"Your Inauthentic Life" is a piano ballad I chose to write from a 3rd person perspective even though the story actually happened to me back in college.  Several weeks ago, I literally woke up extremely early one morning (it was still dark outside) singing the first couple of lines to this song.  I thought, "oh, this is too prolific to dismiss!"  Once I completed the first verse, I realized what I was writing about.  It's actually a sad story and unfortunately it STILL happens to a lot of people.  I met a guy when I transferred to my new university whom I immediately "clicked" with.  He was extremely obvious with his flirtations, etc.  Yet, he did not want to say we were dating because as he put it, "We can't call it that."  However, he wanted to be around me constantly and shower me with attention.  Essentially, he wanted to "date" but stay in the closet.  He even admitted that he had also developed feelings for me, but still wanted the situation on his terms.  After several months, I finally called him on it and told him goodbye.  Sadly, 10 years later, I ran into him and he was still in the same predicament.  I can't fathom living his life of denial.  And, he still appeared miserable and lonely.  It was a painful experience, but a great life lesson.  Living my life authentically has been liberating and rewarding.  Thank you for listening! - Jonathan Ellermann, The Cowboy Pop Star

Your Inauthentic Life

Your Inauthentic Life (JE "Initial" Demo)

"Standing in the Rain" features atmospheric electronic instruments blended with ambient layered vocals and piano.  I think every songwriter has that one song where they realize, "Yes, I have been blessed with the gift of songwriting."  This song was definitely that ONE for me.  The song tells the story from a first person perspective of a guy who has insomnia because of a recent breakup and, not knowing what else to do, decides to go walk through the oncoming morning winter rain in downtown London.  During his walk, he finds strange solace as he starts to notice that some of the other people out also appear to be hurting.  What I did not realize when I wrote this song is that the next year I would actually get to finally visit London and coincidentally during a cold, rainy December.  London was everything I had envisioned.  The city and people were absolutely magnificent!  For the first time in my life, I felt like I was home.  So, until that day, I will live there in my mind through "Standing in the Rain."  Thank you for listening! - Sincerely, Jonathan Ellermann (The London Cowboy Pop Star) 🤠⭐️

Standing in the Rain

Standing In The Rain (The London Cowboy Mix)

This dance, synth pop song is very electronic and melodic with full four-part harmony choruses. Over the last two weeks, this song has been through an extreme makeover as I have revamped "A Random Meeting" with my newest discoveries for improved music production.  I am pleased with the results so far, especially with the chorus vocals.  I wrote this song about the elation that comes from finding new love.  The excitement that surges through your body when this new special person randomly texts or calls throughout the day, and then being completely enthralled in discovering everything about them.  I love the chord progression from the verse to the chorus which is why I added an extra baseline to the chorus to emphasize the changes.   And, I adore the lyrics.  Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy "A Random Meeting" as much as I did in creating it!  - Jonathan Ellermann, The Cowboy Pop Star

A Random Meeting

Electronic euro-disco song with deep bass line and percussion.  When I started composing this song, I thought I was just being eccentric.  Then several months ago when I was singing it around the house, I realized "Total Androgyny" is from the perspective of a non-binary person.  Being that I am a gay man, I pray the lyrics accurately represent my friends in the non-binary community.  I definitely had fun recording the vocals, especially the narrations.  Thank you for listening! - Jonathan Ellermann - The Cowboy Pop Star 🤠⭐️

Total Androgyny

Achtung Baby

U2 - Mysterious Ways

Although he looks like a Texas cowboy, Jonathan Ellermann’s passion is pop music. Hence, the nickname for himself, The Cowboy Pop Star. 
“Most of my music does become more electronic once I’m in the studio, but the piano is my instrument. All of my music begins there. I’ve been blessed by the music of songwriting legends (Elton John & Bernie Taupin, ABBA, The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Duran Duran, Sting), so I approach my compositions in the same manner. Songs must contain memorable melodies, prolific lyrics, complex chord progressions (love those black keys), orchestrated instruments, and layered vocals. I love harmonizing myself. I think that’s my favorite task in the studio. And I’m grateful that when a song comes to me, EVERYTHING usually comes at once: the lyrics, the melody, instrumentation, all of it. Then I rush to the piano and write out the melody and chord structure. Often, I’m surprised by a new song’s key signature. I’ve never set out to write a song in a specific key. The music just comes, and I go with it. Maybe it’s all of the years of listening to ABBA, Elton John, or the Pet Shop Boys. Who knows?” (Jonathan chuckles.)
“I love writing music with a purpose not just a song that’s enjoyed but also one that stirs emotions and connects with people in a way that leaves the world a better place. My intent is that my music will bring joy and hope to others. I pray it does for you as well. Thank you for listening. My show has just begun!”
- Jonathan Ellermann
The Cowboy Pop Star 🤠⭐️

Total Androgyny

Jonathan Ellermann

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