Taxus Baccata

John C. Lefler (born March 18, 1975) is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, and pianist. He is a former member of Dashboard Confessional.^[1]

Early history

Lefler is from Sugar Land, Texas. He attended Dulles High School and graduated high school in 1993. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and graduated in 1997 with a degree in fine art.

Lefler started playing guitar in 1989 and piano shortly thereafter. His first instrument was a PVT-60 which his father had purchased from a pawn shop.^[2] He started writing songs when he about 18 years old, after seeing the John Lennon bio-pic, Imagine. Lefler had piano lessons for a few months while in high school. "My recital piece was Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is". It was terrible. I've never had another lesson (or recital) of any kind since."^{[citation needed]} When describing his piano technique, he stated, "I tend to play the piano with my fists more than anything."^[3]

Career

Dashboard Confessional

Lefler joined Dashboard Confessional in 2002 after having flown out to meet the rest of the band in Florida. In less than two weeks, Lefler made his first official appearance as a Dashboard Confessional member on the MTV Unplugged recording.^[4] He left on his own accord after the band's hiatus began in 2010.^[5]^[6]

The Wimbledons

In 2005, Lefler and his brothers Bill and Kevin formed an alternative-country band called The Wimbledons in Los Angeles, California. After much infighting between the brothers, the band completed The Wimbledons EP on Lefler's own label, Goodhang Records.^[7]

Solo career

Being influenced by bands like Jellyfish, Ben Folds, Crowded House, The Police, The Beatles, and U2, Lefler released Better By Design in June 2009.^[8] Better By Design was co-produced by Lefler, along with friends Salim Nourallah and Rip Rowan.

In 2012, he released his second EP, Shoutfire.^[9] It was produced by his brother Bill.^[10]

Captain and Camille

Lefler began playing in a yacht rock tribute group Captain and Camille after a 70's night at Opening Bell Coffee.^[11] He formed the cover group with his friend Camille Cortinas as well as seven local Dallas musicians.^[12]

Personal life

Lefler has a been an freelance graphic designer since 2012.^[13]^{[non-primary source needed]}

Discography

Dashboard Confessional – MTV Unplugged (2002)
Dashboard Confessional – A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar (2003)
Dashboard Confessional – Dusk and Summer (2006)
Dashboard Confessional – Shade of Poison Trees (2007)
Dashboard Confessional – Alter the Ending (2009)
John Lefler – Better by Design (2009)
John Lefler – Shout Fire EP (2012)
The Disappearing Act – The Disappearing Act (2010)

EP releases

The Wizerds (2003)
The Wimbledons (2005)

Featured guest appearances

Rhett Miller – Rhett Miller
John Ralston – Sorry Vampire
Salim Nourallah – Beautiful Noise and Snowing in My Heart

References

^ Leahey, Andrew. "Biography: Dashboard Confessional". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2010.
^ Grubbs, Eric (May 2, 2012). "John Lefler: 'My Voice Sounded Like Keanu Reeves Trying To Be Dramatic In The "Rush, Rush" Video'". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "Interview: John Lefler (Dallas) – Mezzic". April 19, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ Jones, Preston (November 15, 2019). "The Black Keys Rocked Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, But Tastefully". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ Twitter, Gary Graff ggraff@digitalfirstmedia com, @GraffonMusic on. "Sound Check: Dasbhoard Confessional rejuvenated [sic] after hiatus". The Morning Sun. Retrieved November 19, 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
^ Zimmerman, Lee (May 26, 2015). "Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba: 'Don't Call It a Comeback'". Miami New Times. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "The Wimbledons EP – The Wimbledons | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "John Lefler – Better By Design". discogs. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "John Lefler cd release!". KXT 91.7. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "Episode 86: John Lefler – Dashboard Confessional & Solo artist". howdidigethere.podbean.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ Stories, Local (July 5, 2018). "Meet Eugene Cantera and John Lefler of Captain and Camille in Wylie – Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide". Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "Where to listen to yacht rock in Dallas-Fort Worth – because, yup, it's a thing". Dallas News. September 7, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2019.
^ "John Lefler Design". facebook.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[1] Leahey, Andrew. "Biography: Dashboard Confessional". AllMusic. Retrieved May 28, 2010.

