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Writer's pictureThe Real Ding

GET TO KNOW: John Love



After delivering a flurry of fresh and enticing offerings over the last few months, Chicago-based artist John Love is back once again to unveil his vibrant new single 'A Song For You'.


Channelling more of that sweet and uplifting direction he has cultivated for himself, 'A Song For You' makes for a wonderfully warm and shimmering listen. With its organ-led hooks, sweeping atmosphere, and his own charismatic voice layered throughout, this new one certainly shines from start to finish.


So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and influences over the years.


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What was the first band/artist you fell in love with?


Stereotypical musician answer, but it’s true - The Beatles. Abbey Road was the first record I remember hearing as a kid because it was one of my mom’s favorites and she always played it for me. I was so intrigued by their sound as a kid and I’ve continued to love them ever since. As a teenager though - Ben Folds. His songs are really what made me fall in love with the piano.


Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?


I never formed a band, but I played tons of piano gigs with my mentor/friend, Ken Bradbury when I was in high school/college. He was a teacher at my school and played honky-tonk, gospel piano music. He, my friend Brock, and I would play gigs all around central Illinois, mainly at churches, nursing homes, community events, etc… I certainly would not be doing what I am today without those two guys.


What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?


Songwriting is sort of a new venture for me. I write tunes all the time, but the words don’t come as easily. So a lot of the time, the music is what inspires the lyrics. Primarily when I write lyrics, I try to start writing from personal experiences or people I know. Then I form the words to make them relatable for others.


What is a song you wish you would have written yourself?


I think that Djo’s (Joe Keery) album Twenty-Twenty is an absolute masterpiece. I would be so proud to claim that entire record! If I had to narrow it down to one song from there to have written myself though, it would be the track “Roddy”. The song is so haunting, beautiful, and I love the combination of synths he uses with the guitar parts.


If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?


A few years into living in Chicago, I formed a band with some coworkers called The North and Wells Band. We are currently on a hiatus at the moment, but putting out our first single “Chicago Summertime” back in 2019 was such an exciting time. We were pretty fresh in the Chicago music scene, but we’ve since garnered quite a following on Spotify and our trajectory was looking pretty solid before the pandemic. Wish I could go back to before the pandemic and see where that could have led!


Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?


I’ve seen Mac Demarco live twice and he puts on such a fun show. He’d be an awesome artist to share a stage with!


Is there an artist you’d love to collaborate with as well?


My favorite artist at the moment is another Chicago cat, Neil Francis. His music is steeped in 1970s rock which is my favorite genre. He’s also a piano player so I’d be over the moon to write something with him.


Also- Vulfpeck. One of my top 3 favorite bands of all time. I’m such a huge fan and would love to collaborate with them.


Where do you see yourself in five years time?


My absolute dream would be still writing music, touring with it and maybe getting some help with a record label!


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John Love's new single 'A Song For You' is available to stream now. Check it out below.



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