Recording Artist, Performer, Songwriter, Producer, Engineer, all describe the career and accomplishments of John Piette, a young man who had a dream and a desire. First releasing a 45 rpm record by an unsigned band, which in 1977 was unheard of, to the release of the renowned LP, “AUGUST featuring John Piette and Friends” in 1978. In 1983, John was selected as one of the top 5 writers in the Washington DC/Baltimore Market and his original song, “In The Middle Of The Night” was featured on the LP, “Washington Rocks”. Appearing on the national scene as an “unknown original” act, the Washington Post Newspaper summed it up best: “August, any band that plays all originals and still does well in the clubs is a feat in itself!” Touring non-stop throughout the Mid Atlantic rock circuit, John evolved his band AUGUST into a respected opening act and headliner in its own right, performing for crowds up to 20,000. John continued to write original songs throughout the touring and his catalog now contains over 200 songs. John Piette was offered a two record deal by Atlantic Records A&R rep Aziz Goksel at this time. Aziz Goksel felt John had 5 top ten hits and the label also inquired about John providing two songs to a major artist on their label as well as the John Piette original, "Broken Hearts" to be recorded by a newly signed artist with Atlantic records. After touring for a continuous 12 years, John left the road to raise a family and to pursue his new found desire to engineer and produce records. John became well known during this time as a very talented “live engineer” in the theaters, concert halls and amphitheaters in the Washington DC/Virginia markets. John’s sound clients ranged from National Recording Artists to Presidents and the White House. His first venture into recording was a “world class” recording studio, Rugby Road Studio, with partner Paul Woolf, owner of the legendary API Audio Products. John has produced over 35 records ranging in styles from big band to heavy metal. John is the owner of Dream Traxx Recording Studio located in Northern Virginia. Due to music industry recommendations, John has reformed AUGUST and in addition to the 2013 release of the digitally remastered 1978 LP, John has released two new CD's of original songs with his band AUGUST entitled "Street Smart" and "After Midnight". (www.augustrockband.com) Both CD's have seen good sales throughout the US and has received airplay in the US, South American and the UK. August did return to the live stage in December 2017 and have performed at Moonstock in Virginia and Stanstock in Baltimore, MD in 2018. The band plans to continue with their live shows in 2018/2019. August is recording their new CD entitled, "Rewind" to be released in late 2018. With encouragement from several industry insiders, John has opened his catalog for publishing and has assembled an experienced group of songwriters, developing new songs and updating catalog songs as well. John continues to engineer and produce in the studio and live events.
My recording studio is my sanctuary from all things distracting. It's where I can create music and watch it evolve from a thought or feeling to a song that has received over 2.3 million plays. The process is always a challenge to see how far I can push the limits to make each song and it's recording better. It's also amazing to me which of my songs the listeners gravitate to and sometimes a pleasant surprise. The most important part is that the song is relatable and believable. As a Producer I always challenge the singer I'm working with to make me believe what they are singing. I have an insatiable desire and need to write, compose and create music and I thank God for giving me this great task to enjoy all through my life....?
I have been fortunate to have received two recording contracts in my career and I have released 59 original songs on multiple recordings through the years, but my new goal is to place my originals with other National recording artists or for broadcast through publishing and licensing.
To put music as a positive focal point as it was in the 60's, 70's and 80's with the young.
Dolly Dagger - Jimi Hendrix White Room - Cream Dance to the Music - Sly Stone Footstompin Music - Grand Funk 18 - Alice Cooper Schools Out - Alice Cooper
Judas Priest, Queen, Metallica, Slipknot, ELO
A feeling inside.......
Each song has it's own message
Great, I toured the US from 1978 to 1999 with the largest audience being 20,000 and they were all great experiences. It's a great feeling to see audience members singing along to your original songs a long way from home.
In the 80's a band had to be great as musicians as well as a drawing act. You got this way by practicing a lot and playing every opportunity that arises. I was fortunate to have a great mentor who's experience went back to working with Hendrix and many other big names, who taught me to recognize what a "career move" was and when to take it. A band has to be tight and know their music inside and out. I always rehearsed my band without a singer at first without distraction and then brought the singer in. This helps when you're live on stage and the singer comes in late or forgets his place, the band will always know where they are and will keep going until the singer figures it out. Unfortunate but it does happen to the best of them.
I'm new so I will give it some time.
The inconsistent amount of royalties to be paid by music apps to the writer/composer of the original music they use.
By supporting their sites and posts on social media.
Be good, and be tight with your music. Have the desire to be the best.
August rock band Coley McCabe Jason Charles Miller