Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramon Fontanilla.
Hi Ramon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Good day I’m Ramon Fontanilla, I am a musician, photographer and wannabe home cook born in the Philippines and now based in Adrian MI. I started out in music as a scrappy kid back in high school, learning from friends and also picking up knowledge about recording software and its related knowhows. I then went into college, fell into a bit of a dilemma with being a musician in favor of being serious about my studies, but I met some friends that in turn rolled into what became my current band now. A few ups and downs and then I migrated to the US, specifically Pennsylvania. I then got into photography while pursuing music and a full time job. I then moved to Adrian around 2024 and I changed careers, working in data analytics at the comfort( or chagrin) of working from home. Nowadays my photography is basically focused on music and street photos and my musical endeavors are originals and covers on the side. I now bounce back and forth between the Philippines and Michigan as I wanted to give my family and friends equal time. I have embraced both Adrian and the Philippines as my home and I am very much happy to pursue artistic endeavors wherever I am at
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
For music, the first challenge was maturing in a world where you aren’t certain if the people you’re working with are going to act the same, I was a kid when I started and I had a lot of growing up to do and the learning curve was a bit harsh. From childish squabbles to logistical issues, I had to learn to manage through them without losing myself or my friends in the process
In terms of photography, the biggest challenge for me was getting new subjects and overcoming my anxiety to go out there and start taking pictures. I lived in rural Pennsylvania before I moved to the more suburban Adrian and people there were a bit weary of someone just taking pictures. I had small family gathering gigs and a few weddings here and there to hone my craft, but music photography was my main thing. The biggest challenge with that is finding the time and a band that will agree for me to tag along and take pictures, I mostly relied on coworkers and live music events for that but it hasn’t always been easy. Out of town gigs, the lack of sleep and the tight spaces or perilous positions you would be put in as a photographer in a wild music venue really challenges your physical and mental reserve
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I work in Data analysis for an annotation company. I work from home and just try to stay under the radar as much as I can. I just wanted a career where I can focus on my artistic endeavors more and give time for friends and family. Working from home has made that much easier and more attainable.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
With the rise of AI, I feel like creatives are going to fight harder have their voices heard. Don’t get me wrong, AI has its uses but it should not substitute the creative abilities of humans. I think of AI as an agency you ask for help but it takes jobs and current artwork from actual artists.
I really do hope artists and creatives don’t feel defeated due to the advent of LLMs and the prevalence of such in the creative field
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ravfontanilla.godaddysites.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tenor.from.hell/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/ArcanaPHMusic
