Jason Molina
Born: 1973 - 2013
Location: Oberlin, Ohio, USA
A.K.A.: Songs Ohia
Genre: Folk Rock, Alt-Country, Singer-Songwriter
Years Active: 1994 -
Meaning of the Name: Molina recorded under various names including his given, Songs: Ohia, and Magnolia Electronic Co.
Way of Working: Led by Jason Molina (far left in the picture above)
Essential Releases
The Lioness (2000)
A stark Songs: Ohia album centred around melancholia and pastoral beauty.
The Magnolia
Electric Co (2003)
Molina employs a full band to elevate his sound into rock.
Let Me Go Let Me
Go Let Me Go (2006)
Released under 'Jason Molina'. A lonely, exploratory record about finding peace.
Songs: Ohia and Magnolia Electric Co were conjured forth by Jason Molina's artistic vision of folk and indie rock. A rotating line-up of musicians helped him record and perform to small crowds in dingy venues, despite receiving acclaim from both fans and critics.
He was the only constant member of both bands until his tragic death in 2013 at the age of 39, due to alcohol related complications.
Despite his personal demons, Molina had a strong work ethic. He treated songwriting like a job, slogging away for eight hours a day. This view, coupled with class consciousness, informed his output. He told the Chicago Tribune in 2006: "I feel a lot of guilt about the freedom that being an artist provides. I ask myself, 'Why am I not the guy emptying the trash, why am I the guy who is watching the guy empty the trash?'"
For instance, his song 'Night Shift Lullaby' tells the story of blissful sleep, hard earned after a long slog in an industrial plant. While 'Farewell Transmission' compares the beauty of the natural world with the drudgery of industrial revolution-like conditions: "Now they'll be workin' in the cold grey rock. Now they'll be workin' in the hot mill steam." Chasing fame never appealed to Molina; the way he saw it, he was privileged enough to sing.
He wanted to be heard by people of the salt and earth; those forged in the fire of industry who now linger in its rusted remains, the manufacturing jobs shipped overseas. As the son of a teacher in Ohio, he was a product of the same places. His bleak, haunting songs can still be heard echoing from the dingy bars he used to play, proof of their power and enduring appeal.
Skills
*This is a work in progress. Values are subjective.Emotional Impact
85
Mental Impact
70
Originality
65
Artistry
60
Authenticity
95
Live
85
Production
65
Musicianship
85
Singing
70
Songwriting
90
Danceability
35
Fun
40
Consistency
85
Range
70
Cool
60
Charisma
55