[2] Grubbs, Eric (May 2, 2012). "John Lefler: 'My Voice Sounded Like Keanu Reeves Trying To Be Dramatic In The "Rush, Rush" Video'". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[3] "Interview: John Lefler (Dallas) – Mezzic". April 19, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[4] Jones, Preston (November 15, 2019). "The Black Keys Rocked Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, But Tastefully". Dallas Observer. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[5] Twitter, Gary Graff ggraff@digitalfirstmedia com, @GraffonMusic on. "Sound Check: Dasbhoard Confessional rejuvenated [sic] after hiatus". The Morning Sun. Retrieved November 19, 2019. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

[6] Zimmerman, Lee (May 26, 2015). "Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba: 'Don't Call It a Comeback'". Miami New Times. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[7] "The Wimbledons EP – The Wimbledons | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[8] "John Lefler – Better By Design". discogs. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[9] "John Lefler cd release!". KXT 91.7. June 20, 2012. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[10] "Episode 86: John Lefler – Dashboard Confessional & Solo artist". howdidigethere.podbean.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[11] Stories, Local (July 5, 2018). "Meet Eugene Cantera and John Lefler of Captain and Camille in Wylie – Voyage Dallas Magazine | Dallas City Guide". Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[12] "Where to listen to yacht rock in Dallas-Fort Worth – because, yup, it's a thing". Dallas News. September 7, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

