Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with Fixed Fate

Fixed fate is an American solo project by Jon Bessette based out of Cohoes New York. Their sound spans the spectrum of rock from soft acoustic ballads all the way up to heavy metal, pretty much however Jon is feeling that day! In this interview, we caught up with Jon to get the latest update on what’s going on in the world of Fixed fate.

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

Listening to 80s rock and metal in my dad’s truck on my way to preschool. That’s really where my love for heavy guitars started. As far back as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a rock musician. Playing live and creating music is just such a fun outlet for me. I remember in preschool trying to start a group one day with the instruments strewn across the floor, one kid on bongos, another with a little flute, and I had a xylophone sitting there tying to conduct everybody. That’s the first time I can remember thinking “wow…this sounds terrible!”

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It originated from wanting to replicate those sounds I was hearing as a little kid. As time went on and I learned covers and started to get a feel for how to construct a song, it became a great outlet for me to work through a wide range of emotions whether they be good or bad. I tend to write about my own life experiences, and through that you almost get an audio journal of where my head is at during the time of the music that’s being released.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

The next album I have planned is called Pink Cloud Syndrome. At risk of oversharing, it’s about my experiences and reflections on going through a 28 day rehab program. Almost every song was written during that one month period and it’s a deeply personal work that finds me rediscovering the joy of creating and just feeling alive again..with a healthy amount of regrets thrown in there of course!

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I pretty much just call it rock. Some songs are really heavy, some are really soft, but it’s all guitar driven. My vocals are in the ballpark of an early 90s crooner and the guitars take heavy inspiration from bands like Tesla, Alice in Chains, and Jani Lane.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Have somebody else running the board! I wear a lot of hats in this project on both the creative and management side, so it’s really helpful to have someone in the studio with me to not only be handling the tech side of getting a proper sound captured, but also to be a second set of ears to tell me when something does or doesn’t work. No overthinking, no settling for bad takes, and no worrying about how the hell to properly mix the tracks!

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Usually everything starts on an acoustic guitar. I typically get the bones of a song worked out that way and build on it from there. This allows me to get the chords and vocals figured out and then I can build on whatever it needs from there.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

The newest Bad Marriage album has been pretty kickass. Pretty much anything with Tommy Skeoch on it is great to me, he’s my all time favorite guitar player. Also, listen to Jabberwocky by Jani Lane! It was never formally released so you have to pull it up on YouTube, but it’s just amazing songwriting. Seriously, go check it out.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

That’s where almost all my lyrics come from. I always write the guitar first and then get a feel for what emotion it seems like that is trying to convey. I try not to chase trends or sound like anybody but myself. If you sound like yourself, you’ll find an audience that resonates with you for you.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

Even in darkness there’s a hint of light at the end of it. A lot of my songs cover dark topics, but it’s never outright hopeless. Hang on to that optimism and face the hard times head on.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Be yourself, there’s already a million carbon copies of what’s popular in the moment, but there’s only one person out there that sounds like you, take advantage of that!

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

All of them! I want to see the whole world, I can only hope my music could take me to a sliver of that if I’m lucky. Red Rocks would be really cool, there’s so many it’s hard to pick. Pretty much any outdoor festival would be awesome. I’ll take offers for the indoor ones too of course! XD

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

Jani Lane would have been great to work with. I think he was a really under appreciated songwriter, especially his lyrics. Those post-Cherry Pie albums and Jabberwocky demos were amazing!

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website, Spotify, IG, links)

My songs are available on all streaming platforms under the name Fixed fate, and you can follow me for updates on Instagram and Facebook under the name @JonBessette to get the most recent news.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I’m always looking to create and collaborate with other artists, but in particular I’d love to be successful enough to go out on a real tour. Show me the world, bring on the red eye flights!

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That my music is awesome and I’m a nice guy! XD I try not to take myself too seriously, good songs and a pleasant disposition are what I shoot for.