Meet Jonathan Lee | Musician and Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
My son. I am a proud single father and my true happiness is watching him grow.. If you wanted a simple answer, that is what I have.. But life isnt that simple.. We can read all the books, quote every social media peddler with words of affirmation and depth, but it is all meaningless. There are two types of happiness, momentary and lifelong.. The momentary happiness, I think we all have our vices.. A cup of coffee watching the sun come up over the ocean in Mexico with somebody you love.. A guitar that stays in tune.. A good show with good friends.. These moments carry the weight of happiness as lifelong happiness is harder to come by, especially as an artist..
I am not saying artists cant find it, but we are more apt to struggle doing so. I think thats the poetry of it all, the ones that paint the pictures in our minds are the ones still searching, and thats both beautiful and sad, but it is the never ending pursuit of what is always seemingly just out of reach that lets us all appreciate the beauty of life.
Its never been about the end result.. Thats the boring part.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a very lucky man. I would never tell anyone to take the roads that I have, as most certainly youd probably end up in a ditch, broken down and/or dead. I am not reckless abandon, I probably have too pragmatic of a brain for that.. and I never embraced being a stain to society.. What was thought of as cool wasnt to me, and probably still isnt. My success is merely due to my inability to understand the meaning of the word no.. I dont think there is anything out of my ability to learn or comprehend, so there are no limitations. With that being said, life doesnt come easy. I have been a part of a lot of bars and dance halls that I have walked away from, costing me fortunes.. If I had to do it all over again, who knows what I wouldve done, but I can say I have never taken anyone for a ride. I think me growing up a little tougher than most prepared me for being brutally honest, and the jabs that come with that.. If there was something I could hang my hat on at the end of the day, I am authentic.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This city has so many wonderful spots- Tonys in Oceanside pier, renowned for their bloody marries, where 20 years ago we’d play for 50 bucks and pack the house, cops showing up, rebellious as we wanted to be. The Roxy Encinitas, where any night of the week theres a good artist playing.. North county beaches bring me such a wondrous feeling of peace and tranquility.. I miss the old Moonlight Beach, the new one is nice, but the old one was a locals spot where laying out and enjoying the sun wasnt a tripping hazard. There are some wonderful hikes in Escondido, as well as mountain biking. Grab some local Kombucha and a burrito and enjoy the warmth.. Maybe take in some fresh fish on the coast, take a hike through La Jolla..
My happy place is the water. Get me a boat or a board and watch the day pass.. There are few things better than that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people that have given me so much support along my journey, I could never have enough time to mention them all, so if I have forgotten to mention you, it is merely because I hate you.. just kidding. This might come as a shock to anyone, but she deserves to be the first person I talk about. My ex-wife, Olivia, you have been so strong and supportive through the years. You gave me my son, you gave up so much happiness for his success, and it will never go unnoticed. You have always been my friend, and I want everyone to know how grateful I am for our years together, you are a good hearted woman that loved a good timing man.. You deserve the world, I am forever indebted to you.
To my parents, you raised me different. For better or worse, your sons were born with fire in their souls, and you did your best to harness that. Take pride in knowing that you did well, and I am doing well.
To my friends who write with me, who adventure with me, and that cry with me, we all shall ride again soon– Lastly, my son Jagger. He is an old soul that talks me down from the ledge, that accepts all of my short comings as a father, and tries his best daily.. Daddy loves you bubba, always.