Jon Bellion: Using Voice as an Instrument (A Creative Process)

A closer look at how musician Jon Bellion uses his voice to work through his creative process and make great art that is distinctly unique to him. This is not just about music. I also take a look at how Jon's creative process is applicable to filmmaking, writing, or any artistic venture.
Portfolio: originaljd.com
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[@AbstractTheArtist]

Beautifully done man, as a long time Bellion fan, thank you

[@Haxy_]

Abstract you don't understand how happy I am to see you here. Love you abstract!

[@Ian-sm3su]

Hey it's abstraaaaccctt. This is the homie guys go check out his music he is amazing.

[@Im5nowpr0]

Abstract my man!!

[@Im_Oblivion]

It's awesome that someone I listen to for a couple years and is known to the KZbin unnoticed underground music, also listens to someone who helped me as much as you did. Jon is an artist and not musician an ARTSIT!

[@kitsukit]

Fellow JON BELLION Fans... It would mean a lot if you took a couple minutes to hear this Re-envision of CAUTIONARY TALES By Nicholas M.C. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p17LeoGuq9R5gtk 💜💜💜💜💜💜 He means a lot to me and I know this would mean a lot to him. And If you're still reading... Nicholas is pursuing his passion. If you listen.. you'll see that he literally has magickal notes flowing and pumping through his veins. He, himself, through so much inspiration, is the musical instrument. I know more than anything, he would appreciate any one taking the time to listen to his creations. Thank you for those that do. Sometimes we can get so caught up in WHAT and WHO already "IS" in the NOW, that we forget they all had steps to take before getting to "BEING." LC P.s. Don't tell him about this. Shhhhh. Just got listen :)

[@TheDottyEffect]

Good to see Jon finally getting recognition for just how uniquely genius his creative process is

[@alexanastasi968]

lol I love that 8:05 "There's bones is my closet, but you hang stuff anyway" discovery. That moment when you find that perfect lyric and metaphor. Saying, I've got skeletons in my closet but you hang your things (clothes) in my closet anyway. Like 'you'll move in with me, hang your clothes in my home' but also the metaphor of 'know my darker secrets/skeletons, but still love me'. That shits just perfect. lol I was already a fan, but that moment of discovery caught on film, awesome! Great video.

[@DavidJBrock]

Watching that moment happen was my favourite part of this video. Just brilliant. It was already there; he just had to find it.

[@keff0o2]

Alex Anastasi most definitely the best moment of all the Jon Bellion making of’s

[@Nonsense116]

this was really cool. I listen to Jon Bellion's music a lot and I knew he used his voice with some crazy effects but the "electric guitar" one I had no idea!

[@g00seyn00sey]

RIGHT!?

[@BT-vv1il]

He’s saving the music industry

[@sssara_r]

B T and not getting enough recognition for it

[@spencersablan8765]

“Great writers aren’t afraid of the blank page.” Wow. Great job man

[@Athbi20000]

Love the editing and the authenticity of how you put the video together. Very legit and organized.

[@JD.Editor]

Thanks! Really appreciate it.

[@SarahGApeach]

Athbi Athbi absolutely agree!

[@avola3909]

What’s insane to me is how when he’s singing gibberish, the sounds he makes end up ridiculously close to the lyrics in the final song. It’s like he knows the lyrics even before he knows the lyrics.

[@bsykesbeats]

11:42 "Idleness is the biggest obstruction to the creative process" Facts, thats gonna be tattooed in my brain.

[@RavenPH12]

This is inspiring! I’ve always struggled in how I should start to make my own short story in film. Failing is okay.

[@_MartinDahlin]

11:41 - 12:30 the most important lesson for every artist

[@DeltaSwiftGamingjarson]

I've always loved Jon Bellions work, but the intricate detail you go into about his process is just incredible and has given me a much, much deeper understanding of what a proper design process is. I personally do a lot of creative stuff at school as well as me trying to obtain, and improve my music skills to hopefully land my foot within the music industry. This video has given me so much inspiration for my music as well as my school projects. Thank You for taking the time to make this incredible video. I appreciate it so much and so would a majority of other people that would come across this video. Once again, Thank You.

[@JD.Editor]

That means a lot. Thanks for watching!

[@DeltaSwiftGamingjarson]

No. Thank you

[@kalyatuwei6293]

What I love about him is the fact that he attributes all his success to God, and remains humble

[@shammyshakes6478]

Amen brotha/ brothett

[@GabrielsGalaxy]

Amen

[@DLoc-tu2yq]

Did u talk about how *EVERY* mainstream pop artist out rn STOLE HIS STYLE. YOU CAN HEAR IT ON EVERY OTHER RADIO SONG.

