FAWM: John Staples (@johnstaples)

John Staples

@johnstaples

Songs

Joined

2013

Chicago US
www.johnstaplesmusic.com

Americana Singer-Songwriter, Critical Thinker, Democrat, Musician, Programmer, Progressive, Feminist, LGBTQ+, BLM, DACA, A Kind Human

My FAWM 2025 Plan: Focus on writing 14 songs and steer clear of the fights, er, the forums.

*** If you are kind enough to listen to my music I will do my best to reciprocate and listen to your music. ***

I don't care if you use AI or not, if you use VSTis or not, if you use synthetic vocals or not, if you use farm animal sounds and auto-tune them into a melody or not. You don't need to announce/confess to me how you created your song or what tools you used.

*** If you are kind enough to listen to my music I will do my best to reciprocate and listen to your music. ***
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These days I oscillate between profound sadness and disgust and rage. Rage for the monster currently squatting in The Oval Office. Disgust at the millions of Americans who were duped or stupid or hate-filled when they chose the monster. And sadness for the millions of innocent human beings, mothers, fathers, children, this monster will harm before we can finally retake control of our country.

Although I have tried I cannot seem to write an adequate protest song but I will keep trying.

Songs

Destiny in Black (Falling Down) by @johnstaples 17h #rock #americana #dark

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Placeholder #4 by @johnstaples 17h

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Placeholder #3 by @johnstaples 17h

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Placeholder #2 by @johnstaples 17h

0 ZONG

Placeholder #1 by @johnstaples 17h

The Night Ray Met John by @opossum + @johnstaples 6d #bluegrass #opossum #possum

No Second Chances by @johnstaples 1w #americana #folk #country

Losing Time by @johnstaples 1w #americana #pop #adultcontemporarymusic

Take A Look In The Mirror by @johnstaples 2w #lookinthemirror #skirmish #americana

To Die by @johnstaples 2w #americana #folk #horror

Today by @johnstaples 3w #embracetoday #hope #americana

A Truly Impressive Pile of Cheese by @johnstaples 3w #skirmish #folk #cheese

Running Away by @johnstaples 3w #country #folk #americana

Soundboard

@texmachine_mk2021 1h

Thank you for the positive comments on my track - Empty Bottles. Much appreciated, John.

@sunnymae 1h

Thank you Brother John! I'm so glad you enjoyed made of love. That's all we have at this moment in time. Man...gotta keep doing what we do best to keep the lights on. Much love.

@gindark 5d

Thank you for your comments on Flatfooted, John! It's nice to find your songs too.

@crisp1 5d

Thanks for your generous comments on Love and Tolerance! I appreciate them, John.

@katestantonsings 6d

:) Thank you SO much, John!!

@paul_pedersen 1w

Thanks for visiting "It's a Crazy World". I truly wish that were was no reason to write the piece, but, here we are, knee deep in the undrained swamp.

@paul_pedersen 1w

Okay, John, I wrote a song "for the monster currently squatting in The Oval Office" and his henchmen. I hope it's suitably vitriolic for you.

https://write.fawm.org/songs/311319#c323682

@timfatchenMod 1w

Thank you John. Appreciated. I know the FAWMgods are appalled at the rift and the direction the whole death-to-ai-users is taking. Point is,a s you realise, it's something that has to be left to individuals to decide where or what the "line" might be, there's no way we can be the AI/creativity police.

@angelinapowersuit 1w

Hi John, so nice to see and hear you again! Thanks so much for listening and commenting on "Return to You," means so much coming from you!

@melissacapezio 1w

Hi Again! I just now saw your message about my Instagram too! Thanks so much for checking that out!! And yes, I LOVE the Metallica version of turn the page! It's just such a good song right?! My kids had a snow delay today so It's been too chaotic here to listen to music yet, but I can't wait to give all your songs a listen! Thanks so much for all the positive feedback :-)!

