Meet John Tuttle | Artist, Producer, & Songwriter

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

Hi John, how do you think about risk?
In some ways, it’s hard for me to take risk, because I have the tendency to over analyze things. I’m very calculated and strategic about my choices. But in saying that, I feel that each jump I take has more upside possibility than downside. If it doesn’t work out, I try to view it as a learning experience to become wiser and smarter for next time. Risk spurs growth, whether the desired result pans out or not. It can be as little as just releasing music; That is a vulnerable exposition for a lot of people. But how tragic would it be if great art simply died on a hard drive never to be experienced by anyone. It was risky for me to start a new project called Shadowalker at the onset of the pandemic, when I already had a bourgeoning band making waves. I think it was also crazy risky to leave all my family and friends to come to Los Angeles with only my wife and dog. We knew essentially no one. Now I can’t imagine not making that leap of faith. It’s rare to have a dream that doesn’t require risk to achieve it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I grew up listening to my dad’s mixtapes and burned CD-Rs. He was always meshing together tons of genres and artists of all types. I have never really thought about this, but that might be the reason why I’m so sporadic with genre. Like I love music so much, I make reggaeton with my friends from Mexico City or Puerto Rico one day, but then I’m making off-the-wall bonkers hyperpop the next day. All while still taking influence from Tom Petty and Deadmau5 at the same time…like what! Anyways, I think these clashes of cultures and genres are what make my approach to music so different.

I’m really proud of the little community I’m building around Shadowalker. I have DM’s from people that are so into my music it’s insane. I love it. It’s so cool being able to connect with people a world away or in your own city instantaneously. I want to give them all I have musically. Spotify has thrown me on some editorial placements with Shadowalker, so that has been sweet. My brand is somewhere between dark electronic dance music and glitchy, hyperpop. I think people that follow my work understand what I’m after, but a new listener going through my top songs may hear how unique each track is. I love to still include organic elements like guitar and warm vocals. Right now I’m releasing a song every three weeks.

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.
Wow, this is funny because I have to do this fairly often. Since, moving to Los Angeles, everyone wants to visit me.

Drive down to OC and surf one of the beautiful, legendary surf spots. My favorites being Upper Trestles or San Onofre (On the south county line). Then grab a burrito at Sancho’s or Pedro’s in San Clemente.

Take the bikes on the LA river bike trail to La Colombe for their Latte on draft (so good). Then end up at Trophy Wife for Taco Tuesday cheap margs and tacos.

Maybe go on a hike in Altadena or up above Glendale. There’s so much good hiking here. My doberman loves to join.

Checkout the Getty, a Los Angeles staple. I’d set aside some time, because it always takes me longer than I think to look at everything.

Head up to Malibu for an ocean view hike, maybe some surfing at Staircase/Leo Carillo and end the day at Cielo Farms for some killer wine. Sample this wine to your heart’s desire, they love letting you try stuff.

There’s so much more I could recommend, but it’s kind of endless! I love weekend flea markets like the one up the street from Echo Park lake on Sunset. My favorite brewery that I attend like twice a week is the Frogtown Brewery. Bar Flores has great ambiance and drinks in Echo Park. If you’re into gospel music or like open floorplan Kanye-style Sunday Service music, Mosaic in Hollywood is killer on Sundays. I grab Dave’s hot chicken down on Fairfax sometimes.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I definitely have to shout out my folks back home in Indiana for always supporting me chasing any dream I ever had. In some ways, my parents didn’t have the same opportunities they gave to me, and I’m eternally grateful for their sacrifices.

Another pillar of my modest success is my wife. We have known each other our whole lives basically, and she has always been there for me in the highs and lows.

In years past, I was mentored by a dear friend, Owen Thomas. He really pushed my appreciation for art overall and pursuing excellence every day. I think he also taught me to be patient when dealing with art. It’s a process. He also deepened my understanding for film, fashion, and general media.

Even further back, I had a friend, Jay Fern, who really encouraged me with songwriting and production early on as well as just fostering integrity and an upright character; Principles that remain with me today and help set me apart in this industry I think.

My cousin Luke Tuttle is another shoutout. He was the first person I ever really collaborated with and felt intertwined creatively in a way we could play music for hours & hours.

I have so many encouraging friends and people who lift me up in Los Angeles as well as back in the midwest where I’m from. I could go on all day.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shadowalker909/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/shadowalker909

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shadowalker909

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvtElmxhwlAT572SlepYbEg

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RukD75X3nDlU3pbExuSae?si=wsGasfrjTVmrYgjRFqj0vA