John Schrader: News

John David Schrader's influences are obvious—he's had an earful of Springsteen, Mellencamp, Clapton, and all manner of classic rock in his years, and a formal musical and media education has earned the top-notch performer five ASCAP awards. But there's nothing of a poser here. Schrader's lyrics expound struggles on the street that “beat his ass to the ground,” life-threatening illness, and the anger and loss of a young boy that shaped him into the tenacious survivor he is today. On this third recording, he mingles guitars, drums, keys, and vocals to create a full-band sound; he also wrote, produced, mixed, and recorded the CD himself.

Surprisingly, the record begins with a graceful original instrumental by the Moscow Session Orchestra that breaks into Schrader's head-punching, multi-layered signature sound, complete with upbeat horns and an intense, bitter rasp telling off the woman who gave him a “Shock” with a few four-letter words. He gets out his ya-yas on “Dirt” and “Ain't That Man,” spitting out catchy hard-rock grooves that seethe with pissed-off pride. Even the occasional ballad, such as “Better Than Me,” is solidly heartfelt and relate his hell and hope. Sharon Nicols, Chronogram Magazine - NY

"Great tracks...Quite brilliant!"

Nick Tann, 'Is This Thing On' Pod Cast - UK

"Tell us what you really feel John David Schrader – don't sugar coat it. Daylight Crashing does just that. This man feels deeply. He wears his feeling right at the tip of his nerve endings. He wrote, produced and recorded this CD all by himself.

Daylight Crashing roars out of the speakers and smacks the listeners in the face with a ream of concrete. Bitterness and anger leak out of this record like raw sewage overflowing in a rain storm. Betrayal and disbelief abound. On the opening track, “Shock”, Schrader rages, “I never knew that I could soak up all the shit that you had hidden…you kept f*ing with me…stop f*ing with me…excuse me while I make a mess of me…but it's still a shock.” “Dirt” hammers the emotions even harder. “I wish you knew how much I hate this…to see you bleeding…bleeding just for them…I won't hide this…I won't deny this…I'd love to see them suffer and I'll say it again.” The one word titles continue with “Dangling.” And so does the resentment and disappointment. “You left without a trace…I need a moment to revel in…I need to stand up straight and let this settle in…I'll have my chance to liberate…but for now I'll just dance and self-medicate.” Well, dancing sounds positive…and that's just the first 3 songs!! After the paroxysm, depression follows. In “Better Than Me”, the music lightens up – for a moment. “I'm stuck in this hole – I think you should know- I'm not doing so well – I need better than this – to taste one real kiss – can you embrace my hell?” Sorrow flows in a who-like ballad “77.” “Please pass me the bottle – I'm going down again – same old kick in the stomach – it hurts like hell, my friend.”

The musicianship astounds on this record! Hooks abound! But this should come as no surprise. John started out as a drummer - just like Steven Tyler from Aerosmith and Marvin Gaye! After earning a degree in music, he added vibes, guitar, bass, piano and some woodwinds/brass to his tool kit. Schrader also earned a degree in media production and has worked in NYC for years in film/audio production. He now owns his own studio (JLS Sound) and recently opened his own production company (Bugbird Productions) where he scores instrumental music for film and television.

Remember the buzz on the band Boston when they released their first album? Insiders whispered that Tom Scholz recorded the whole thing by himself in his basement studio. This has become the norm today! Why not cut out the middle man? And if you want to cut out your pain with primal scream therapy, pick up John David Schrader's “Daylight Crashing!” Roger Z- More Sugar Music Magazine

“John David Schrader is ready for commercial radio! One track called "Shock", for example, starts out with nearly a classical sound, before going into horn-accented boogie rock. And the horns sound great here! The man also has some good lyrical ideas. For instance, "Dreaming Out Loud" suggests that dreaming is not just for kids. Amen! Fans of slick, tight rock & roll will willingly buy into what John David Schrader is doing!” Dan MacIntosh – indie-music.com

January 2010: “Daylight Crashing” chosen as “Editor's Pick” on indie-music.com

On John's latest CD "Daylight Crashing":

"Nice bro!!!! Fun, foot stomping rock...play it loud." Rich Redmond - Nashville, TN (Drummer for Jason Aldean)

"I love your "Daylight Crashing" cd, John! Your songs come straight from the heart. All I can say is rock 'n roll with heart & soul - that's John David Schrader."

Domonique - WMJC FM - Long Island, NY WMJC FM's website

"John David Schrader keeps us guessing on "Dreaming Out Loud" - the first single from his "Daylight Crashing CD." Starting out with a hard rock kick and developing into a melodic chorus, 'Dreaming's' heavy guitar riffs are complimented by airy pop-fused bridges and smooth vocals. The sonics on here are great, and it's apparent that a lot of care and skill went into the making of this record - Worth a listen!!"