[13] "John Lefler Design". facebook.com. Retrieved November 19, 2019.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{short description|American singer-songwriter}}
+{{Merge to|Dashboard Confessional|discuss=Talk:Dashboard Confessional#Proposed merge of John Lefler into Dashboard Confessional|date=June 2024}}
 {{BLP sources|date=May 2010}}
+{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2020}}
 {{Infobox musical artist
-| name                = John Lefler
+| name            = John Lefler
-| image               = John Lefler 05202011.jpg
+| image           = John Lefler 05202011.jpg
-| caption             = John Lefler performing solo at [[The Saint (music venue)|The Saint]] in [[Asbury Park, NJ]], May 2011.
+| caption         = John Lefler performing in May 2011
-| alt                 = John Lefler
+| alt             = John Lefler
-| background          = solo_singer
+| birth_name      = John C. Lefler
+| birth_place     = [[Houston]], Texas, U.S.
-| birth_name          = John C. Lefler
+| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1975|3|18}}
-| birth_place         = [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[Texas]], [[United States]]
+| death_date      =
-| birth_date          = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1975|3|18}}
-| death_date          =
+| origin          =
+| instrument      = {{hlist|[[Lead singer|Vocals]]|guitar|piano|percussion}}
-| origin              =
+| genre           = Power pop
-| instrument          = [[Lead singer|Vocals]]<br>[[Guitar]]<br>[[Piano]]<br>[[Percussion instrument|Percussions]]
-| genre               = [[Rock music|Power pop]]
+| occupation      = Singer-songwriter
+| years_active    = 1993–present
-| occupation          = [[Singer-Songwriter]]
-| years_active        = 1993–present
+| label           = Goodhang
+| associated_acts = [[Dashboard Confessional]]
-| label               = Good Hang|Good Hang
+| website         = [https://www.facebook.com/johnleflerdesign/ John Lefler Design]
-| associated_acts     =
+| current_members =
-| website                 = [http://www.myspace.com/johnlefler/ myspace.com/johnlefler]
-| current_members     =
+| past_members    =
-| past_members        =
 }}
-'''John C. Lefler''' (born March 18, 1975) is an [[United States|American]] [[songwriter]], [[singer]], [[guitarist]], and [[pianist]], who was formerly with [[Dashboard Confessional]].<ref>{{cite web|url={{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p454683/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Biography: Dashboard Confessional|last=Leahey|first=Andrew|publisher=[[Allmusic]]|accessdate=28 May 2010}}</ref>
+'''John C. Lefler''' (born March 18, 1975) is an American songwriter, singer, guitarist, and pianist. He is a former member of [[Dashboard Confessional]].<ref>{{cite web|url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=p454683/biography|pure_url=yes}}|title=Biography: Dashboard Confessional|last=Leahey|first=Andrew|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|accessdate=May 28, 2010}}</ref>
 ==Early history==
-Lefler was born in [[Houston]], [[Texas]], moved to [[Amarillo]], [[Texas]], for a year when he was 4, went to elementary school in [[Edmond, Oklahoma|Edmond]], [[Oklahoma]], and then moved to [[Sugar Land]], [[Texas]], where he grew up and went to junior high and high school. He went to the [[University of Texas]] at [[Austin]], where he graduated with a degree in art; however, most of his time in college was as a [[chemistry]] major. He has two brothers, Bill and Kevin.
+Lefler is from [[Sugar Land, Texas]]. He attended Dulles High School and graduated high school in 1993. He attended the [[University of Texas at Austin]] and graduated in 1997 with a degree in fine art.
-Lefler started playing guitar in 1989, and piano shortly thereafter. He had only one guitar lesson in his life, and the first song he learned was [[Bon Jovi]]'s "Wanted Dead Or Alive". His older brother Bill helped him by teaching some chords as well. He still has his first guitar, a [[Peavey T-60]] (that he keeps under his bed), which his dad got at a pawn shop for $50. He started writing songs when he about 18 years old, after seeing the [[John Lennon]] bio-pic, ''Imagine''. One of the first songs he wrote is called "Liberace's Christmas". Lefler had piano lessons for a few months while in high school. “My recital piece was [[Bruce Hornsby]]'s "The Way It Is". It was terrible. I've never had another lesson (or recital) of any kind since.” Another significant event also happened in 1996. “I severed the tendon of my right pinky on a glass of milk. Thus, I play the piano with seven fingers and two thumbs.”