[@travieso7196]

D Loc exactly

[@actuallyhard315]

Jon produces for a lot of em as well too

[@CRASS2047]

D Loc that’s how pop has always been. Artists see what is popular, then try to copy that in the most unique way possible. Sometimes failing to be original. But if I could get rich and famous by stealing someone’s style...... shiiiiiiiit

[@ccamilodonneys]

name a few i wanna hear!!

[@Dirtyfrequence]

@@ccamilodonneys AJR

[@voicetube]

I'm now revisiting this three years later and it really resonates even more now with me! I've, since writing my last comment here, created and released over 30 singles of mostly Ambient/New-Age music and this video probably really helped inspire me. It's now inspiring me again! As a side note, at 12:30 he may have spent hours on that loop... but then, it certainly was worth it - that song "Simple and Sweet" is a life-changing track 🙂

[@Boomer7654]

Heard he was going to help produce the next Twenty One Pilots album, I hope that was true

[@matthewkelleher8442]

Naw just Tyler and the guy from mutemath in Tyler's basement

[@kevinmartin7030]

but he hinted on that on the genius interview

[@aabaskin]

Incredibly well-done. As a huge Jon Bellion fan and an aspiring songwriter, this video is super valuable to me. Thanks for making it.

[@aguiiimar]

He’s growing hella fast and it makes me so emotional uGh

[@AIG0801]

This video was amazing man. Always loved Jon's work and feel the same way about watching his Making Of series. Absolutely motivating

[@victornico]

What a video, as a big fan og Jon Bellion’s craft and process, this video is hiiighly appreciated :)

[@EthalaRide]

I'm more of an actor than a writer, so what I'll do is improv/act out a scene, and do it a few times or mess around with it until the emotional beats feel right, *sound* right, and the pacing is just where I want it, then I write it down as fast as I can because I WILL forget it in an hour if I don't stop and just type it all out, ugh. Just to edit it later.

[@flapjack489]

Ive watched all the making of videos. ive found hidden records. I LOVE JON BELLION. Ive been trying to figure out how to make the noises with my mouth into an instrument

[@loopgodjohansen]

Keep trying, distort it

[@kyliemarie4084]

as soon as I heard one of his songs I was instantly obsessed. it was so creatively appealing i couldn't stop listening, and now years later ive listened to all 4 of his albums and can proudly say I know every word to 90% of them. he will forever be my favorite artist and I hope he sticks to his style of music. i know for me and many others, thats what made us love him in the first place.

[@charlize.blicharski]

I feel the exact same, I can't wait to see what he brings next!

[@AN-filmandmusic]

simplyy.charlii gsp was so beautiful

[@CadenMacDonald]

Soo good dude

[@Pieman35]

All of Jon’s album art is just as good as his music

[@searows-music]

oh my god stop using the rewind sound from bleach by brockhampton it makes my heart jump out of my chest

[@aaronmclain4759]

Finally someone that understands his genius not enough people talk about how awesome he is. Great job dude

[@thundergod7998]

low low low low low low low low low low...one of my fav singer.

[@HeartbeatDrumAcademy]

Dude this is awesome! Your dad goes to my church and sent me the link.

[@bratsarchive320]

:)

[@anaescalante3020]

I love this. Great help and he is an amazing creator or hes art and very unique

[@automatedealer]

Shoot man... Im such a huge fan of jon for the longest time. You just made an awesome video on a great human and huge music maker. He is a genius and this video is incredible! Thanks and congratulations with the editing and overall storytelling!

[@voicetube]

Sorry JD, I didn't get some "good insight" I got some freaking AMAZING INSPIRATION!!! Big Jon Bellion fan but now a JD fan as well :-)

[@alid3479]

Jon is a truly incredible person, and this is a truly incredible video, good job

[@jakstarzin]

This man is so underrated, this is REAL music and dedication we need more artists like this. My favorite album is the human condition

[@TastySwift]

«this is REAL music» sounds like something my grandpa would say about the Beatles 😹

[@jakstarzin]

@@TastySwift it’s true I would know; I am the grandpa and the Beatles are my accountants

[@legoworkshop2908]

My top 5 favorite songs are all Jon bellion songs haha

[@troyonsea]

man, i love jon and his music, i didn't know his creative process was like this and i love how you brought everything together in this video. thank you for shining a light on how talented and inspirational this guy is and good luck with all the stuff you are working on also.