@melissacapezio 1w

Hi John! Just wanted to thank you so much for your super kind words about my song! I truly appreciate you listening! XO

@matthewjoel 2w

Just heard Today and really enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to listening through your other offerings this month too.

@jeff9 2w

Hi, John. I just realized I never thanked you for your incredibly generous comments about my song for the cheese skirmish. You are most kind and I appreciate the encouragement.

@marthie 2w

thank you for listening and commenting. Coming from a talented musi like you it's a great compliment.

@geoff61 2w

Thanks John, I had decided not to post on FAWM any AI stuff this year, too early, too negative, maybe next year. I understand the reticence from musicians here, I really do, but it's a no brainer for lyricists (if you are any good that is) makes a big difference. If you want to listen to one of my songs, I can do that.

@leencha 2w

Hey John! As promised, the link to the protest song of my friend ;-)
Let me know what you think 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1B2eSkNUVg/?mibextid=wwXIfr

@chill4matt 2w

Thanks so much for the feedback on my song. Yeah, this is a drug-free trip lol. However, to each their own! :)

@rosiebans 3w

Thanks so much for your comments John! It's pure awesome to hear that you enjoyed the music, looking forward to listening to more of yours! 🥳

@celineellis 3w

Hey John - Thanks for the Jethro Tull education. My dad will be ever so proud when I tell him someone compared my vocal technique to Ian Anderson!!

@grayland 3w

Howdy John!! I love ya brother... THanks so much for the much too kind review of my song!! Please know how much that means to me... On a sadder note, Ithink I'm already done with FAWM this year.... 2nd day of fawm I post a song and got 3 listens... that's not enough to counter the dozens and dozens of comments I've given. it's just not equitable and not worth my time and effort. I would give anything if fawmers would listen to my music, but after 10 years, I think the message from the FAWM community is clear... GET OUT.... and so I am....

@leencha 3w

Hi! I am looking forward to that protest song! A friend of mine made a song about the beast. Can I send you the link?

@toddnorem 3w

Staying clear of the fights/forums. Me too! Good to see you back here.

@chill4matt 3w

Hey John, thanks. Not all experiments work, even with a healthy attempt. Happy FAWM!

@newukenewyork 3w

Well, your comment on "Hey, It's From Me" was one that kind of made my day yesterday. Thanks for listening and for the encouraging words. I got a little frustrated later when I realized that I'd already written that melody in my bridge, in another song, but I've since revised and am glad at least I noticed! ;)

@judypie 3w

Hahah it’s just my new wooden doors, I merely oiled and waxed them, not painted but will send a pic if you like 😁 Fiiiinally uploaded a song! Now I need to eat, it’s been HOURS

@judypie 3w

I’ve had doors to paint John 😭 just finishing one off now. A song, not a door!

@odilongreen 3w

I know we all have our unique strengths and I'm not really jealous, bit that being said, I am "jealous" of how, as I comment on "Running Away," you're so skilled at writing heartbreaking, emotional lyrics that feel genuinely heartfelt and at couching those lyrics in lovely music and sincere vocals. Any time I try to write anything serious, it comes out sounding super-cheesy or sarcastic (or both). Again, I can live with myself just fine, but just wanted to say how much I admire that aspect of your skill (among others!).

@writeandwrong 3w

Thank you for your kind words on "Oh, America." I kinda did it a few times but tried to drop the anger but leave the frustration and give it some hope...cuz...

@celineellis 3w

Thanks for the comment on my first song - just glad to be out of the gate on day one! You might have to explain what you mean by ‘Ian Anderson the words’ are we talking the guy from Jethro Tull?

@wizardofarc 3w

Thanks for the follow 😀

@daveyboy103 3w

Thank you for your kind words John

@chill4matt 3w

Thank you and so glad you like “Simplicity”. There’s more of the same (or similar) on the way! And hang in there John. Life is pretty crazy right now!

