Bio
John Akers has been a staple of the Rochester, NY music scene for almost 40 years. Still playing over 150 shows per year, with endless energy and a voice that still seems to be getting better, he is considered by area club owners, audiences and musicians alike as the gold standard of live performance. Although John's music draws from a variety of genres, it tends to be Americana-centered with a nod to traditional soul. He prides himself on incisive storytelling and well-crafted melodies.
John grew up in the Midwest and was always interested in all kinds of music. He started as a drummer and singer playing Rush, U2 and The Police with his brother Paul in the early 80s. In 1987, he moved to Rochester, New York to write and record. His original band, Hard Rain, released the album "Peace is not a Fashion" in 1992. On the strength of their legendary live shows and local radio support, the band was signed to Warner Bros and recorded an unreleased project in 1993. Subsequently, Hard Rain produced "Since Melvin Left Memphis" in 1994.
John toured colleges and clubs throughout the northeast with the 1996 release "Born on a Monday," followed by "King Cakes & Carmelites" in 1999. He continued to play extensively as a solo artist and with his heavy alternative cover outfit, the taint, throughout the 2000s to the present. In the past five years, John has added a Billy Joel project (The Regular Crowd) and a Rush tribute (What's the Rush?) to his live performance options.
In February, John released his first album in 25 years -- "After All This Time" -- a collection of songs spanning his entire writing life. Produced with the talented engineer/musician Graham Wolfe, these songs showcase John's diverse writing, singing and playing.