With the release of Beginner’s Mind, his third album, John Budnik continues to carve out a singular path in the music world. Known for his genre-fluid approach and creative depth, Budnik merges elements of rock, blues, soul, and more to create a sound that feels as personal and distinctive as his own artistic journey. The album’s title track, Beginner’s Mind, perfectly encapsulates this ethos: an open, uninhibited approach to music-making that rejects the conventional boundaries many musicians feel bound by.
The recording process for Beginner’s Mind was as unconventional as its sound. Rather than retreating to a professional studio, Budnik chose to record the album in his garage in Palmer, Alaska, giving the project a raw, intimate quality. The album is inspired by Zen Guitar, a book by Philip Toshio Sudo that encourages musicians to approach their craft with a beginner’s mind, free from the constraints of preconceptions, judgment, and traditional rules. Budnik took this philosophy to heart, aiming to create a sound that wasn’t confined to notions of what was “right” or “wrong.” Instead, he embraced the process with a fresh perspective, tapping into the uninhibited creativity often associated with beginners.
Though the album’s approach may have been rooted in the mindset of a novice, Budnik is far from one. As the lead guitarist for the well-known Alaskan band Triple Black Diamonds, he’s been a fixture in the local music scene for years. Budnik is not only an accomplished performer but also a prolific songwriter and self-sufficient artist. For Beginner’s Mind, he wrote and recorded all of the material himself, a testament to his broad musical skill set. His live performances have further solidified his place in the Alaskan music landscape, with the John Budnik Band playing for crowds of over 10,000 at Salmonfest in 2017 and 2019. The festival has featured notable acts such as Jason Mraz, Jewel, Ani DiFranco, and Railroad Earth, further showcasing Budnik’s ability to share the stage with major artists. Additionally, he composed the intro and bumper music for the I-5 Corridor podcast, a show focusing on sports stories from Oregon.
Musically, Beginner’s Mind offers a journey that feels simultaneously spontaneous and meditative, with a focus on the themes of acceptance and personal growth. The album’s tracklist doesn’t adhere to typical song structures or genres, offering a fluid, exploratory feel that mirrors the mindset of the artist during its creation. The freedom Budnik embraced in his process is evident in every note, and it’s this absence of constraints that gives the album its unique charm. There’s a beauty in this openness, one that’s unmanufactured and raw, but also deeply authentic.
Beginner’s Mind is more than just an album; it’s a philosophy in musical form. It invites listeners to experience the process of creation through a lens of curiosity and acceptance, reminding us that sometimes the most profound artistry comes when we let go of what we think we know.
Beginner’s Mind is out now – stream and experience for yourself.
