{{Short description|American musician}} {{Infobox musical artist | background = person | name = John Splithoff | image = John Splithoff Retouch v1 WMA SMALL.jpg | alt = | caption = Splithoff in 2018 | birth_date = {{birth date and age |1990|06|05}} | birth_place = Chicago, Illinois | origin = | genre = Pop, neo-soul | occupation = Musician | instrument = Vocals, guitar, piano | discography = | years_active = 2013–present | label = Pleasant Lane Music, East West Records, Asylum Worldwide | website = {{URL|https://www.johnsplithoff.com/}} }} '''John Robert Splithoff''' (born June 5, 1990)<ref name="UofMiami2013">{{cite web |url=https://digitalcollections.library.miami.edu/digital/collection/asu0017/id/9243/rec/1 |title=University of Miami commencement 2013: May 10, 12:30 p.m. |last= |first= |date=May 10, 2013 |website=University of Miami |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref><ref name="UnRated2018">{{cite news |last=Andrew |first=Mary |date= October 26, 2018 |title= John Splithoff talks music, family and his musical beginnings |url= https://www.unratedmag.com/john-splithoff-talks-music-family-and-his-musical-beginnings/ |work= UnRated Magazine |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music producer from Chicago, based in Los Angeles. He released his debut studio album ''All In'' in 2021 after a number of EPs and singles starting in 2013, including the 2016 ''Billboard'' top 10 hit "Sing To You".<ref name="Billboard2018Charts">{{cite magazine |first= |last= |title= Adult Contemporary |url= |magazine= Billboard |date= July 21, 2018 |volume=130 |issue=17 |page= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name="Roanoke2018">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= July 15, 2018 |title=Top 10s: Billboard |url= https://www.newspapers.com/image/924266418/ |work= The Roanoke Times |location= Roanoke, Virginia |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> His second full-length album, ''Far From Here'', was released March 21, 2025.<ref name="R&BMuse20250219"/><ref name="Relix2025"/><ref name="Garnette2025"/>
Apart from his own solo work, Splithoff has collaborated as a songwriter and producer, as well as a touring guest artist, sideman and opening act for musicians including Chris Botti, Great Good Fine OK, Autograf, Andy Grammer, Ben Rector, Maya Delilah, Toro Y Moi, Quinn XCII, Fletcher, Emmet Cohen, Madison Ryann Ward, MAX, Ben Folds, George Benson, Gabrielle Aplin, and Teddy Swims.<ref name="DiscogsGGFO"/><ref name="Garnette2023"/><ref name="Billboard20190607"/><ref name="R&BMuse20250219"/>
==Early life == Splithoff grew up in Glenview, Illinois, near Chicago.<ref name="WindyCity2021">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= May 1, 2021 |title= John Splithoff sings 'Steady,' discusses new album, wedding plans on 'Windy City LIVE'|url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSEciWMPTKk |work=Windy City Live (WLS-TV) |location=Chicago |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> He graduated from Glenbrook South High School in 2009.<ref name="MakeItBetter2015">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= October 2015 |title=6 Local Musicians You Should Listen to Now |url= https://issuu.com/makeitbetter/docs/makeitbetter_october2015 |work= Make It Better (magazine) |location= Winnetka, Illinois |page=24 |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="BetterMag2015">{{cite web |url= https://better.net/uncategorized/6-local-musicians-you-should-listen-to-now/ |title=6 Local Musicians You Should Listen to Now |last= Loucks |first= Olivia |date= July 16, 2015 |website=Better Magazine |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
