John Splithoff is out to create timeless jazz meets R&B music and he hits the threshold every time. His new album, Far From Here, meets every expectation in my book.
His first single he ever wrote was a global hit. Splithoff was happy that “Sing To You” resonated and had that impact on people. Now, his new album is doing just the same.
Raised in Chicago, Splithoff is truly a nomad as he lived in New York City, Florida, and now Los Angeles. He found inspiration in each town musically and lyrically that he has built upon.
I recently zoomed with the singer to talk music genres, his songs, and what is next for this rising R&B/jazz musician while on the road.
Where you headed to?
Headed to D.C right now.
Why did you name your latest release Far From Here?
There has been a whole lot of change and movement in my life in the last couple of years. I moved to Los Angeles from New York City about three years ago. I had a few songs that were written that had places and locations that meant a lot to me. When I got to Los Angeles, I wrote the song “Far From Here” and it captured a connecting theme and it felt like a nice title track to tie everything together.
When did you learn how to play guitar and sing?
I played a lot of guitar in high school and started to sing when I didn’t’t make the baseball team. I went out to a vocal group and learned about music and music theory. Then I started I writing songs and studied jazz at Miami. Then moved to New York City.
Did you find it difficult to craft your niche in New York City?
Once you get to a point where you live in the same place for a decade, I wanted to do something different. Covid also expedited a desire for a change. My other friends were moving out there and going somewhere different, and experiencing a change of scenery comes from that. I cannot believe I’ve been there for three years now.
You have collaborated with Sting, Teddy Swims, and Chris Botti. What were those experiences like?
Working and touring with Chris has been amazing thing. Getting to a record a song with him that I wrote with his team that I respect so much was a very cool thing. Sting would show up this show and play a couple songs. I also opened for Teddy Swims and he’s very talented.
You were quoted for saying that “It’s very difficult to tether to one sound or style”. What are your thoughts on the R&B scene?
I don’t think there’s one way to define R&B. It could have electronic elements in it or could have live instrumentation in it. It could be very over arching and encapsulate a lot of different sounds. There’s so much R&B out there that it permeates the pop landscape. A song like of mine “Tangled” or “Kyoto Snow” is inspired by older sounding records. Touring the jazz scene inspired me to write songs that are more structured.
How much does this album mean to you?
It means a whole lot. This is the album that I’ve made out of hotel rooms and different places and is the most home grown album I’ve made in my career. Having it out is such a release. Everything feels so new and is very exciting to play the new music in front of people.
“Sing To You” was such a staple and hit for you.
At the end of the day I’m proud of any song that resonates with people. It was the first song that I released into the world. To see it resonate with people is very inspiring.
What’s next?
We just finished the first seven shows on a twenty five show tour. Then we make our way west. I’ll be touring in Asia after that for a month. I’m joining David Foster and Chris Botti for a couple of shows this summer.