+Lefler started playing guitar in 1989 and piano shortly thereafter. His first instrument was a PVT-60 which his father had purchased from a pawn shop.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/john-lefler-my-voice-sounded-like-keanu-reeves-trying-to-be-dramatic-in-the-rush-rush-video-7071801|title=John Lefler: 'My Voice Sounded Like Keanu Reeves Trying To Be Dramatic In The "Rush, Rush" Video'|last=Grubbs|first=Eric|date=May 2, 2012|website=Dallas Observer|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> He started writing songs when he about 18 years old, after seeing the [[John Lennon]] bio-pic, ''Imagine''. Lefler had piano lessons for a few months while in high school. "My recital piece was [[Bruce Hornsby]]'s "The Way It Is". It was terrible. I've never had another lesson (or recital) of any kind since."{{Citation needed|date=November 2019}} When describing his piano technique, he stated, "I tend to play the piano with my fists more than anything."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mezzic.com/2012/04/19/interview-john-lefler-dallas/|title=Interview: John Lefler (Dallas) – Mezzic|date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>
 ==Career==
 ===Dashboard Confessional===
+Lefler joined [[Dashboard Confessional]] in 2002 after having flown out to meet the rest of the band in Florida. In less than two weeks, Lefler made his first official appearance as a Dashboard Confessional member on the ''[[MTV Unplugged]]'' recording.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/music/the-black-keys-retain-their-basement-day-alchemy-while-rocking-dickies-arena-11801590|title=The Black Keys Rocked Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, But Tastefully|last=Jones|first=Preston|date=November 15, 2019|website=Dallas Observer|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> He left on his own accord after the band's hiatus began in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.themorningsun.com/news/nation-world-news/sound-check-dasbhoard-confessional-rejuvinated-after-hiatus/article_51f4c6a1-08ec-5616-9389-1b2d9b280e1f.html|title=Sound Check: Dasbhoard Confessional rejuvenated [sic] after hiatus|last=Twitter|first=Gary Graff ggraff@digitalfirstmedia com, @GraffonMusic on|website=The Morning Sun|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/music/dashboard-confessional-s-chris-carrabba-don-t-call-it-a-comeback-7639903|title=Dashboard Confessional's Chris Carrabba: 'Don't Call It a Comeback'|last=Zimmerman|first=Lee|date=May 26, 2015|website=Miami New Times|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>
-Lefler joined [[Dashboard Confessional]] in 2002, having flown out to meet the rest of the band in Florida. Lefler and [[Chris Carrabba]] "clicked" when Carrabba sighted Lefler wearing the same [[Gap (clothing retailer)|Gap]] jacket that he was also wearing. After a week of quick study on the albums, Lefler made his first official appearance as a Dashboard Confessional member on the [[MTV Unplugged|''MTV Unplugged'']] recording. Thereafter, he was an integral member, as lead guitarist and keyboardist. He went on tour with [[Dashboard Confessional]] from February to April, 2012.
 ===The Wimbledons===
-In 2005, Lefler and his brothers Bill and Kevin formed an alternative-country band called The Wimbledons in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]]. After much infighting between the brothers, the band completed an EP, with Lefler contributing vocals and guitars and Kevin contributing vocals on "Apologies" and "Long Way from Home". After the release of the album and with Lefler's moving to [[Dallas]], [[Texas]], The Wimbledons have no plans for a forthcoming second EP.
+In 2005, Lefler and his brothers Bill and Kevin formed an alternative-country band called The Wimbledons in Los Angeles, California. After much infighting between the brothers, the band completed ''The Wimbledons EP'' on Lefler's own label, Goodhang Records.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-wimbledons-ep-mw0000313301|title=The Wimbledons EP – The Wimbledons {{!}} Songs, Reviews, Credits|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>
 === Solo career ===
-Being influenced by bands like [[Jellyfish]], [[Ben Folds]], [[Crowded House]], [[The Police]], [[The Beatles]], and [[U2]], Lefler released on his own label Good Hang his first solo album, ''Better By Design'' in June 2009. ''Better By Design'' was co-produced by Lefler, along with friends [[Salim Nourallah]] and Rip Rowan and has been referred by people as power pop. He has received good feedback from power pop websites and [[Dashboard Confessional]] fans have been  very supportive of his solo project. Lefler can often be seen playing with his band in the [[Dallas]] area. He also stated via [[Facebook]] that he would be booking an East Coast solo tour for the summer of 2012.
+Being influenced by bands like [[Jellyfish (band)|Jellyfish]], [[Ben Folds]], [[Crowded House]], [[The Police]], [[The Beatles]], and [[U2]], Lefler released ''Better By Design'' in June 2009.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/John-Lefler-Better-By-Design/release/12331812|title=John Lefler – Better By Design|publisher=discogs|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> ''Better By Design'' was co-produced by Lefler, along with friends [[Salim Nourallah]] and Rip Rowan.