He was inspired by many different genres of music growing up, with his family constantly playing the music of Marvin Gaye, Earth Wind & Fire, The Doobie Brothers, Sade, Pink Floyd, and James Taylor around the house.<ref name="Billboard2017-07-13"/><ref name="UnRated2018"/> Studying piano and guitar while growing up, he began singing after auditioning for a male vocal group after not making the baseball team his freshman year in high school. This inspired him to study music theory, begin writing and recording his own original music, perform in bands and school musicals, and go on to study jazz performance, songwriting, and music production at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami.<ref name="Miami2021-03-22">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-03-22 |title= Soprano superstar Renée Fleming, among others, celebrated the successful return of music |url= https://news.miami.edu/frost/stories/2021/03/soprano-superstar-renee-fleming-among-others-celebrated-the-successful-return-of-music.html |work= University of Miami |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="soulbounce2014"/> He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 2013.<ref name="UofMiami2013"/> During his time at Miami, he performed in Downbeat Award-winning vocal groups.<ref name="DownbeatJuly2011">{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date= July 2011 |page= 10 |title= More Winners! |url= https://www.downbeat.com/digitaledition/2011/DB201107/_art/DB201107.pdf |magazine=Downbeat |volume= |issue= |location= |publisher= |access-date= 2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="DownbeatMay2011">{{cite magazine |last= |first= |date=May 2011 |title=School Notes: Blanchard Directs Mancini |url=https://www.downbeat.com/digitaledition/2011/DB201105/_art/DB201105.pdf |magazine=Downbeat |volume=78 |issue=5 |location=Elmhurst, Illinois |publisher= |access-date= 2024-10-22 |page=126}}</ref><ref name="Miami2011">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2011-03-11 |title= UM Student-Run Record Label, 'Cane Records Announces Latest Project |url= https://news.miami.edu/frost/stories/2011/03/um-student-run-record-label-cane-records-announces-latest-project.html |work=University of Miami News |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> He returned in 2021 to headline Frost Music Fest '21, the first concert held at the school after the COVID-19 quarantines.<ref name="Miami2021">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-03-22 |title= Frost Music Fest '21 rekindles live performance |url= https://news.miami.edu/stories/2021/03/frost-music-fest-21-rekindles-live-performance.html |work= University of Miami News |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref>
==Career== Splithoff moved to New York City in 2013 after recording his five-track debut EP ''The Move'' in Chicago. He began performing professionally at clubs like The Bitter End, Rockwood Music Hall, and Mercury Lounge. He continued to write and record his own music while performing around the city as a full-time gigging musician.<ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/><ref name="UnRated2018"/><ref name="NoiseTrade"/>
=== ''The Move'' and early singles=== Splithoff released his first EP, ''The Move'', in November 2013. The title refers to his relocation to New York City.<ref name="soulbounce2014"/><ref name="NoiseTrade"/> Reviewing the EP, Cole Scott of ''On Tour Magazine'' called Splithoff the "great discovery of 2013" and praised his "mature, developed, soulful voice" and "swoon-worthy, velvet-pop hooks."<ref name="OnTourMag2014"/>
Splithoff was featured in September 2014 on the Band of the Day music website, which called his music "velvety, swoon-worthy soulful pop from Chicago that'll warm you up on windy days."<ref name="BOTD2014">{{cite web |url= http://bandofthedayapp.tumblr.com/ |title=Band of the Day app: Best of September 2014 |last= |first= |date= |website=Band of the Day |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22 |archive-date=2014-12-02 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141202170840/http://bandofthedayapp.tumblr.com/ }}</ref><ref name="SonicbidsEPK"/>