@writeandwrong 3w

Aww, thank you for your kind words on "Yosemite's Song." I completely get it. The place is magical, majestic, and takes the breath away. I allowed myself to be transported there and it just flowed quickly. I miss my old home. I love that you and @grayland understand and respect the heartfelt depth of the place because of your own memories there. Bears and all haha! 🐻 Me love bears! 😄

@paul_pedersen 3w

Thanks for your kind comment on "Here for You", John. The bass vocals work best when I first get up and my vocal cords haven't tuned up a notch and settled into the day.

@writeandwrong 3w

Hahhaha! omg I'm dying here! LOL I think you and @grayland should collaborate on a tune of your Yosemite trip! Sounds like it was quite the experience!! LOL Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone about the bodies!! Ken and Roberta might toss me off their new boat! I'll be just another body added to the collection! But yes, there are skeletal remains and ghosts hanging around there, for sure, all around the facility and property! Those were the best of days!!!

@jonmeta 3w

Hi John. Congrats on getting out of the blocks so fast. Happy FAWM!

@judypie 3w

Well now I can’t wait for March so I can play it 😁 I should get out of bed and start this fawm thing I guess!! It’s already 9am!

@wurzelfrau 3w

John! <3

@jwhanberry 3w

John,
Once more into the breach! Y'all have a bunch of fun now.
JW

@jibbidy34 3w

Oooh John! Are we going to get some new songs from you this FAWM? Can’t wait!

@cts 3w

Hey man! Good to see you here. Looking forward to hearing you here. And yeah, it's very different...

@crisp1 3w

Looking forward to listening to your music again, John!

@mishykatz 3w

Thank you for the follow!!!

@judypie 3w

Also LOVE the idea of autotuning animal sounds into a melody! But not sure I have the time/skills/animals required 😀

@judypie 3w

ooh noooo but it looks cooool man! Will add it to the list of cool games I am finding out about! One called Animal Well looks intriguing!

@tamsnumber4 3w

Happy, Happy FAWMing!!

@wildman 3w

Hi John!

@guatecoop 3w

Helllloooo Mr Staples!

@matthewsanford 3w

Sometimes it's best to go side-door on conversations where others make fools of themselves in attempts to goad, perhaps you'll find a cleaner shore while innovations have mothers make tools for themselves and then hit the road.... sorry, not much sense there, the need to rhyme took my time and here I am again with some Ren & Stimpy ...hmmm... or again, so then it's stain and what not... potato potato

@fuzzy 3w

Yeah.
Without getting into it publicly (I do so miss Private Conversations, right?), I'm losing my enthusiasm for this place.

@judypie 3w

Wasps?! *panics* Where??

@whispermouse 3w

Hope you have a good FAWM as well!

@ianuarius 3w

Hey, so, I decided I'd better leave while I have my sanity. 😀
Hope you have fun, tho!

@grayland 3w

Most happy to see you here!! I'll be more happy to hear your new creations!!! Welcome back John!!

@ianuarius 3w

Avoiding forums, hm? That's not a bad plan. Though sad that the community thing has always been a big part for me. Wondering if FAWM has given me everything I'm gonna get out of it. 😀

@youraveragejoe 3w

Hello from Germany to Chicago, I hope you are well John and I look forward to seeing what you cook up this year. :)

@judypie 3w

duuuuuuuuuuuuuuude!
(hi)

@danxduran 3w

You too!

@chariotbaldwin 3w

Looking forward to hearing your nifty rock tracks again….. 😎

@dragondreams 3w

Touché, Mr Staples, Touché. 😆

@scubed 3w

Great to see you here again, John. Happy FAWMing!

@odilongreen 3w

Hello, and good to see you again after missing you during 2014 50/90. And as for "behaving," well, I've come to realize that we all need to pick our battles for what's actually important. :)

@dragondreams 3w

@karlsburg25 3w

JOHN!!!! JOHN!!!!! i'm shouting to you from England land ;-) / Great to be back and see you hear matey. The last time i wrote trump song was 2019!!! never thought that topic would pop up again. BRING ON THE CREATIVITY AND BEAUTY MATEY x