Jonathan Hape

“Jonathan Hape is one of the most prolific musicians in the Columbus scene, probably the Midwest. Yet, still few know who he is.” – iamtunedup.com

Jonathan Hape is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and audio engineer from Columbus OH. While currently teaching audio, video, theater tech, choir, and animation at a private nonprofit school, Jonathan has produced and released 5 solo LP’s, dozens of singles and EP’s, and numerous albums with associated projects. His music has been featured on A&E and SPIKE TV as well as regional radio programs, alternative newspapers and podcasts over the years.

Hape spent most of the 2000’s and 2010’s touring nationally as a solo act and internationally as a bassist. After working on various projects with local bands in Columbus, he joined Narrow/Arrow as drummer/producer in 2013 and has been with them since. Narrow/Arrow can be found on the official Spotify Math Rock playlist.

Jonathan has also spent the past few years with his now defunct post-punk band Room & Board, as sideman and multi-instrumentalist for Nicholas Rowe and creating his plunderphonics EDM project Glass Cassette (comprised of songs made up of 20 year old choir recital cassettes, high school french assignments, field recordings, voice memos, and office supplies).

​His newest album, Was Was, recorded at home with his dad Jeffrey Hape, will be available on vinyl August 15th 2025.

After many attempts at following up 2013’s solo album PLACES and a failed tour and album (scheduled for March of 2020, canceled as the pandemic hit) Jonathan decided to make a back to basics rock record inspired by RAM and Kill The Moonlight with his dad Jeffrey Hape (bass, guitar, bgv’s).

The album, titled Was Was is personal, political, anxious, and optimistic. The titular track was named such due to the awkward placing of word “was” twice in a row in the lyrics with Hape discovering later that “Was Was” has a deeper double meaning: The term “waswas” in Islam means “The devil whispering in your ear”, the cause of doubts and anxiety whereas the Hebrew phrase “What was was, was was!” means to stop worrying as all things that have happened have already happened.
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Most of the album was recorded in Hape’s basement during the winter of 2021. Artwork by Samantha Little and mastering by Nicholas Rowe.

The lead single “Like A Fire Coolin’ Off In The Rain” is upbeat, stripped down, and about dealing with anger and anxiety. Power pop with a 90’s alternative twist.

Food & Bar: Our full food and drink menu will be available before and during the show.