[@rileylopez7113]

I have a passion for writing short stories. When I start writing, I just write whatever comes to mind and let the story basically write itself. I never have a concept for the story or message I want to portray, because it's a therapy for myself because the story brings out a message I need to hear. I really can't explain how it happens, it's quite amazing when you don't let fear of failure possess you craft.

[@AlwaysDr3aming]

Interesting, I'm a writer as well and I HAVE to outline my stories before I write them. I'm more of a novelist myself but I've tried writing stories without a plan and I cannot properly write the story unless I have some kind of vision for where I want the story to go.

[@rileylopez7113]

@@AlwaysDr3aming once I have established the main characters and a direction to move from I will step back and create an outline for the story but usually a brief one at that.

[@immortalpotato5376]

3:42 he should include that in a song as his voice, not as a guitar, because that 10 seconds vocal he just did was one of the best things i ever heard

[@christopherk.agbega496]

There's bones in my closet but you hang stuff anyway heheheheh hehe. That part got me in the heart ♥️♥️♥️

[@wendyomollo1248]

You are lifting up young creatives like me. Love you Jon Bellion.

[@Jameson_Tronco]

great video it needs more views. Keep it up

[@JD.Editor]

Appreciate it!

[@Jayammo]

BRUH YOU DONT KNOW HOW MUCH THIS OPENED MY EYES AND GAVE ME NEW INSIGHT ON HOW I SHOULD APPROACH MY CRAFT...AND JON IS AMAZING BRUH I HAVE HIS MUSIC ON REPEAT ALL THE TIME AND I HOPE TO MEET HIM SOMEDAY AND LEARN AND WORK...IM ALSO A ARMATURE MUSICIAN FIGURING IT OUT ....BUT GOOD LUCK JD T 🔥🎶

[@JD.Editor]

Much appreciated. Thanks for watching!

[@brraxx]

He delivers on his promises I used to listen to him when I was 12 or 13 and now I’m 18 and understand it in a whole new light, i grew up with his music

[@meganczerwinski9815]

I had goosebumps the entire video. Great job-Jon is one of the most unique artists I've ever had the pleasure to listen to and watch perform. His passion for music could never be questioned.

[@offplayStudios]

THIS. This video helped me finish my album. Thank you.

[@JD.Editor]

I'm so happy to hear that. Drop a link in here whenever it's live. Thank you for watching!

[@angelasings24]

i didn't know that jon loved pixar movies so much and that explains a lot about his cover art now! i always wondered why he chose to have himself illustrated and never photographed and now i know :)

[@aubreyrosecreates]

I can't even believe the amount of soul, drive, and passion in this man's music and presentation. Especially at his age. As a girl who also is also far more focused on my passion than anyone else my age, thank you for standing out so boldly, Jon. You're one of my biggest heroes.

[@DarlaBaltazar]

Absolutely stellar content. I'm only beginning to know more about this guy recently and I am just absolutely inspired. You touched on some very real insights on here too. I'm extremely thankful!

[@voicetube]

From a big JB fan, this is SUPER!! Now, as well as occasionally journeying into the land of creating music, I'm also an acrylic on canvas painter. What you said here about how what JB does can translate into other forms of art sparked an idea which I may try over the next couple days on a huge (4'X3') canvas. I'll paint a basic background (maybe blue with a little bit a red & maybe kind of ominous) and then I'm going to finger paint words (sort of impromptu or showcasing my personality somehow) with yellow paint on top of that… If I fight procrastination and get it done, hopefully within the next 2-4 weeks, you should see the painting on my website (www.ariartist.com). JD, you hit it out of the park with this video (and THANKS for the inspiration!)

[@JD.Editor]

Great! So glad to see people implementing these practices in different art forms. Drop a link to the piece here if you end up making the painting - I would love to see it. Thank you for watching!

[@vinniecentc2666]

This was crazy inspirational to me and I thank you for this video! I'm going through a rough time and these simple little messages hidden within the video make a world of difference thank you! People might now really understand what I mean or might think I'm crazy but this just helped me so thank you again!

[@JD.Editor]

Really happy you got something good out of it. Thanks for watching!

[@egiphermutintamanengu2464]

I knew this man was genius but not like this....mind blown. I love him more now.....

