Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with John Idalis of Phoenix

We recently had the chance to connect with John Idalis and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning John, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Last time I laughed was a few hours ago looking at memes. I am not ashamed to say that I am chronically online.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is John Idalis and I am a singer-songwriter, actor, and poet. I see myself as a storyteller first and foremost who creates primarily in performance based mediums of art- along with writing. In my heart of hearts, I am a writer. My education in theatre greatly influences the stories I write and tell.

As for upcoming projects, on Sunday, November 16 at 5PM, I will be the featured poet at this month’s poetry open mic at Esso Coffeehouse in Phoenix. I am also working on upcoming singles… which are still under wraps and don’t want to reveal too much about yet haha.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was… me. Funny enough, I believe who we are as children, when we are still brand new to the world and not yet fully indoctrinated into being “normal” are actually our truest selves. Now as an adult, I realize the behaviors of child me that were criticized by adults such as being sensitive, questioning authority, speaking up for others- were all good things! Not be a petty Libra… but I was right! And I’m furious that as a culture, we convince children that wholesome traits are somehow bad. I am trying to honor my child self everyday. Unlearning is a process for sure…

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
To child me, I would tell them that… you’re right. You’re right. Adults who see themselves as inherently better than children and feel entitled to mistreat younger people are indeed losers. Your feelings are correct. Your feelings are right. Stop trying to be polite and not react. Newsflash: not reacting encourages them to push you even more. However, you also don’t want to give them the satisfaction of them seeing you upset. (For some pathetic people, seeing someone upset makes them feel “powerful.”) So just calmly tell a person who is harming you that they’re lame. Look them in the eyes and say, “You get joy out of hurting people? That is deplorable behavior.” Because you don’t know how much time you have left with anyone. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. And truthfully, the people who say they love you are not always going to protect you, unfortunately. If you keep waiting for someone to save you, no one will. You’re going to have to save yourself, kid. Or you’ll regret it later.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
“Self-employment.” Definitely a myth. Whenever someone tells me they’re “self employed,” it’s an immediate red flag to me. Because yes, a singer-songwriter could theoretically make all their money from touring, merch, streaming, etc., but what if they have a cat a home? Then they’re not really “self-employed.” They’re working for their cat. Sure the cat isn’t a boss or employer. It’s more about responsibility. Knowing a living being is relying on you. As long as other living beings exist, I will never be “self-employed.” Because I am working for my family, loved ones, to make sure that they are all taken care of.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
Recently, yes. Outside of my artistic endeavors, I work two jobs. And I don’t mind. One of my jobs is in retail, the other is for an arts center- which I love! In fact, there is no greater joy than providing for my family. Sure, I am often tired haha. But as someone who spent much of their upbringing homeless and undocumented, as a child I dreamed of being employed, funny enough. Knowing I have come so far since the days of my youth wandering streets at night helps me to romanticize even the most mundane of routines- like commuting to work haha.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.johnidalis.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnidalis/?hl=en
• Twitter: https://x.com/johnidalis
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnidalis/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDtTU4jZx_6tBZ7DAzHwUCA
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/johnidalis?utm_source=mobi&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Image Credits
Dianna Perales Harris, John Idalis