His 2014 single "What If She Wants You" was co-produced with Los Angeles duo Noise Club (Rob McCurdy and Chris Petrosino, also known for indie-pop band The Morning Of).<ref name="SongfactsSingToYou">{{cite web |url= https://www.songfacts.com/facts/john-splithoff/sing-to-you |title= Sing To You |last= |first= |date= |website=Songfacts |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="SongwriterUniverse2017">{{cite web |url=https://www.songwriteruniverse.com/asia-whiteacre-songwriter-2017/ |title= Rising Pop Songwriter Asia Whiteacre Co-Writes Hit For Hailee Steinfeld, Plus Songs For Hey Violet And Other Artists |last= Kawashima |first= Dale |date= June 19, 2017 |website= Songwriter Universe |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> The song received nearly 200,000 plays on SoundCloud.<ref name="SonicbidsEPK">{{cite web |url= https://www.sonicbids.com/band/john-splithoff/ |title= John Splithoff |last= |first= |date= |website=Sonicbids |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> Music blog Soulbounce called it "a midnight steamer that slinks on synths and R&B sensibility," adding that "he's got a lotta soul in him and has a keen ear to the old school like Mayer Hawthorne."<ref name="soulbounce2014">{{cite web |url=https://soulbounce.com/2014/12/john-splithoff-is-on-the-move-with-what-if-she-wants-you/ |title= John Splithoff Is On The Move With 'What If She Wants You' |last= AudioDiva |date= December 11, 2014 |website= Soulbounce |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
==== "Sing To You"==== Splithoff's breakthrough single was 2016's "Sing To You", another co-production with Noiseclub. The song reached No. 10 on ''Billboard'' magazine's Adult Contemporary singles chart on July 14, 2018, and peaked at No. 8 on the Adult Contemporary charts.<ref name="Billboard2018Charts"/> It became a hit via streaming sites including YouTube and Spotify, where it received tens of millions of streams,<ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/><ref name="SongfactsSingToYou"/> and became one of the service's most viral tracks in 2016. It was also in rotation on SiriusXM radio station The Pulse and LiteFM's ''Delilah'' show.<ref name="CanadianPress2016">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-11-14 |title= Spotify's Top 10 most viral tracks |url= |work=The Canadian Press |location= |access-date=}}</ref><ref name="Dubuque2016">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2016-07-17 |title=On the List |url= |work=Telegraph Herald |location= Dubuque, Iowa |page=C2 |access-date=}}</ref> He later released an acoustic version, as well as a solo performance video filmed under a train overpass in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood.<ref name="FB20160705">{{cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=516508671873891&id=183858585138903&_rdr |title=John Splithoff |last= |first= |date=July 5, 2016 |website=Facebook |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref>
==== "Show Me"==== Splithoff followed "Sing To You" with the 2017 single "Show Me", a duet with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Madison Ryann Ward. ''Billboard'' writer Taylor Weatherby wrote that "Show Me" "continues the upbeat vibe he introduced with 'Sing To You'" while evolving in a more dance-oriented direction.<ref name="Billboard2017-07-13">{{cite magazine |last= Weatherby |first= Taylor |date=2017-07-13 |title= Pop Singer-Songwriter John Splithoff Premieres Buoyant Single 'Show Me,' Talks Making 'Good Mood Music' |url= https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/john-splithoff-interview-new-song-show-me-7865249/ |magazine=Billboard |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> AllMusic's Erlewine agreed, writing that the song "pared down some of [Splithoff's] rock influences and increased the electronic gloss", a stylistic change that would continue throughout his later career.<ref name="AMSplithoff"/> Splithoff co-produced the song with hip-hop/R&B musician Aalias (Eminem, Rihanna, DJ Snake).<ref name="Billboard2019-09-20"/>
=== ''Make It Happen'' === Splithoff signed with East West Records in 2017,<ref name="Billboard2019-09-20"/> and released the six-track EP ''Make It Happen'' in 2018 on the associated label Asylum Records.<ref name="UnRated2018"/> That year, he performed a set of material from ''Make It Happen'' on Okayplayer's Okay Acoustic Live sessions on Facebook, including a debut of his song "Raye".<ref name="OkayplayerSplithoff">{{cite web |url= https://www.facebook.com/okayplayer/videos/10156310567263767 |title=Okay Acoustic Live: John Splithoff |last= |first= |date= April 11, 2018 |website=Okayplayer |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> Splithoff would later amicably part ways with the label and return to releasing music independently, citing burnout after the experience of trying to craft a commercial followup to ‘Sing To You’, telling one interviewer that "I kind of felt my writing had changed to the point where it didn't feel like me."<ref name="Grammy2021"/><ref name="UnderTheRadar2021"/><ref name="SongfactsSplithoffPodcast"/>
