We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful John Sannios. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with John below.
John, thanks for joining us. We’re excited to have you contribute your stories and insights, and we’d love to hear about a project that has meant a lot to you.
Every project has its unique character and meaning. It is like a vibrant tapestry where each part is a thread imbued with meanings, and it is like waiting for you and your magic touch to bring it to life. The countless hours spent refining the mix and co-producing “Vernon” alongside the outstanding musician Steve Kowalczyk Santoro still resonate within me. Knowing his heartfelt songs touch both independent gems and Hollywood giants – serves as a constant source of inspiration. Then, there’s the electric surge of laying down that defining lead guitar riff for the “Goodyear Tire” commercial, a collaboration with the Jingle Writing legend distinguished musician and professor Jon Aldrich, a master of crafting jingles that stick in your mind and soul. Diving into the world of film scores with the multi-award-winning composer and orchestrator Kostas Christides on the award-winning Film “6:45” felt like a journey into the heart of storytelling –blending in with his great work with titans like Universal and Disney adds a breathtaking dimension to the music. Yet, perhaps my most profound connection lies with “Come Home,” my original song honored by one of the most prestigious international Songwriting Competitions, such as the ISC (International Songwriting Competition). Being the creator, vocalist, composer, guitarist, performer, and songwriter was an act of dedicating my entire being to the music. These projects, some born from the demands of the industry, others from the deepest wellsprings of my creativity, collectively define me. They represent far more than technical prowess; they are the tangible manifestation of my relentless desire to leave a trace of myself in the world, a sonic imprint that lingers long after the last note fades.
Great. We appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
Music wasn’t so much taught and learned as it was breathed into me. From my earliest days, I can recall, melodies hummed in the back of my mind like gentle bees buzzing, and writing lyrics onto pieces of paper seemed a more natural way to express myself. Each note and chord felt like uncovering a secret world – a place where my feelings flowed effortlessly into a song and a melody. Lessons weren’t just a chore but a revelation. Guitar strings speaking and coming alive under my fingers turned those inner tunes tangible. Piano keys echoed the songs in my soul. Harmony class wasn’t just theory; it was the grammar of the language I spoke fluently yet yearned to understand and speak to others. Vocal training turned my voice into a musical instrument, while composition classes felt like cartography – a way to chart my musical heart’s evolving terrain. Then came those first steps onto a stage, the audience a sea of unknown faces. Yet, as my fingers danced and my voice found its way, a strange magic unfolded – a connection between my melodies and strangers who seemed to hear the beats and echoes of their hearts in mine. Berklee was a whirlwind where music wasn’t just beloved; it was dissected, elevated, and worshipped. Suddenly, I was surrounded by people who lived and breathed in rhythm and chord progressions as I did. That radio single was born from working with the music label of the former managing director of Sony, EMI, and Universal Music…was a jolt, a confirmation that the world I carried within me had the power to resonate with others.
Awards followed, like milestones marking this twisting, wondrous road: the International Songwriting Competition, Song of the Year, and Berklee’s honors. Each one felt more like a beacon, proof that this relentless, internal act of immersing my entire self into song held value in the wider world. But even now, with all of that, the core remains unchanged: music is a universal divine language, a pure distillation of something greater. It’s a conduit to those shared human truths – the joy, the ache, the quiet wonder – that exist within us all. Music transcends time, borders, and differences, and as I create, I feel part of that vast, timeless tapestry of human expression. It’s the most beautiful way I know to exist in this world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative in your experience?
Music connects you with another dimension. It lets you delve into the depths of the universe, which is invaluable. The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to transform my soul’s intangible ache into something tangible that resonates with others. It’s the pulse-quickening thrill of a melody rising from the depths, the breathlessness as a story demands to be told. The feeling of that raw ache of a song, the unspoken burden of words, and seeing them become something outside of myself – something that might touch the hearts of strangers and make them feel a little less alone. It’s the overwhelming thrill of knowing these creations, born from my soul, might ripple through time and touch another heart.
We’d love to hear how you built up your social media audience.
People respond to genuine connection and authenticity and connect with you. You have to be yourself and engage with your community. It is essential that you focus on creating work you love; the rest will follow.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sannios/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/JohnSannios
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JohnSannios