Interviews
Interview by Philip Young PhD
How did you get involved in the Return of the Magi project?
I met Kelly Lee Phipps in Florida at the OPA retreat where I was studying psychological astrology with Glenn Perry, Ph.D. Kelly and I spoke several times in the course of the week and he told me that he was making a movie about astrology. I had no idea who Kelly was, but it was clear that he was/is a very special person.
I go down to Asheville North Carolina every year during the fall; it is my second home, and it just so happened that Kelly lived in Asheville. While I was on vacation I went over to his house one evening for dinner and conversation. I wound up spending a week there with him and his wife Christina.
I was so blown away by Kelly’s passion and vision. I had written most of the song “Return of the Magi” on the way down to North Carolina and when I played what I had for him he loved it. The next morning Kelly and Christina went into town and I was at their house alone. I was meditating in front of these huge windows in their A-Frame house and one of their cats (Apollo) crawled up into my lap.
In my meditation I kept asking; What is the most important thing I can do today? The answer I got was; “go record that song.” I got on the phone and I called 20 studios in Asheville and the only person that got back with me was Erik Kohl at “Takenote Music” which is his home studio.
I went over there that evening and recorded the demo for “Return of the Magi” and “Joni (Stardust)”. The rest is history. The demo of “Return of the Magi” is the bonus track on the CD and it is probably my favorite track on the album because I can hear my passion and clarity in my voice.
Unfortunately I will probably never sing that song better than I did that day. That is why I included it on the CD.
What was the creative process (and with whom) to write songs that were "astrologically" themed?
These days – with rare exception – I write alone. In the case of the “Return of the Magi” soundtrack; I had written the germs of a few of these songs (“Blame it on Jupiter”, “Joni”, “Luna” and “Maybe it’s just Me” in the previous year or so. I never finished any of them because I knew that only astrologers would be interested in these songs (at least that was my thinking at the time).
When I met Kelly and he told me about the film I got the idea for “Return of the Magi”. And even that song idea had been floating around in my head for a while. I really did go to an elementary Catholic school and had questions about the Magi story – and several other biblical stories as a child. But the phrase – “Return of the Magi” – crystallized that song for me.
Have professional astrologers given you any feedback about the music and how well you captured astrological ideas in your lyrics (if so, who and what did they say)?
I have gotten a very positive response to the music from the astrology community as a whole. And several of them have commented on my presentation of astrological ideas in the songs.
My twin passions (and my twin career’s) are music and astrology. I think about both things all of the time. Even though I had no idea I would be doing a soundtrack for an astrology movie seven months ago, the fusion of the two disciplines was very organic and natural for me.
In fact; I learned astrology through my understanding of music, so they have always been kind of twin strands of practice and truth to me.
What are your favorite lines or turns of phrase that really expressed an astrological idea clearly?
I like the line in “Monkey Trial” where I quote Isaac Newton; “I have studied the subject, and you good sir have not.”
The pre-chorus in “Return of the Magi” (“It’s coming back, but it’s never been gone”) is also a favorite. I was walking to my van after a show and I just heard that line in my head. I knew it was for “Return of the Magi” and it just felt strong and true.
The couplet that rhymes “Jupiter” with “stupider” cracked me up when I first wrote it.
The line in “Looking for Myself” where I say; “Deep inside I know I have a place, that they can’t erase, my own true face” makes me smile. That is how I see a horoscope; it is your own true face. It shows you how you are wired and what you are made of. When we align ourselves with that authentic pattern or “true face” we usually do better in life. Also putting astrology and music together has been me showing “my own true face” to the world in a big way as well.
What did you learn about astrology writing music for the movie?
The simplicity and complexity of both music and astrology; the paradox of both things being always and constantly true.
In both music and astrology I have at times been guilty of making things too complicated. I have found with both (music and astrology) that if you can distill an idea down to its simplest, purest form, and then communicate that idea to either a listener or an astrology client, you will usually make a connection that matters, and makes a difference to both of you.
One thing I would like to say in parting; I am very happy and thankful for the positive response my music has gotten from the astrological community. However it is my hope that the music can be appreciated and enjoyed by those who know nothing at all about astrology.
Some of the coolest comments I have gotten thus far are from people who aren’t into astrology at all; they just feel the music and my intention and somehow resonate with it without any deeper understanding of the astrology symbols. Music is also a symbolic language and my main purpose as an artist is to attempt to make a connection with the listener - on some level - with the music all by itself.
Quotes from Astrologers:
“Thanks for your loving energy and singing at UAC.... The CD is lovely and I really enjoy the Saturn Song and Return of the Magi.”
Dennis M. Harness, Ph.D.
President, American College of Vedic Astrology
www.vedicastrology.org
“Your Return of the Magi CD is great. I love it, and I would like to see it flourish.”
Bob Mulligan
President of The Astrology Company
President of OPA (The Organization for Professional Astrology)
www.professional-astrology.org
“I think you’ve provided a wonderful service to the astrological community as a whole for the work you did on Return of the Magi. Your songs were consistently uplifting and inspiring.
I thought all of them were clever and special in their own way, but a few stood out in particular. “Looking for Myself” was sweet and personal, and I especially liked the jazzy beat and change of pace in “As above, so below.” I thought the lyrics of “Monkey Trial” were provocative and had real punch. “Maybe it’s just me” captured the pathos of astrologers wanting acceptance, which I suspect most of us feel to varying degrees. You made it personal, however, by situating that struggle within a personal relationship. Finally, “Saturn Song” was poignant and profound.”
Glenn Perry, Ph.D.
Director of The Association for Psychological Astrology
www.aaperry.com
“I love your CD? Return of the Magi is fantastic and I also love As Above So Below. You rock Jo! Your CD is a fantastic achievement.”
Greg Bogart, Ph.D.
Author of Astrology & Meditation, Astrology and
Spiritual Awakening, Therapeutic Astrology, and other books;
all on Dawn Mountain Press:
www.dawnmountain.com
“Jotown has perfectly performed the ancient rite of alchemy in this music, simultaneously capturing the teachings of the Magi and also the Heart and Soul of Humanity crying out for this Wisdom to penetrate the post-modern dilemma.” The Saturn Song brought a tear to my eye.”
Gary P. Caton
Professional Astrologer and teacher
www.dreamastrologer.com
Quote from a non-astrologer:
"Although I am not a follower of astrology practices, I found Return of the Magivery enjoyable. It contains a soulful mix of songs which describe the artist's reflections on life's highs, lows, and journeys most of us can relate to. My personal favorites are Saturn Song and Maybe Its Just Me. This CD is warm, comfortable and highly recommended!."
Terri Ross
Rochester MI
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