His 2019 single "Proud" was co-written by Scott Harris (Chainsmokers, Shawn Mendes) and co-produced with Aalias. The song's accompanying music video was premiered on ''Billboard'''s website. The magazine's Taylor Weatherby praised the song's "airy" R&B sound.<ref name="Billboard2019-09-20">{{cite magazine |last= Weatherby |first= Taylor |date=2019-09-20 |title= Rising Singer-Songwriter John Splithoff Isn't Too 'Proud' to Work Through Trust Issues in New Video: Premiere |url= https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/john-splithoff-proud-video-8530525/ |magazine=Billboard |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="Skope20190926">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-09-26 |title= John Splithoff Releases New Single & Music Video "Proud" |url=https://skopemag.com/2019/09/26/skopemag-news-for-september-26-2019-930-am-est |work=Skope |location=Boston |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref>
In 2020, Splithoff released two EPs, ''Go Somewhere'' and ''Good To See You''.<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-01-27"/>
=== ''All In'' === In 2021, Splithoff released his debut full-length album, ''All In'', after launching his self-owned label, Pleasant Lane Music, distributed by Virgin Music Group. He wrote most of the songs in a period of isolation in his apartment in 2019, and recorded most of the album just before the quarantines of the COVID-19 pandemic went into effect in 2020, finishing final mixes and engineering during lockdown.<ref name="Grammy2021"/><ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/><ref name="SongfactsSplithoffPodcast">{{cite web |url= https://www.songfacts.com/blog/podcast/john-splithoff |title= John Splithoff |last= O'Flanagan |first= Corey |date= May 26, 2021 |website=Songfacts |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> In an interview with ''American Songwriter'', Splithoff described ''All In'' as half extroverted and half introverted, "a balance of outwardly confessional love songs with self-analytical inner turmoil."<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23"/> The album builds on Splithoff's love of classic soul and funk, with inspirations including Marvin Gaye on "Note To Self", Chic guitarist Nile Rodgers on "Holding On To Me," and Seal and Jamiroquai on "Thrive". About half the album was produced with Los Angeles duo Likeminds.<ref name="Grammy2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23"/>
''All In'' was critically well received. Steve Horowitz of the music website PopMatters called ''All In'' "urban fire for the 21st century," rating it 8 out of 10, and wrote that the songs seemed prescient of the national mood during the pandemic because of Splithoff's ability to channel "struggles and celebrations, insecurities and overconfidence, the way one does one left alone in the dark. ... What makes it special is how Splithoff breathily expresses his happiness."<ref name="Popmatters2021"/> Lisa Konicki of ''American Songwriter'' wrote that the album "embraces love and loneliness, carefree independence and the burning need for connection."<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23">{{cite news |last= Konicki |first= Lisa |date=2021-04-23 |title= John Splithoff Shares In-Depth Track By Track of New Album 'All In' |url= https://americansongwriter.com/john-splithoff-shares-in-depth-track-by-track-of-new-album-all-in/ |work=American Songwriter |location= Nashville, Tennessee |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> The music blog Soulstrutter rated ''All In'' 7.4 out of 10.<ref name="Soulstrutter2021"/> Caleb Campbell of ''Under the Radar'' magazine wrote that "Holding On To Me" blended "buoyant melodies with an upbeat disco groove" and said that Splithoff blended "the classic romanticism of vintage R&B and soul with a distinctly modern pop sensibility".<ref name="UnderTheRadar2021"/>
