Franklin High Senior Credited on Platinum Album

Published January 9, 2015

Not many people get to say that their name is on a platinum album – let alone a high schooler. For one Franklin High senior, however, this dream became a reality.

It all started one fateful day at a Franklin restaurant called The Coffee House. Jonas Litton was working to coordinate all of the live music for the shop and his boss introduced him to an individual named Mondo Grimes.

“I was told he was a producer, which is something I was interested in becoming as well,” said Jonas. “I called him the next day, asked for a meeting, and before I knew it, he agreed to have me as his intern.”

Things took off from there and the work-based learning opportunity was formed. Work-Based Learning is an experience that allows students to apply classroom theories to the real world.

“It is open to all seniors in good standing and must be related to a previous or current course in which the student is enrolled,” said WCS Career Counselor Rebecca Collins. “WBL is a capstone course that allows high school students to challenge themselves as they explore careers; use what they have learned in school; network with businesses in the community; and build on personal and social skills.”

And that’s just what this opportunity provided to Jonas.

“Mondo presented me with projects and opportunities that not only kept me busy but also increased my level of understanding and skill as a producer,” said Jonas. “My time with him has been invaluable.”

One of those projects was working on an album for the Swiss/German rock band Gölä. Jonas was given the responsibility of assisting with the vocal engineering.

“I pitch corrected any notes that were too sharp or flat, as well as trimmed some vocal clips to make sure everything fit into place,” said Jonas.

The album has been a huge hit in Europe where it reached platinum status and made it to #1 on the iTunes charts in Switzerland.

“To be credited on a platinum album is an honor I never thought I would see for years upon years, if not ever,” said Jonas. “I am aware of how fortunate I am to be given the opportunities that I have and to receive such loving support from my parents, family and friends. It truly excites me to know that people on the other side of the world are able to open a tiny booklet in their newly purchased Swiss-German country rock album and find my name sitting among many others.”