Born on February 10th, 1984 in Paris, he grows up in London and quickly starts playing the piano at the age of 8. He composes his first song when he turns 11 years old.
Pianist and self-educated guitarist, John becomes a fan of artists such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Jackson, Tupac Amaru Shakur or Jim Morrison and starts to assemble his own studio. With a repertoire of more than 250 compositions, he records his songs in his own room while he is still only in college. John signs his first record deal at just 17 years old.
After collaborating on Florian Desmoulin's film ('Et Si Tu Disparaissais') as the music composer and producer, the 25 year-old singer-songwriter-pianist brings to life a fresh, unique, soulful world on his debut album 'Unexpected'. Recorded on tape in the most amazing sounding 1869 church in Hudson, New York, his songs tell stories woven into melodies that are both individual and universal.
Exploring musical styles that blend soul, funk, pop, rap and classical, John's percussive piano playing and rich vocals infuse each song with a startling energy. 'I wanted each song to come alive in the studio with the same energy they had when they were first written,' he says. 'I really felt the record needed to reflect that and serve the meaning of the song.
With topics ranging from the devices of modern society ('People'), a sober look at infidelity ('Who The Hell Is The Man'), a symbolic song of happiness ('Beautiful Day'), the state of mind before comitting suicide ('Whatever I Try'), each song tells a unique tale. These stories musically paint characters, both familiar and uncommon, that leave one with the feeling of living on the edge. When asked if such topics are autobiographical, John replies, 'I think every expression is autobiographical - either literally or symbolically. I don't think it's possible to create something that isn't.
The realization of 'Unexpected' began when John teamed up with label director Mariane Reiss and engineer Henry Hirsch (known for his work with Lenny Kravitz, Vanessa Paradis.). 'We all worked so closely together every step of the way, and I feel lucky to have had such a tremendous team help me bring this album to life.'
Unexpected's unique, dynamic sound is simultaneously classic and modern. 'This album is very much about the old and the new. Not only within the songs themselves, but also in the way we recorded them. I wanted to combine the classic way of live recording with the many elements of modern production.'
With his expressive voice, prodigious piano talent and understated charisma, John combines an electrifying mix of warm vintage soul, '70s-style RnB, Motown girl-group harmonies, pop melodies and jazzy grooves performed by a live band conducted by John's main musical collaborator and producer Henry Hirsch. 'They are the most mind-blowing musicians I've ever met in my whole life,' John says. 'Musically, I feel like they read my mind. I'll give them a look and they'll know exactly what I want.'
From the first beat of the punchy opening track, 'Me Against Myself', until the rich, deep, soulful ending track, 'Hometown', every note, groove, and harmony is infused with John's love for the gift of song.
'I put my soul in this record. To me it's the best representation of what I am and what I want to be as a musician.' he concludes.