A video for "Steady", filmed in New York City, was released in April 2021.<ref name="BGS2021">{{cite web |url= https://thebluegrasssituation.com/read/watch-john-splithoff-steady/ |title= Watch: John Splithoff, "Steady" |last= |first= |date= April 30, 2021 |website= The Bluegrass Situation |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> In keeping with the song's theme of being grateful for loved ones, it was compiled from 50 years of home recordings of Splithoff's family.<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23"/><ref name="Atwood2021">{{cite news |last= Weiner |first= Josh |date= June 11, 2021 |title= Interview: John Splithoff Is 'All In' for His Next Career Phase As an LP-Maker |url= https://atwoodmagazine.com/jsai-john-splithoff-all-in-interview-music-2021/ |work= Atwood Magazine |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref>
The song "Fahrenheit," released as a single just before ''All In'' and later on the album itself, was co-written and co-produced with Alex Mendoza, who previously produced SHAED’s 2018 hit “Trampoline”.<ref name="SongfactsFahrenheit">{{cite web |url= https://www.songfacts.com/facts/john-splithoff/fahrenheit |title= Fahrenheit |last= |first= |date= |website=Songfacts |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> Matt Wallock of ''American Songwriter'' praised the song's "buoyant guitar, dreamy synths, and lush beats" and called Splithoff's vocals "soaring and sensual."<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-01-27">{{cite news |last= Wallock |first= Matt |date=2021-01-27 |title= John Splithoff Delivers a Silky Smooth Dose of Self-Awareness in "Fahrenheit" |url= https://americansongwriter.com/john-splithoff-delivers-a-silky-smooth-dose-of-self-awareness-in-fahrenheit/ |work=American Songwriter |location=Nashville, Tennessee |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> Carolyn Droke of Uproxx called "Fahrenheit" "fiery" and "irresistibly smooth."<ref name="Uproxx2021">{{cite web |url= https://uproxx.com/pop/best-new-pop-selena-gomez-fka-twigs/ |title= All The Best New Pop Music From This Week |last= Droke |first= Carolyn |date= February 2, 2021 |website= Uproxx |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
In April 2021, Splithoff's song "Raye" was performed by ''American Idol'' contestant Graham DeFranco on the first episode of the show's 19th season. ''USA Today'' writer Charles Trepany called the rendition "groovy."<ref name="USAToday20210405">{{cite news |last= Trepany |first= Charles |date= 2021-04-05 |title='American Idol' singer debuts eye patch after surgery, Katharine McPhee returns for emotional duet |url= |work= USA Today |location= |access-date= }}</ref><ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/>
In July 2021, he released the three-song ''All In (Acoustic)'' EP, including solo arrangements of his songs "WGYG" and "Slow to Rise" and a cover of The Platters' "Only You (And You Alone)."<ref name="ShoreFire20210711"/>
During quarantine, Splithoff hosted weekly benefit shows over streaming from his New York apartment. Splithoff donated a portion of the proceeds from his livestreams and album sales during the COVID-19 pandemic to charities including the Trevor Project, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, MusiCares, Columbia Medical and New York Presbyterian.<ref name="Atwood2021"/><ref name="Grammy2021"/>
The three-song ''Blue Christmas'' EP, featuring covers of the traditional holiday songs "Blue Christmas" and "I'll Be Home For Christmas," was released in 2023.<ref name="AMBlueChristmas">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/blue-christmas-mw0004136319 |title= Blue Christmas |last= |first= |date= |website=AllMusic |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
In 2024, Splithoff released the single "Way Back."<ref name="Patch2024">{{cite web |url= https://patch.com/new-jersey/madison/john-splithoff-solo-tour-old-saybrook-ct |title= John Splithoff Solo Tour / Old Saybrook, CT |last=Sasso Janis |first=Nancy |date=2024-11-04 |website= Patch |publisher= |access-date=2024-11-08}}</ref>
