We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Wilcox. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.

Alright, John thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My band November Blue is working on and releasing our debut album. We were able to work with some world famous musicians and producers like Michael Omartian in legendary spaces like blackbird studios. The music we are writing and recording is work that I am extremely proud of and can’t wait to share with the world.

I was also able to write and produce Sarah Manzo’s upcoming album which contains songs from the past couple years that I can’t wait for the world to hear. It is extremely personal music and the writing, production, and arrangement are all things I am extremely proud of.

John, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I started playing the piano when I was probably 4 or 5, but I always hated it. My father would be in the other room playing the guitar and that’s what really interested me. When I was about 10, my brother and I got into some trouble and my father took away our PlayStation. I was devastated, but then I picked up the guitar and started playing around with it. I learned how to play by watching live concert DVDs of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Eric Clapton, and John Mayer. I started and band and we played blues music around the Pittsburgh area. Once I heard the music of artists like Jackson Browne and Nick Drake, I knew I wanted to be a songwriter. I think what sets me apart from others as a musician is that I value the song and artist way more than I value myself as a contributor. I could care less if all I do is play one note, but if that’s all the song needs, I’m happy to play it. Of course I like to show off from time to time, but if the song doesn’t call for it, I won’t do it. My job is to make the song the best it can be, not show off what I am able to do. It frustrates me when I hear a beautiful ballad and the soloist tries to play as many notes as humanly possible.

The work I am extremely proud of is “Leather Soul” and “Comeback” by November Blue, “Wake Up Marylyn” under my solo project “Joku”, co-writing and producing Nikki Sova’s “California” and my writing/production collaboration with Sarah Manzo for her single “Toy Piano” and her upcoming album.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the fan interaction. When my band November Blue plays our original music and I can look out into the crowd and see a complete stranger singing along, there is no better feeling. It is also a surreal feeling when someone comes up to me and explains how a song has touched them and connected with them. That’s why we do it.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love the idea of stoicism. It keeps me sane reminding myself to worry about thing I can control. The idea that the obstacles you face make you who you are and are part of your journey. Of course, we’re human and we get frustrated with people we don’t see eye to eye with, but remembering that that’s out of our control helps me stay focused on my tasks and goals and not worry about what others may be doing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.novemberblueband.com/
• Instagram: @johnwilcoxguitar
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.wilcox.58367?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@novemberblueband?si=fqSPQ8d0c2B1jcZk

Image Credits
Ed Adams Jaime Glasgow