John has been singing since the age of 7 and regularly had success in local competitions. He completed a music diploma at SIT and also has achieved Grade 8 for singing and Grade 7 for theory. As well as playing bass guitar John plays drums, guitar and brass instruments. John achieved the Southland Bass Player of the Year award in 2001.

He has been playing bass guitar in bands since 1998 including 3 Hits & a Miss, Shoot the Bunny, Kramit and the Marty Astone Blues Revue.