John Lefler

John C. Lefler (born March 18, 1975) is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, and pianist. He is a former member of Dashboard Confessional.[1]

John Lefler
John Lefler performing in May 2011
Background information
Birth nameJohn C. Lefler
Born (1975-03-18) March 18, 1975
Houston, Texas, U.S.
GenresPower pop
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • piano
  • percussion
Years active1993–present
LabelsGoodhang
Associated actsDashboard Confessional
WebsiteJohn Lefler Design

Early history

Lefler is from Sugar Land, Texas. He attended Dulles High School and graduated high school in 1993. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in 1997 with a degree in fine art.

Lefler started playing guitar in 1989 and piano shortly thereafter. His first instrument was a PVT-60 which his father had purchased from a pawn shop[2]. He started writing songs when he about 18 years old, after seeing the John Lennon bio-pic, Imagine. Lefler had piano lessons for a few months while in high school. "My recital piece was Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is". It was terrible. I've never had another lesson (or recital) of any kind since." When describing his piano technique, he stated, "I tend to play the piano with my fists more than anything."[3]

Career

Dashboard Confessional

Lefler joined Dashboard Confessional in 2002 after having flown out to meet the rest of the band in Florida. In less than two weeks, Lefler made his first official appearance as a Dashboard Confessional member on the MTV Unplugged recording[4]. He left on his own accord after the band's hiatus began in 2010[5][6].

The Wimbledons

In 2005, Lefler and his brothers Bill and Kevin formed an alternative-country band called The Wimbledons in Los Angeles, California. After much infighting between the brothers, the band completed The Wimbledons EP on Lefler's own label, Goodhang Records[7].

Solo career

Being influenced by bands like Jellyfish, Ben Folds, Crowded House, The Police, The Beatles, and U2, Lefler released Better By Design in June 2009[8]. Better By Design was co-produced by Lefler, along with friends Salim Nourallah and Rip Rowan.

In 2012, he released his second EP, Shoutfire[9]. It was produced by his brother Bill[10].

Captain and Camille

Lefler began playing in a yacht rock tribute group Captain and Camille after a 70's night at Opening Bell Coffee[11]. He formed the cover group with his friend Camille Cortinas as well as seven local Dallas musicians[12].

Personal life

Lefler has a freelance graphic designer since 2012[13].

Discography

EP releases
  • The Wizerds (2003)
  • The Wimbledons (2005)
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References
  1. Leahey, Andrew. "Biography: Dashboard Confessional". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
  2. Grubbs, Eric (May 2, 2012). "John Lefler: "My Voice Sounded Like Keanu Reeves Trying To Be Dramatic In The 'Rush, Rush' Video"". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  3. "Interview: John Lefler (Dallas) – Mezzic". Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  4. Jones, Preston (November 15, 2019). "The Black Keys Rocked Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, But Tastefully". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  5. Twitter, Gary Graff ggraff@digitalfirstmedia com, @GraffonMusic on. "Sound Check: Dasbhoard Confessional rejuvenated [sic] after hiatus". The Morning Sun. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  6. Zimmerman, Lee (May 26, 2015). "Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba: "Don't Call It a Comeback"". Miami New Times. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  7. "The Wimbledons EP – The Wimbledons | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  8. "John Lefler – Better By Design". discogs. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  9. "John Lefler cd release!". KXT 91.7. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  10. "Episode 86: John Lefler – Dashboard Confessional & Solo artist". howdidigethere.podbean.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  11. Stories, Local. "Meet Eugene Cantera and John Lefler of Captain and Camille in Wylie – Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide". Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  12. "Where to listen to yacht rock in Dallas-Fort Worth – because, yup, it's a thing". Dallas News. September 7, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
  13. "John Lefler Design". facebook.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
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