It has been suggested that this article be merged into Dashboard Confessional. (Discuss) Proposed since June 2024. |
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 name | John C. Lefler |
| Born | March 18, 1975 Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Power pop |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 1993–present |
| Labels | Goodhang |
| Website | John Lefler Design |
Early history
editLefler 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."[citation needed] When describing his piano technique, he stated, "I tend to play the piano with my fists more than anything."[3]
Career
editDashboard Confessional
editLefler 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
editIn 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
editBeing 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
editLefler 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
editLefler has a been an freelance graphic designer since 2012.[13][non-primary source needed]
Discography
edit- Dashboard Confessional – MTV Unplugged (2002)
- Dashboard Confessional – A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar (2003)
- Dashboard Confessional – Dusk and Summer (2006)
- Dashboard Confessional – Shade of Poison Trees (2007)
- Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending (2009)
- John Lefler – Better by Design (2009)
- John Lefler – Shout Fire EP (2012)
- The Disappearing Act – The Disappearing Act (2010)
EP releases
edit- The Wizerds (2003)
- The Wimbledons (2005)
Featured guest appearances
edit- Rhett Miller – Rhett Miller
- John Ralston – Sorry Vampire
- Salim Nourallah – Beautiful Noise and Snowing in My Heart
References
edit- ^ Leahey, Andrew. "Biography: Dashboard Confessional". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Interview: John Lefler (Dallas) – Mezzic". April 19, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ Jones, Preston (November 15, 2019). "The Black Keys Rocked Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, But Tastefully". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ Twitter, Gary Graff ggraff@digitalfirstmedia com, @GraffonMusic on. "Sound Check: Dasbhoard Confessional rejuvenated [sic] after hiatus". The Morning Sun. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Zimmerman, Lee (May 26, 2015). "Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba: 'Don't Call It a Comeback'". Miami New Times. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ "The Wimbledons EP – The Wimbledons | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ "John Lefler – Better By Design". discogs. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ "John Lefler cd release!". KXT 91.7. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ "Episode 86: John Lefler – Dashboard Confessional & Solo artist". howdidigethere.podbean.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ Stories, Local (July 5, 2018). "Meet Eugene Cantera and John Lefler of Captain and Camille in Wylie – Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide". Retrieved November 19, 2019.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "John Lefler Design". facebook.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.