Jonathan Coulton on Science, Crying, and Comic Books

TL;DR

Musician Jonathan Colton discusses his accidental journey into writing songs about science and his collaboration on a graphic novel with a friend, exploring the idea of a super villain team composed of his song characters.

Transcript

my name is jonathan colton i'm a musician and internet superstar i have a reputation for being a sort of kiki musician i was once even the contributing troubadour for popular science magazine wow i wrote a song called uh that spells dna i wrote a song called uh i feel fantastic there's a song called todd the t-1000 and then there was a song called ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤓 Jonathan Colton accidentally became known for writing science-themed songs and embraces his reputation as a "geek" musician.
• 🔬 He finds science to be a deeply captivating and spiritual subject, as it explores the mysteries of the universe.
• 👶 Colton's collaboration with Greg Pock on the graphic novel "Code Monkey Save World" showcases his song characters in a new narrative format.
• 👻 The graphic novel also offers an acoustic soundtrack, allowing readers to engage with both the visuals and music simultaneously or independently.
• ❓ Colton emphasizes the importance of writing about subjects that genuinely interest and move you.
• 😑 Science, for him, is the purest expression of being human and an endless source of fascination.
• 🦹 The graphic novel's storyline introduces a super villain team composed of Colton's song characters, creating an exciting crossover concept.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Jonathan Colton become known for writing songs about science?

Jonathan Colton's interest in science led him to unintentionally start writing songs about scientific topics. He feels a strong connection to science and finds inspiration in exploring the unknown and the wonders of the universe.

Q: What inspired the collaboration between Jonathan Colton and Greg Pock on the graphic novel "Code Monkey Save World"?

Greg Pock suggested that all of Jonathan Colton's song characters would make an excellent super villain team. They both found the idea exciting and decided to create a graphic novel together, incorporating Colton's songs and characters.

Q: Can the graphic novel be enjoyed with music?

Yes, a unique feature of the graphic novel "Code Monkey Save World" is that it includes an acoustic soundtrack. Readers can choose to read the book and listen to the music in any order they prefer or even simultaneously, although it may not be the recommended experience.

Q: Will Jonathan Colton continue to write songs about science?

Yes, Jonathan Colton believes that he will always be compelled to write songs about science. It is a subject that deeply resonates with him and provides endless inspiration for his music.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Jonathan Colton, a musician and internet sensation, unexpectedly became known for writing songs about science topics.

• He expresses his fascination and awe for the mysteries and depth of the universe, considering it a spiritual experience.

• Colton is collaborating with a comic book writer, Greg Pock, on a graphic novel called "Code Monkey Save World," featuring his song characters as a super villain team.