"I don't compliment many singers, having been spoiled with the likes of recording for people like Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Sam Cooke, Righteous Brothers, Joe Cocker, Barbra Streisand...but was very impressed with John, his ideas, his complete professionalism and the way he sings. Takes a lot to knock me out, but he did - it was fun to record for him. He should do well with his fine recordings". - Carol Kaye
Influences
STUFF I LIKE TO LISTEN TO: The Beatles (including solo albums), Big Star, The Who (including solo albums), Alex Chilton, Teenage Fanclub, The Darkness, Fountains of Wayne, The Everly Brothers, The Beach Boys, REM, The Byrds, Van Halen, Elvis (Costello & Presley), Rick Nelson, Radiohead, Bryan Adams, White Stripes, Matthew Sweet, Journey, Peter & Gordon, Mike Viola, The Posies, Bing Crosby, Motley Crue, The Pretenders, Belle & Sebastian, Buddy Holly, The Jam, Frank Sinatra, Def Leppard, Patsy Cline, Rush, U2, Francoise Hardy, XTC, Led Zeppelin, The Jayhawks, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Nilsson, Badfinger, The Alarm, The Rolling Stones, Styx, Oasis, The Searchers, ACDC, Noel Coward, Night Ranger, The Hollies, Ozzy Osborne, The Verve, Wilco, The Faces, Travis, Black Sabbath, Nat King Cole, Ronnie James Dio, Rufus Wainwright, Bad Company, Mary Hopkin, The Firm, Zebra, Boston, Jet, The Kinks, UFO, Cosmic Rough Riders, Elton John, The Zombies, Blondie, The Doors, The Sex Pistols, Cream, Guns n' Roses, Robbie Williams, Chuck Berry, Pink Floyd (Syd), Jonathan Richman, The Bee Gees, Foreigner, Rainbow, The Clash, Deep Purple, ELO, Blur, The Monkees, Iron Maiden, The Cult, The Bangles, Crowded House, Yes, The Carpenters, Dusty Springfield, Muse, David Bowie
John Carrillo is a singer/songwriter based in Orange, California. He has performed all over Southern California as part of the Starbucks Music Program and at Diedrich Coffee and Borders Books & Music locations throughout the Southland. In the process, he has built up an ever-growing (and loyal) following.
He released his first album, "John Carrillo", which was produced by power pop guru Michael Simmons (Sparkle*Jets UK) in 1998. Several songs from the album were featured on KLOS' "Local Licks" radio program. The song "Civic Pride" was also featured on NPR's "Car Talk."
Although heavily influenced by classic 60's pop groups such as The Beatles, The Byrds, The Who, The Everly Brothers and Simon & Garfunkel, John's music also invokes sensibilities of such modern artists as Matthew Sweet, Travis, Elvis Costello, REM, Fountains of Wayne and Belle & Sebastian to produce a unique brand of quirky yet accessible brand of pop music.
In late 2001, in addition to being named one of the top local artists of the year by The Orange County Register, John released his second album "A Wink To His Career" which featured among others, guest appearances by Lonnie Jordan (War) and Bob Boulding (The Young Dubliners). The album, produced by Dwight Yoakam alumni Shawn Nourse, showcased John's vocal talents as well as his rapidly developing songwriting skills. In 2002 the album was named one of the best Do-It-Yourself albums of the month by Performing Songwriter Magazine.
John's third album, "Von Karma", which features an appearance by bass guitar legend and "wrecking crew" member Carol Kaye (Beach Boys, Nancy Sinatra), was released in early 2006.
John's music can be heard on a variety of MTV and VH1 television programs such as "Room Raiders", "Made", "Driven", "Breaking Bonaduce" and "Two a Days" as well as shows on A&E, The Food Network and The Travel Channel.
John's song "Window To Your World" is also featured as a soundtrack song on RockYou.com.
If you'd like to license John's music for commercial use, please visit:
Pump Audio
In 2007, John made his acting debut in two short films, "America's Most Wanted Bug" and "Annie's Song", both available on You Tube. The latter film, directed by Neil Matsumoto, has recently passed 45,000 viewings.
John is currently the host of the most popular open mic night show in Orange County: The Gypsy Den in Santa Ana (Thursday nights) as well as Songwriter's Circle at Alta Coffee in Newport Beach (Tuesday nights). Every Wednesday starting September 17, 2008, John will host a new open mic at The OC Pavilion, one of Orange County's premier concert venues.
It's me Justine, Tim & Fletcher's friend. I'm coming to the open-mic tonight...thought I'd let you know. I'm learning to sing flamenco music so I'm going to try it out. Last time I saw you you were sick and at Denny's late at night, remember? I hope you're feeling better. See you tonight.
Hey John! Nice tunes on here...I'm really enjoying the open mic at the Gypsy Den...after not singing live for 4 years it's been a great way to get back into it...and you do a great job running it - so thanks :-)
John! what's happening? how's everything going? how's your recording project going? the open mics, and the once a month shows at the OC Pavilion?
I've taken a break from open mics for a bit, but will start up again soon, so i'll be seeing you! Hope all is well, and let me know when your music comes out so I can get some of it if you're going to start selling it. If not, wanna send some mp3s my way?
mine too :)i want to spend a year abroad there once i'm done with nursing school. i had fun last night - it was good to see you guys again. Hey...also what was that guys name? the bomb one that you met in tustin and he's only been playing for like 6 months...i wanted to check out more of his music but after the tow truck drama i forgot his name. see you soon - take care.
Hi John! It was so great to meet you and sing at the vault. I had a blast and will for sure bring people with me next time I come! Have an awesome day. :) PS-I would love to sing at alta anytime!
