Stray Kids Guitarist Garrett Jones talks about life as a K-pop session pro

Garrett Jones, the talented guitarist from the boy band Stray Kids, has had a remarkable journey from his roots in suburban Detroit to becoming a session pro in the global phenomenon of K-pop. Despite growing up in an area devoid of a music scene, Jones’s upbringing in the music-rich city of Detroit infused his playing with vintage R&B vibes, making his style versatile and appealing to the K-pop audience.

Reflecting on his early struggles as a guitarist, Jones acknowledged feeling behind his peers until he surrounded himself with likeminded musicians in his early 20s who helped him grow and understand the guitarist’s role better. His persistence in learning and evolving as a musician, dedicated to honing his craft, has been key to his success in the industry. Jones emphasized the importance of taking time to perfect one’s skills and avoiding the temptation of rushed products in today’s content-driven age.

Jones’s musical journey began when his parents gifted him a classical nylon guitar at 11, which lay untouched until he discovered Guitar Hero III a few years later. With stickers on the fretboard mimicking the game controller, Jones found his musical calling and immersed himself in various genres, from alt-rock to jazz fusion, before landing in Los Angeles, where he collaborated with prominent artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Giveon, and Victoria Monét.

Breaking away from traditional guitar-centric genres, Jones found his niche in the genre-flexible world of K-pop by recording guitar for NCT 127’s “Focus” from their Sticker album. The diverse nature of K-pop music and the genre flexibility in Stray Kids’ music perfectly aligned with Jones’s style and resume, making him a valuable addition to the band.

Stray Kids’ meteoric rise to become one of the world’s top-selling artists, with billions of views on YouTube, catapulted Jones into a truly ‘big’ gig. Despite the suddenness of the offer to join the band, Jones trusted his instincts and embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. His seamless integration into Stray Kids and the band’s warm reception have solidified his place in the K-pop community.

Jones’s journey exemplifies the importance of perseverance, growth, and adaptability in the music industry. By staying true to his diverse musical influences and embracing new opportunities, he has carved out a unique space for himself as a guitarist in the dynamic world of K-pop. With a hybrid analog-digital rig and a commitment to continuous learning, Jones’s future in music looks promising, filled with endless possibilities and exciting collaborations.