John Allaire

John will be touring North America and Europe/UK in the next year. Go to johnallaire.com and sign up for the newsletter list to find out when he'll be near you!

Here's John's latest video from "Up Hill ... Both Ways".

John Allaire is an experienced, award-winning singer/songwriter. His lyrical depth, sprinkled with real life stories about people that everyone can relate to, and his ability to connect with an audience makes both his recorded material and live shows an intimate, edgy and eclectic experience. John is no stranger to performing and recording his own brand of guitar-driven alt-country/roots/folk. Whether playing solo, as he is more apt to do these days, or with the Campistas, John delivers a unique musical experience that does not easily fit into one genre. His well-arranged work is driven by sincerity and humour.

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John’s vocals have been compared to Adam Duritz (Counting Crows), Bill Janovitz (Buffalo Tom), Joe Strummer (The Clash), Bob Mould (Husker Du), Paul Westerberg (Replacements) and many others of this ilk. His songwriting echoes that of Neil Young, Paul Westerberg, Jeff Tweedy (Wilco) and Elvis Costello.

For the most part, John's songs are traditional folk-influenced stories and the solo show incorporates quick wit, banter and a direct connection with the audience. His straightforward guitar and harmonica styles are reminiscent of early coffeehouse troubadours like Dylan and Donovan. Each show is different from the last, with changing arrangements (acoustic and electric accompaniment), material choices and the stories he relates.

John has shared the stage with: The Black Crowes, Alejandro Escovedo, Tom Snider, Alanis Morrisette, Blue Rodeo, Tragically Hip, Donovan, Lynn Miles, Hoodoo Gurus, BoDeans, Dr. and the Medics, The Church, VSpyVspy, Nada Surf, Econoline Crush, Weddings Parties Anything, Tom Cochrane, Grapes of Wrath, Nils, and many more...

"Bourbon" Video - March 2008

Promoting Ottawa Bluesfest on CTV

John on CTV promoting the "Bourbon" Video - March 2008

John on Rogers TV promoting the "Bourbon" Video - March 2008

That was then... Starting his professional music career in 1984, John has been in a number of bands, including the award-winning "The Town Cryers", a band that reached the number one spot on seven radio stations in Canada with their first release in 1987 called "All's Well".

Allaire toured the country with the Cryers all the while releasing their 1989 CD, "Surprise Surprise", which included a supporting video for Allaire's song "Never Bin Hurt B-4". The video won honours as top independent video in Canada in 1989. The CD also had the dubious pleasure of being the first release in Canada by an independent band on the emerging CD format.

The Town Cryers parted ways in 1992, but not before recording a whopping 18-track CD called "Stanley's Cup".

In 1995, John founded the alt/punk band The Mercy Miners, playing with such signed recording artists as Econoline Crush and Nada Surf. The Mercy Miners released a 10-song CD called Knuckle Sandwich in 1997.

In 2003, John released his first solo effort called Crime and Punishment. The album was a 12-song collection and, while not doing much in the way of charting on radio stations, the CD sold more than 1,000 copies (admirable for an independent release), including copies numbering in the hundreds on the east coast of Canada and the USA.

John released "Thank You Waitress" in 2005, his best selling album to date, and has now released "Ghosts of the Royal Motel"