john vecchiarelli
portland, or
label : speckrecords

bio: / music / press / shows / photo

... is a songwriter / multi-instrumentalist based in Portland, Oregon. He began his musical endeavors at a young age as the drummer, singer, and collaborator for a wide range of East coast and Colorado bands, and was an in-demand freelance and session player. John eventually moved out front as the singer for the heavy melodic rock band Sic'em Fifi. His interest in guitar and songwriting grew, and after his successful stint with Sic'em Fifi ran it's course, he formed the agressive, smart punk outfit, Splinter. Driven by John's sonically challenging guitar and vocal style, and an unrelenting rhythm section, Splinter quickly gained a loyal following and pushed the creative envelope until disbanding in 1994. John continued to play shows accompanied only by his electric guitar, and so began his solo career.
John made the move to San Francisco in 1995 and while continuing to write and hone his skills on guitar and piano, he also fulfilled the drum duties for (pre-Oranger) indie power trio American Sensei, and moody rockers Dart. His burgeoning solo career soon took priority, and John put all his energy toward recording his songs and touring. He recruited talented friends Matt Greenberg (Charles Atlas), Devin Hoff (Nels Cline, Good for Cows), Glenn Kotche (Wilco, Jim O'Rourke), and engineer Todd Ayers, to record his stark and stunning debut,"Tiny Rooms". John's first solo effort was released in 2000 to impressive reviews and sales (3000+), as well as national college and international airplay. The success of "Tiny Rooms", coupled with extensive touring, have garnered him a devoted fan base. It was during his numerous visits to the Northwest while on the road that he fell in love with Portland, and decided to call it home. Portland's thriving indie music scene proved to be a perfect fit. In June of 2004, John recorded his second solo outing "Songs From Whoville" at Jackpot! Studios with renowned engineer Larry Crane (Elliott Smith, Quasi, Sleater-Kinney, Decemberists). Once again, Matt Greenberg lent his talents on piano and organ, with cello tracks played courtesy of Jenn Grady (The Wax Fire). The result is a truly beautiful recording, sure to build upon John's ever expanding reputation as an artist. "Songs From Whoville" was pre-released in a limited edition, hand stamped, hand assembled arigato packaging on Oct 1, 2004. John continues to share bills with notable bands and artists in prominent clubs and venues across the country, and work in numerous independent circles.