Beeb Ashcroft - indie-music.com - 2009

"John is an amazingly talented entertainment professional with a diversified background in film and music production, studio engineering and music composition. WDSP 1280 AM added The John Schrader Band to our rotation several months ago and never second guessed our decision. If your radio station is looking for compelling new content to add to your rotation then we highly recommend The John Schrader Band! Besides, we think you might appreciate his back story too."

Randy Blumhagen, Owner Tonestac. com and WDSP Radio - 2009

In regards to the new CD "Daylight Crashing" - REALLY good job, John!" Brian Steen, Producer - Sony Music - 2009

"It's pretty common knowledge that music is a universal language that transcends time, race, religion and pretty much everything else. What isn't common is how often a musician comes along with the purest of creative instinct, the deftness of a fine craftsman, the passion of love's greatest gift and the soul-churning anguish of life-altering medical experience and harmonizes those collective influences into something truly original. It has been my distinct and humble pleasure and honor to not just be a fan of John Schrader but a personal friend as well." Matthew Zachary - Founder I2Y

"Singer/Songwriter John Schrader has managed to strike just the right balance. His music is both melodic and rootsy, accesible but not simple and finally, full of heart-felt, personal lyrics without falling into the self-confesional trap." Bob Margolis - Kingston Times, Kingston NY

"A supremely talented songwriter, performer and arranger." Pat Murphy, owner/engineer The Sound Palace, Ventura County CA.

Read what CHRONOGRAM MAGAZINE magazine had to say about John and his music in their May '06 issue! Give 'em a click!

"John is an original Kingston, NY gem! Each show sparkles with insightful lyrics and glowing originality - not a zirconian event. You'll revel with excitement created by this consumate performer...a very SEXY show! BSP - KINGSTON NY - 2006

"Schrader is an acclaimed singer-songwriter whos diverse music has attracted critical attention...his tough but melodic powerpop style frequently recalls the sounds of similarly motivated artists ranging from The Kinks to Matthew Sweet to Guided By Voices."

Check out a featured article in "Clean Magazine" by Gary Alexander: CLICK HERE

"John, I listened to the whole thing! You're very talented! You've got a cool voice! I really liked the CD! Good Luck!"

" I hope even when you do become a huge star (and with your talent you shall) you will always have time to perform at our charity functions because I know your music will be sure to draw crowds."

"John Schrader captures his audience and never lets them go — if you don't feel it...you're dead! One of the most energetic performers we've had the pleasure to host. Truly a pleasure to have John on our stage — Encore!"

"I really dig this CD! John is rockin' our airwaves!"
Al Cocchi - Owner, Cyberstorm Radio

Definitely a VERY cool release!! Almost unbeliveable that you did it ALL alone!
A great example of the true indie spirit that I love to present at my
shows!! .. have a great 03 'n many good things for your music!
cheerz
Lord Litter, Germany
http://www.LordLitter.de

"When we were touring and doing the live thing, we received tapes and cd’s all the time. And everybody always wanted an opinion ...often, the material was truly awful, and sometimes (not quite as often) there was something great... John’s CD would fall into the latter category. The CD is killer! (although I'm digging the shit out of Cold), I think this disc is great. His voice is somewhere between a Pink Floyd or Don Henley perhaps...Songwriting is solid with great hooks and clean production value..not schlocky. I'm sure that his future is quite bright. Best of luck and stay in touch, John. Cheers, Dan"

"John Schrader's' new CD [Blood In The Wood] is a welcome surprise -- an unusual combination of strong rock grooves with smart and really cleverly written lyrics. Add to this, innovative guitar playing and pristine production sound and quality, and you've got a very promising new force on the rock scene. "....really impressive, John. I wish you much continued success."

Mindy Jostyn - Recording Artist (Plays/Tours w/ John Mellencamp, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Carly Simon, Pat Benetar,Cyndi Lauper, Joe Jackson, and many more)

"Yo John! Nice stuff! Very nice production too! Kept the "LIVE" feel in it which ain’t too easy these days! Keep up the jamz dude! "

Little Joe Cook—Legendary veteran of Allan Freed’s rock and roll review, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and Harlem’s Apollo Theatre.

Greg Gattine-Program Director/morning show host WDST Woodstock, NY 4/12/02

Artist of the Week (6/3/02) at Bandblast.com: John Schrader
"Personal feelings aside, and I have many good ones with regard to John, I have this to say about him: John is a true musician. He will drive 2 hours to play for 20 minutes, and is happy to play any kind of music anywhere, any time, and he does."