[@remuvs]

Been with him since Scattered Thoughts Vol.1 launched and looking back at it, his albums are still as mystical as the day I got them. He's truly a timeless artist. I'm bummed out since he stated there won't be another album after The Human Condition for a while. But when he does make one, I hope he makes remasters/makes a second Jim Morrison, For the Dreamers or To My Future Wife (though unlikely). because those records were fuckin' life changing :>

[@Ziip47]

What a wonderful video! Thank you!

[@zeemdotexe]

Idk why I've been ignoring this video for so long. Jon is one of my favorite artists and this was a fantastic video!

[@APieceOfToast]

what song starts at 2:17! i keep playing it back because its right on the tip of my tongue but i cant put my finger on it

[@axisjack7]

Munny Right

[@ethanpierce2014]

I hope that someday Jon, and AJR will do something together. As a fan of both I think it would come together really nice. I know Jon’s fans say AJR copied him (which I can see a little bit, but AJR’s are more up beat).

[@trevordustin2613]

Ethan Pierce ajr sucks ass

[@giancamp]

Trevor Dustin They’re such a rip-off

[@GoblinTurtle]

This video needs more views! Great job man!

[@JD.Editor]

Thanks a lot! I agree. Show it to anybody you think would like it.

[@WisdomCalls]

Nice video! Had no idea I was about to be inspired my filmmaking! 👍👍

[@xabiguitar]

Very interesting. I found out about Jon Bellion from the Lawrence records and it happens to be a great musician and producer. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@remuvs]

Bellion is one of those artists who prioritise development in sound design and story telling over getting more streams on Spotify and iTunes which is why I’ve stuck with him since The Translations Through Speakers released.

[@adr.u.l]

When you just enter this fandom with guillotine and out of nowhere you discover one of your favorites artists, i never knew about the process he does for creating his songs, his inspiration, his obsession with making sounds and his love and passion for his work, this is amazing, he is amazing.

[@darrelfelix3728]

Saved this months ago and I'm just watching this now... Thanks for brainstorming me with ideas... Nicely done.

[@HUNTENT247]

I respect Bellion, but some times I forget it's not Justin Timberlake that I'm watching and listening to. Definitely a lot of similarities between the two creatively.

[@cowl6867]

You deserve alot more subs than what you have, looking at this amazing quality.

[@connor1285]

Thanks to Faze Rain for having All Time Low as his outro I found out who Jon Bellion was. I'm so happy I found him, his music is beautiful.

[@reedlewis5989]

Such a cool video!! Thank you so fricken much for making this, I can tell this is going to be super helpful to me

[@JD.Editor]

Happy to hear it!

[@meiliegeblack6967]

This was an amazing video JD. I binged watched Jon Bellion and his process and continue to on a regular. He is extremely dedicated to his craft and contagious! You did an amazing job communicating your journey and dissecting Jon’s inspiring passion to eliminate the fear of starting the process of self discovery. I admire what you’ve done and excited to watch your path of passion.

[@JD.Editor]

Thanks! Really appreciate it

[@abbyjoy8796]

Dude, brilliant video! Keep going. I loved your take and composition for everything. Seriously a brilliant push for creatives. Thank you so much for sharing. This is a great take!

[@jackberry]

Yes dude. Incredible video on this. Love Jon & love what you did here & how you related it to the general creative process. Nice work!

[@JD.Editor]

Thanks for watching! Glad you liked it

[@parthenonx2697]

I'm a writer. Just not discovering Mr Bellion. Watching this and other videos about his process has been very helpful in my creative writing process. Thank you.

[@jackboezwinkle9938]

This was great, you’re excellent, and this was the easiest subscribe I’ve had in recent memory. Keep it up, you’re going places.

[@Hatchijuroku]

A lot of the people I’m around like the hard rap and trap type stuff, which I can jam to but my favorite stuff is stuff like Quinn XCII and Jon, stuff with beautiful beats and meaningful lyrics

[@nwaoparathankgod779]

Love your craft putting up this stuff especially that part where you talked about resistance. As a big fan of Jon Bellion. I'm thankful to you and I'm thankful to him for making these videos on him making music.

[@akash10987]

Hi, JD. I am a big fan of John because of his unique creative style. That's the first thing in his music that snatched my heart. Though, I don't actually work in music but have a big affection for it and sometimes play with sound on synths and midi. Anyway, Your documentary on John's processes is inspiring. Thank you, for making it. All the best for the future.