+In 2012, he released his second EP, ''Shoutfire''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kxt.org/2012/06/john-lefler-cd-release/|title=John Lefler cd release!|date=June 20, 2012|website=KXT 91.7|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> It was produced by his brother Bill.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://howdidigethere.podbean.com/mobile/e/episode-86-john-lefler-dashboard-confessional-solo-artist/|title=Episode 86: John Lefler – Dashboard Confessional & Solo artist|website=howdidigethere.podbean.com|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>
-==Personal life==
-When not playing music, Lefler enjoys playing softball and pickling brussel sprouts in his current city of Dallas, Texas.
+=== Captain and Camille ===
+Lefler began playing in a [[yacht rock]] tribute group Captain and Camille after a 70's night at Opening Bell Coffee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://voyagedallas.com/interview/meet-eugene-cantera-john-lefler-captain-camille-live-dallas-proper-live-wylie/|title=Meet Eugene Cantera and John Lefler of Captain and Camille in Wylie – Voyage Dallas Magazine {{!}} Dallas City Guide|last=Stories|first=Local|date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref> He formed the cover group with his friend Camille Cortinas as well as seven local Dallas musicians.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dallasnews.com/arts-entertainment/music/2017/09/07/where-to-listen-to-yacht-rock-in-dallas-fort-worth-because-yup-it-s-a-thing/|title=Where to listen to yacht rock in Dallas-Fort Worth – because, yup, it's a thing|date=September 7, 2017|website=Dallas News|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>
+== Personal life ==
+Lefler has a been an freelance graphic designer since 2012.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/johnleflerdesign/|title=John Lefler Design|website=facebook.com|access-date=November 19, 2019}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=March 2020}}
 ==Discography==
-*[[Dashboard Confessional]] - MTV UNPLUGGED (2002)
+*[[Dashboard Confessional]] – ''MTV Unplugged'' (2002)
-*[[Dashboard Confessional]] - A MARK, A MISSION, A BRAND, A SCAR (2003)
+*[[Dashboard Confessional]] – ''A Mark, a Mission, a Brand, a Scar'' (2003)
-*[[Dashboard Confessional]] - DUSK AND SUMMER (2006)
+*[[Dashboard Confessional]] – ''Dusk and Summer'' (2006)
-*[[Dashboard Confessional]] - SHADE OF POISON TREES (2007)
+*[[Dashboard Confessional]] – ''Shade of Poison Trees'' (2007)
-*[[Dashboard Confessional]] - ALTER THE ENDING (2009)
+*[[Dashboard Confessional]] – ''Alter the Ending'' (2009)
-*John Lefler - BETTER BY DESIGN (2009)
+*John Lefler – ''Better by Design'' (2009)
-*John Lefler - SHOUT FIRE EP (2012)
+*John Lefler – ''Shout Fire'' EP (2012)
-*The Disappearing Act - THE DISAPPEARING ACT (2010)
+*The Disappearing Act – ''The Disappearing Act'' (2010)
-==EP Releases==
+==EP releases==
-*THE WIZERDS (2003)
+*''The Wizerds'' (2003)
-*THE WIMBLEDONS (2005)
+*''The Wimbledons'' (2005)
-==Featured  Guest Appearances==
+==Featured guest appearances==
-* [[Rhett Miller]] - "[[Rhett Miller]]"
+* [[Rhett Miller]] – ''Rhett Miller''
-* [[John Ralston (musician)|John Ralston]] - "[[Sorry Vampire]]"
+* [[John Ralston (musician)|John Ralston]] – ''[[Sorry Vampire]]''
-* [[Salim Nourallah]] - "Beautiful Noise", "Snowing In My Heart"
+* [[Salim Nourallah]] – ''Beautiful Noise'' and ''Snowing in My Heart''
 ==References==
 {{Reflist}}
-==External links==
-* [http://www.dashboardconfessional.com/ Dashboard Confessional Official Website]
 {{Authority control}}
 {{DEFAULTSORT:Lefler, John}}
-[[Category:American singer-songwriters]]
+[[Category:American male singer-songwriters]]
 [[Category:American rock songwriters]]
-[[Category:American male songwriters]]
+[[Category:Singers from Houston]]
-[[Category:Musicians from Houston]]
 [[Category:American rock guitarists]]
 [[Category:American male guitarists]]
@@ Line 82: / Line 85: @@
 [[Category:Dashboard Confessional members]]
 [[Category:People from Edmond, Oklahoma]]
-[[Category:University of Texas at Austin alumni]]
+[[Category:University of Texas at Austin College of Fine Arts alumni]]
 [[Category:People from Sugar Land, Texas]]
-[[Category:Songwriters from Texas]]
+[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Texas]]
-[[Category:Songwriters from Oklahoma]]
+[[Category:Singer-songwriters from Oklahoma]]
-[[Category:Singers from Oklahoma]]
 [[Category:Guitarists from Oklahoma]]
 [[Category:Guitarists from Texas]]
+[[Category:21st-century American singer-songwriters]]
+[[Category:21st-century American guitarists]]
+[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]