Eraserheads, John Mayer, David Gates and the Bread, James Taylor, Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Matchbox 20, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dools, Nirvana, Hootie and the Blowfish, Death Cab for Cutie, Mr. Big, Enya, The Postal Service...
John started composing his own music in the early months of 2004. With the help and persistence of his ever-loving friends, he started performing in front of live audiences, beginning with a talent show held at Fordham University in November of that year.
He has been playing music since the early age of 6, when he started taking classical piano lessons. In the following years, he performed at several piano recitals held in his hometown province of San Ildefonso, Bulacan. At age 9, John got his first acoustic guitar, a gift from his aunt. The guitar was from Cebu, a city in the Philippines famous for their flamenco guitars crafted from Langka wood. With his background in music, it didn't take him long to learn some tunes, jamming with a Beatles songbook. Influenced by his brother, drummer for the rock core band "Clad", he started playing the drums at age 10. At 13, his dad introduced him to the bass guitar, which became his instrument of choice. John's style is heavily influenced by well-respected bassists Buddy Zabala of the Eraserheads, and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His high school cover band "David and The Goliaths" performed in school programs, and placed third in the their Battle of the Bands competition, where they played "Only Wanna Be With You" by Hootie and The Blowfish. Along with his brother, he had a brief outing as a bassist for the band "Blank Verse". In 2002, he joined the short-lived rock outfit "Shades of Gray", which exposed him to the New York City club scene in venues such as "The Elbow Room", "Downtime" and "Castle Heights". John then supplied bass grooves for "Steinway", an indie rock core band, in 2006.
Over the years, he never lost his passion for the acoustic guitar. Back in high school, John entertained his friends by singing songs from David Gates, Stephen Bishop and Jim Croce, and the like. During his years in college, that habit never died. Nothing gives John more pleasure than playing his guitar for friends, while they enjoy the show and sing along off key. Modern artists such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews have since influenced the type of music that he plays, as well as the style of his compositions. He was also the lead guitarist for his all-Filipino pop rock group "House of Straw".
John graduated from Hunter College of the City University of New York in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Help John help you...give him a a gig or two or he will just sing for you...come to one of his shows!! you'll get a free hug and a cookie!!
Enjoy the music!!
John Violago - On Your Knees with Michael Lesley, Ron Gejon and Jason Castillo @ Club Midway (Rock in the Box 2 Pre Launch Party)
John Violago - The Perfect Movie with Michael Lesley, Ron Gejon and Jason Castillo
D Rebel Music Presents Project Takeover America 'Showcase & Networking Party' @ Lounge 87 87 Ludlow St New York, NY 10002 bet. Delancey & Broome Oct. 11th 08' Saturday Doors Open: 7:30PM *FREE ADMISSION* Must be 21+ Valid I.D. Live Performance 8PM-12AM Hosted by King Finesse For Info: 347.556.3763 Music by DJ Blazita & DJ O'Spindles Live Performances by M.L. DAMA & other guest artists... Dress Code Fellas: Fresh & Stylish Ladies: Sexy & Chic www. myspace. com/drebelmusic www. DREBELMUSIC. com
Last stop of the “Tragic Ending” tour Wuzz Up Café 8 Bedford Avenue in Bergenfield, NJ $10 at the door All ages are invited to attend With special guest – Sodapop Suicide
Pre-order your autographed copy of Tragic Ending for $5 now. Contact a Bleud member or bookings@bleud.net for information on how to receive your reservation voucher. And then redeem your voucher at our merch table at Bleud's "Tragic Ending" EP Release Party 10:00 PM on Saturday, February 9, 2008 The Iron Monkey 97 Greene Street in Jersey City w/ Special Guest triCKBag 18 & over only; 21+ to drink NO COVER
For more information about purchasing Bleud’s new EP and promotional tour, please visit www.bleud.net