[@bcat853]

I do like Jon Bellion,,, but let me just say that this video means alot. This is a man of magic and inspiration and you breaking his process down and explaining exactly what you learned from him helped me come to a few realizations. Ive been so stuck and miserable with my art because I've been torturing myself about planning it properly.. Despite being in my current haze, you've helped clear some of the fog...thank you for sharing.

[@higgshiggs7078]

Awesome video, I don’t really comment on anything but I got lost in this production with the creativity of Jon and your segments of commentary. Definitely enjoyed myself!

[@xBaristaPaul]

the smile on his face ALL THE TIME. is soooooooo contagious

[@uppon2]

@2:56 never start with the sticks closed in frame mate (as you saying you are a filmmaker ;) :) :D) I am just being silly - Love the vids mate!

[@squali1930]

Bro I mumble melodies like this in the shower. You tell me dudes making millions doing this. Wow. Anyway Love Jon Bellion.

[@abygalekim6637]

OH! With the whole abstract script, Mad Max: Fury Road was just a bunch of storyboards.

[@jamest2292]

I don’t think enough people understand how much of a genius Jon is. I’ve been listening for about 7 years, seen him 3 times, and there’s not a single song I don’t enjoy. And the reason I’ve supported him for so long over anyone is because he’s so damn creative that just makes me want to go write a fuckin novel or somethin (no one can stop me). He’s so passionate in his music, everytime ive seen him live, it’s different because he literally recreates the songs he’s already played a hundred times, just each time of the top. Absolutely nuts, hope to shake the dudes hand someday.

[@StoneyJG16]

I hated all time low when it came out, I think it was because the radio played it too much, but the past so years I’ve fallen in love with his music, I’m glad I heard “Maybe IDK”

[@AdamBechtol]

this was nicely done, as a video. You kicked butt talking about and ( showing visually) the creative process :)

[@rolandngwayi4360]

Jon! is unique in a very nice way. So much energy and as he excites when he realizes what to sing or play, I laugh, there's this great impact he's having on me and definitely lots of people. It's so sweet talking about it.

[@JamarConley]

The voice is an instrument. lol I thought most people that know a little about music knew that. Just because you think of guitar, piano and etc when you hear the word instrument doesn't mean the voice isn't. The piano is actually a percussive instrument because it uses hammers to strike the strings. I'm sure everyone knows a piano is just a harp. Get familiar with learning about music from credible sources. Jon is credible but not the guy that made this video.

[@Im_Oblivion]

He doesn't even write lyrics for the majority of his mixtapes, he would literly make lyrics right there and then while creating the sound for the song l! Before the instrumental is even finished and that's why his music is so good and every song he makes goes perfectly .with the beat.

[@st1tch87]

So this guys basically doing what Mike Patton has been doing since the 80's but with an understanding of pro tools and people are thinking its something new and unique?

[@bradenharris7717]

Well done man. I’m a huge Jon fan and I loved this. Very well organized and edited on your part. Good luck to you in the future bro!

[@KinTheFennix]

Jon Bellion sings in Simlish while creating his songs, confirmed.

[@Denso1980]

Missed out that he said goodbye to the beatboxingstuff..that was like his signature sound..but yeah..he gotta move on

[@jimgarden7331]

Jon your the master of music love the flavor the vibe love your music big up from @chromefenix love you man

[@alfredbtunes1141]

As of 6/29/2019 16k likes and only 57 dislikes... This is astonishing!

[@sgd_the_boss8860]

YO great video man I loved this I found it very interesting keep it up!

[@nathanielshor]

Amazing video, very good to hear everything that I've ever thought about music in one video, I will recommend it to any artist.

[@asafmalol]

another really good example for the way jon bellion uses his voice as an instrument on a song that he produced for Jason Derulo that calls trumpets and you can clearly hear on a big part of the song his voice doing like da da da da da da and I really liked it. jon bellion is genius.

[@Zayloven]

Very good video.you took an organic dive into how he creates his music and how he seperates his self in a saturated genre of music.great job and keep up the good work!

[@ieshaviera3650]

He’s sooo underrated.. I know he doesn’t care about that either because he’s not looking to be famous, but the man is fire 🔥 ❤.

[@rileypaynestewart]

do we know what that white keyboard he was using is?

[@mihndpmr9723]

The video was great! I found Jon on 5 fingers of death. I knew some of his big songs, but it was awesome to see his creative process.

[@bagelboy1231]

Pretty inspiring dude, this video is motivating and I would like to thank you for creating it!