing when I was 14. I joined a jazz choir and barbershop quartet in high school and later sang in a large gospel choir in college just for fun. I embraced the singer-songwriter guitar vibe and performed a bunch of covers all over the place at coffeeshops, weddings and charity events, in addition to Baha’i gatherings. Music has always been my happy place and I love connecting with people and collaborating with other artists.

Can you please tell us a little bit about Fire and Light?

With the world going through unprecedented challenges and my city literally surrounded by flames, I wanted to create an uplifting album that conveys hope and light shining through the ashes.

What inspired you to create this album?

I started singing prayers with my kids at night and a couple new melodies started taking shape (for “Lamp” and “Refresh”).

I’ve always wanted to make a Baha’i album based on the Writings and was looking for more Baha’i-inspired music to share with my kids, so this seemed like a great opportunity.

While I initially planned to make a kids sing-along album, I compiled a bunch of quotes and found myself collaborating to create melodies and music that I would want to listen to, and that hopefully my kids would also appreciate.

What’s something you’ve learned in the process of making this album?

“The enemy of good is perfect.”

As someone who tends to be a perfectionist, it’s been a challenge to create efficiently and move on to the next song. There’s always a better melody or a better vocal or guitar take.

I learned to trust my instincts and also those of my producers and collaborators, and know when to compromise.

I definitely appreciated the reminders from my producer:

“Write it. Record it. Mix it. Move on.”

What do you hope listeners will take away with them?

Each song is based directly on Baha’i Writings touching on themes and quotes I found super inspiring.

I’m hoping listeners will also connect with the music, and be inspired to share these beautiful Words with friends and family.

“Music is the ladder for the soul’s ascent” suggests that music can serve as a spiritual tool to elevate the human spirit toward the divine.

I’m hoping the Words and music can act as a bridge to the spiritual realm, fostering love and connection, transformation, healing and joy.

What is some advice you’d give to anyone pursuing Baha’i-inspired creative work?

It takes a lot of time, hard work and collaboration to finish an album or other creative project.

With the end in sight, keep at it every day even if in small increments.

Continue making progress toward your goal and enjoy the journey!

Thank you so much, Jonathan, for taking the time to tell us about your album!

You can find Fire and Light on all major music platforms.

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Sonjel Vreeland

In her innermost heart, Sonjel is a stay-at-home parent and a bookworm with a maxed out library card but professionally she is a museologist with a background in English Literature. She currently lives on Prince Edward Island, an isle in the shape of a smile on the eastern Canadian coast. Sonjel is a writer who loves to listen to jazz when she's driving at night.