“John has performed and recorded with an impressive list of pop and blues artists including members of Billy Joel’s Band, the David Letterman Band, Muddy Waters Band, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Miles Evans, Slam Allen, Little Sammy Davis, Bo Diddley, and the Van Morrison Band….his latest CD, “Blood In The Wood” has much more pop songcraft than the blues that John plays while he’s out and about. It places the emphasis on his recent experiences in life and the arrangements and production are often intricate and invlolved. Schrader has a catchy sense of creating pop songs....his lyrics are original and his voice carries the 'slice-of-life' themes with passion and appropriate intensity."

"Kingston's John Schrader has spilled blood over his craft. The songwriter's second album, "Blood In The Wood," is a collection of very personal songs, laced with his blues-driven guitar. This isn't a self-pitying, self-serving album however. The music and lyrics are melodic, rocking, lucid, intricate and poetic. Schrader's music, based on his intense experiences, makes for an intriguing sound. John's voice has a scratchy quality that can be compared to John Mellencamp but without the happy-go-lucky vibe. Schrader cuts right to the chase (his spoken word tirade on "Mind Flush" is frighteningly honest). While Schrader may be serious, the music is very dramatic. "Blood In The Wood" showcases all of Schrader's talents as a musician, as he plays pretty much all of the instruments on the album. The reason behind the multi-tasking is that he wanted to keep the album personal. He's not selfish, however. He's a realistic songwriter who just wants to get his message out without any interference....and he's working hard to get it out in the open. "Blood In The Wood" is proof that John Schrader's dedication to his music is intense!"

"If justice mattered in the music business, John Schrader would be a star! The Kingston, NY resident has it all. He has a raspy voice that oozes emotion. He has a sharp pen that expresses his deepest thoughts and feelings, from anger at self-absorption - "blame it on everyone and everything but me," he shouts - to lovesick pain - "I wanna run when someone says your name," he sings. Plus, Schrader, who plays just about all of the instruments on the album, can rock with the best of them or lay his balledeering heart on the line."

"It's not particularly common these days for a band or an artist to produce a CD that holds together, that carries with it a quality of songwriting and a mood throughout. John Schraders lastest CD, "Blood In The Wood" succeeds at accomplishing both with a musical and lyrical honesty that, to sound cliched, is refreshing and vital. The majority of today's music- especially with regard to pop, rock and alternative- suffers from over-produced efforts that sound like they use Pledge to "get that sheen" but we all know that the real problem is that the
majority of today's bands and artists lack any real depth of songwriting.

Counter to this, John's songwriting grows with each song, not just each CD release. As you listen to "Blood In The Wood", you will be traveling down a highway that sounds both familiar, personal, detailed and moving. Guitars jangle, drums pound and it all comes together with ease. John's songs invite you to learn just what his life is about, where he would like to go and what
he is willing to do to simply get there.

All too often, when an artist produces their own work, with help from their engineers and a friend or two, the end result can be stale, over-produced, narrow-minded and lifeless. This is not the case with "Blood In The Wood." John wrote, produced, arranged and played all the parts using real instruments with reckless abandon, focusing on passion and instincts, not perfection. He also got some help from some guest appearances. The end result is the urgent sound of a band playing. Unlike other solo songwriter efforts that sound like they're locked away in a bedroom MIDI studio with too much equipment, too much hard disk space and too much time on their hands. In the end, it is a job well done and very much worth listening to. Listen to "Blood In The Wood", then listen again."

Scott James, Recording Engineer, Independent Producer (NYC). Scott James has worked with Billy Joel, Beastie Boys, Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Buffet, Slayer and many others.

"Having been introduced to John's worls last year with his debut release "From Discontent", I waited with anticipation for his next CD to reach my hands. This long awaited 2nd offering by far surpasses his previous work [which was named as one of the top ten CD's reviewed in the year 2000 by More Sugar Music Magazine]. Once again, John takes control of his destiny by handling all the chores from writing to arranging to producing to engineering. Then he outdoes himself by playing all the instruments. Is there anything this guy CAN'T do?!?! He has improved on all fields with "Blood In The Wood", and has entered uncharted waters to everyone's surprise. His lyrics are both descriptive and straightforward. From begining to end, this 13 song CD rock!

"His rock-n-roll is so good.... music that's as creative as commercial... hooks that recall classic top 40 acts such as Tommy James and the Shondells framed by sophisticated production that suggests the Beatles... if music was all it took Schrader would be a star."

"The arrangements are genuinely inventive and the groove is undeniable... Schrader breathes new life into the music scene."

"Schrader has a catchy sense of creating pop songs....his lyrics are original and his voice carries the 'slice-of-life' themes with passion and appropriate intensity."

"From Discontent" truly captures the depth of his soul. His lyrics connect on such a profound level. John's rustic wisdom pulses through his fingertips and crystalizes experience into song........very poignant lyrics."