It’s an exciting time for Jersey native, Jonathan Smith, as he adds another notch to his musical career by composing for the upcoming biopic on legendary musician, Bruce Springsteen. The composer, who grew up in the same neighborhood as Springsteen, couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of such a project.
Smith’s journey as a musician started in New Jersey, where he fell in love with Springsteen’s iconic sound. Coming from a musically inclined family, he learned to play multiple instruments at a young age and began composing his own music. As a teenager, Smith often found himself covering Springsteen’s hits at local gigs and quickly became known for his ability to capture the essence of the music legend.
Fast forward to the present day, and Smith has earned many accolades for his musical prowess, both as a composer and performer. But when he received the call to work on the soundtrack for the Springsteen biopic, it was a dream come true. “I couldn’t believe it,” Smith recalls. “To be given the opportunity to create music for a film about someone who has been a huge influence on me was truly an honor.”
The movie titled, “The Boss: A Jersey Story,” follows the story of Bruce Springsteen’s rise to fame and the impact he had on his friends and family in his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey. The soundtrack, which comprises of both original compositions and reimagined versions of Springsteen’s classic songs, is a crucial element in bringing the story to life.
“I wanted to make sure the music captured the essence of the film and the spirit of Springsteen’s music,” Smith shares. “It was a challenge, but also a privilege to be given the creative freedom to interpret his songs in a new way.”
For Smith, the process of composing for the biopic was a deeply personal one. As someone who grew up listening to Springsteen’s music, he felt a strong connection to the story being told. “I was able to draw inspiration from my own experiences growing up in New Jersey, which helped add an authentic touch to the music,” he explains.
One of the highlights of the project for Smith was getting to work with Springsteen himself. The two had crossed paths a few times before in their hometown, but this was the first time they collaborated on a project. “Working alongside someone I’ve always looked up to was surreal,” Smith gushes. “He’s a true legend and a musical genius, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him.”
The Springsteen biopic has already garnered a lot of buzz, and the anticipation for the soundtrack is equally high. Fans of both Springsteen and Smith can expect an incredible blend of music that will transport them back to the streets of New Jersey and capture the raw emotions of the film.
Smith credits his New Jersey roots and upbringing for shaping his musical journey and shaping him into the artist he is today. “I’ve always been proud to be from New Jersey, and this project has only made me prouder,” he says. “To be able to contribute to a film that celebrates the life and music of a fellow Jersey native is truly special.”
With the release of the biopic and its soundtrack, Smith hopes to inspire other young musicians from New Jersey to follow their dreams and never give up on their passion. “As a kid, I used to look at Springsteen as someone who made it big from our small town,” Smith shares. “I hope that this project can be a source of motivation and encouragement for others to pursue their dreams and see that anything is possible.”
For the New Jersey native, the Springsteen biopic is not just a film or a soundtrack, but a reminder of the power of chasing your dreams and the magic that can come from the unlikeliest of places. It has been a journey of a lifetime, and Smith is grateful for every moment of it. As he continues to compose and perform, he carries with him the invaluable experience of being a part of this iconic project, which has further solidified his love for music and his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey.
