Meet John DeFaria | Musician,Producer,Composer

We had the good fortune of connecting with John DeFaria and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Wow this question resonates with me because I’ve had to overcome fear at key moments in my life. I have so much respect for people who are courageous, People who are afraid, but run toward the fear rather than away from it. As they say fear can be a great motivator. I’ve tried to live more from that angle. I do believe we live in a mostly fear-based society. In the US we’ve all gotten to a level of comfort that we’re desperately afraid of losing. I’ve fallen into that trap myself but I’m always trying to pull myself out of it. I believe when you tap into your fear and make friends with it- that’s where you begin to find real freedom.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Musicians take lots of chances. Whether they’re playing a concert for a sold out crowd, playing in the street for tips or showing up at a recording session and sight reading some new music. They also, most of the time live gig to gig. They’re used to not knowing where they’ll be at financially next year… I’ve been a musician all my life. I was gig-ing before there was a gig economy. I’m kinda proud of that. I began my career in Miami Florida. I went to University of Miami as a Guitarist studying studio music and jazz. I started working before I graduated, met up with a really cool band in South Florida called “the Company” We all eventually became Gloria Estefan’s band. She came and saw us play and hired us the next day. The first number of gigs were clubs and small venues but soon the band broke and we graduated to much larger venues and television appearances across the world. I caught that wave just as it was cresting. The travel was great! I was young and learned a lot about the world. The challenges were real though. The experience brought me to another level as a musician and performer. I played on all the records and also wrote a few of the songs most notably “Get on Your Feet” I had a desire to live in Los Angeles. All my musical heroes were out here! I started visiting a lot and eventually found a place out here with my wife who was my girlfriend at the time. It was a big move and a bit scary but it was the best decision I ever made. Now I could rally spread my wings a bit more! I began working with Jon Anderson of “YES” and new age artist Kitaro on a new project. We put a band together along with a string quartet and toured the world. It was great! I was soloing my ass off and loving every minute of it. After that tour my friend Robbie Nevill ( C’est la Vie) got me an introduction to Kenny Loggins. I remember driving up to Kenny’s house in Montecito nervous as all hell about meeting him. Kenny was vey relaxed and easy. We ran through a couple of tunes together and I stayed for dinner. The next several months I did a few gigs with him. It wasn’t until the following year that Kenny was really going back on the road. I auditioned again for that tour and got the gig! The songs were all amazing the band was a stellar group of musicians, Kenny is probably my favorite singer I’ve ever worked with and I was so happy to be a part of the LA scene!! I worked with Kenny for the next six years or so. At the time I began doing a fair amount of session dates for television and movie scores. A few of the composers I worked for eventually asked me to help them compose some cues for whatever project they were working on. I have to say I fell in love with the process of composing! It quickly became my top priority as I had a bit of catching up to do to really become a viable composer. I assisted a number of composers with shows they were working on and soon developed a sense of marrying Music to Picture. I was thrilled with the process as I was always a bit frustrated being the Guitar player who plays on a few cues then leaves. I wanted to be involved! I eventually began working on a few TV shows and landed a couple commercials as well. It was a wonderful transition for me as I could now be at home full time with my family instead of leaving every three weeks for a string of dates with who knows! It’s amazing! LA was really there for me! Like I said, moving here was the smartest decision I’ve ever made.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Los Angeles is like 10 cities in one. There’s no one way to see it. It probably depends on your preference. Do you like the beach, the mountains, Urban life, Village life, You’ve got it all here. I would say it takes at least a year to get to know the city. I like a mixture of all of the above. The diversity of the population is also one of LA’s best attributes. The cultural intermixing creates a lot of creativity and a lot of great food! I have taken my out of towner friends to downtown LA. and a place called Perch which is a downtown bar and restaurant with amazing views! I also like to take them though Topanga Canyon which always blows their minds. Driving through Topanga it’s hard to believe you’re even close to LA!! If we have time I’d stop for lunch at the “Inn of the Seventh Rey” on Old Topanga Road. Beautiful spot with outdoor dining that is not slick or urban at all! Amazing food as well. The beaches in Northern Malibu are quintessential California. Point Dume, Zuma and my favorite Leo Carrillo; wonderful places to spend an afternoon. Of course I have to point out our town of Culver City with it’s amazing restaurants and the eclectic vibe of Downtown. My two favorite Culver City bars; The Auld Fella and City Tavern. Culver City was nothing like this when we first moved in 25 years ago!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Sure, I’d like to do a shout out to my wife Chaille and my three beautiful boys Cameron, Sean and Garrett. Being a family man has taught me so much about myself and what I truly value. Ringo is right! Love is definitely the most powerful juju in life. Love strips away all the bullshit and shows you what is really important. Love is truth and Love is strength. My family has lifted me up when I needed it most. My musician community has also taught me so much. There are many people in my life who have said something to me at a critical time. More than ever I believe we are all here to hold each other up.

Website: https://johndefaria.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndefaria/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndefaria/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/johndefaria

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.defaria

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/baobabmusic/featured

Image Credits
Kelly Cappelli Larry Steen John Paterno