John Shoemaker
Some people are groomed to become musicians from an early age, attend prestigious institutions and receive extensive education in the details of music theory from respected teachers; John Shoemaker is not one of those people. Growing up, music was something that he listened to, not something that he “did.” The truth is, John did not engage musically until he had already crept well into his twenties. This may seem a less likely time for someone to challenge their previously muted voice with the task of solo singing, or decide that the fingertip torture of learning how to play a steel string guitar would be “worth it,” but that’s how his story begins.
Music making came into John’s life in a surprising way. One day, as he listened to some original instrumental music a friend had sent him, a very clear melody came into his head, something so certain that it seemed like it had somehow existed in a previously undiscovered dimension. It was as if he was merely picking up a signal or working out a translation. At that moment, as he scrambled almost desperately to find a pen and a scrap of paper, John Shoemaker realized, abruptly and without question, that he was meant to be a songwriter.
Though John’s path to music was unconventional, it turned out to be a great source of future inspiration for his songwriting. After dropping out of college, he traveled through America like a modern day Woody Guthrie, anonymously working in warehouses, factories, farms, and other odd jobs, just trying to survive. Struggling through these experiences sparked in him the need for an outlet to creatively express his thoughts and feelings.
With a guitar balanced in his lap and a pen behind his ear, John writes songs that seem to have a purpose of their own. It’s almost as though his music naturally wants to make the world a little better off just for having been heard. In fact, it could be said that John’s strongest motivation for songwriting is his unending desire to see a world where all people live satisfying lives in peace and good health. Socially and spiritually relevant themes often run throughout his songs. This natural desire of connecting music to the greater good reflects a similar intention with the likes of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, John Lennon and Bob Marley, all strong influences in John’s musical journey.
It is his desire to share his own inspiration with others that has led John to emerge from the writers den and begin to make appearances on the stage. To enthusiastic responses, he has brought his honest, positive messages to clubs, cafes, health centers, and churches. In addition, he is pursuing certification through the Music for Healing and Transition Program to play healing music for persons who are ill or dying, an endeavor upon which he places tremendous value.
In 2007 John connected with Imagine a Better World Productions, a company committed to producing socially conscious media. Together, with the help of producer Lon Van Eaton, John created his first professional recording, entitled The System of Infinite Possibilities, which contains 11 of his original songs.
John is currently working on a new recording project and laying the groundwork for more extensive touring in 2008.