In 2025, Splithoff released a pair of singles, "Tangled”/“Magenta (Days Go By)" and "Plateau”/“Same Page", in advance of his album ''Far From Here'', which will be released March 21, 2025 on Pleasant Lane Music/Virgin Records.<ref name="R&BMuse20250219">{{cite web |url=https://www.rockandbluesmuse.com/2025/02/19/john-splithoff-announces-new-album-far-from-here-shares-single-plateau/ |title=John Splithoff Announces New Album 'Far From Here' Shares Single 'Plateau' |last=Ehrenclou |first=Martine |date=February 19, 2025 |website=Rock & Blues Muse |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref> A video for "Magenta" premiered on the website of the music magazine ''Relix''.<ref name="Relix2025">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=January 14, 2025 |title=Premiere: John Splithoff Shares "Magenta (Days Go By)" Video and Pledges Proceeds to MusiCares |url=https://relix.com/news/detail/premiere-john-splithoff-shares-magenta-days-go-by-video-and-pledges-proceeds-to-musicares/ |work=Relix |location= |access-date=2025-02-26 }}</ref><ref name="Garnette2025">{{cite web |url= https://thegarnettereport.com/art/music/john-splithoff-releases-tangled-magenta/ |title= John Splithoff Releases "Tangled" & "Magenta" |last= Lane |first= Vincent |date= January 15, 2025 |website= The Garnette Report |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref>
=== Chris Botti and other collaborations=== Splithoff has worked frequently with Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter Chris Botti, including writing the romantic ballad "Paris" on Botti's 2023 album ''Vol. 1'', produced by David Foster.<ref name="Garnette2023">{{cite web |url= https://thegarnettereport.com/art/music/chris-botti-is-heading-to-paris/ |title= Chris Botti Is Heading To 'Paris' |last= Lane |first= Vincent |date= September 30, 2023 |website= The Garnette Report |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> Reviewer Bobby Patrick of BroadwayWorld called "Paris" "uber-romantic" and said that "Splithoff's soothing but precise vocals and poetry of the words make this a song for lovers walking in the city of lights."<ref name="Broadway2023">{{cite web |url= https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Album-Review-The-Horn-Blows-The-Heart-Sighs-on-The-New-Album-CHRIS-BOTTI-VOL-1-20231203 |title= Album Review: The Horn Blows & The Heart Sighs on The New Album CHRIS BOTTI VOL. 1 |last= Patrick |first= Bobby |date= December 3, 2023 |website=BroadwayWorld |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="Jazzwax2023">{{cite web |url= https://www.jazzwax.com/2023/11/chris-bottis-new-album-vol-1.html |title= Chris Botti's New Album, 'Vol. 1' |last= Myers |first= Marc |date= November 1, 2023 |website= JazzWax |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="AZDailyStar2023">{{cite news |last= Burch |first=Catherine E. |date= October 19, 2023 |title=Jazz great Botti returns for encore |url= https://www.newspapers.com/image/1013437462/ |work= Arizona Daily Star |page=K8 |location=Tucson, Arizona |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="SantaFe2023">{{cite news |last= Fordin |first= Spencer |date=2023-04-07 |title= Jamming it up |url= https://www.newspapers.com/image/948033879/ |page=20 |work=The Santa Fe New Mexican |location= Santa Fe, New Mexico |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> Splithoff has also performed as a member of Botti's live band, including his 2024 world tour, with appearances and on-stage performances with performers including Sting, David Foster, Katherine McPhee, and comedian Caroline Rhea.<ref name="shaopeng2024">{{cite web |url= https://shaopeng.blog/wanders/beyond-jazz-evening-with-chris-botti |title= Beyond Jazz: Evening with Chris Botti |last= |first= |date= May 19, 2024 |website= Shaopeng Blog |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="AAJ2023">{{cite web |url= https://www.allaboutjazz.com/chris-botti-at-the-paramount-theatre |title= Chris Botti At The Paramount Theatre |last= Roby |first= Steven |date= October 25, 2023 |website=All About Jazz |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="MakingAScene2023">{{cite web |url= https://www.makingascene.org/chris-botti-vol-1/ |title= Chris Botti Vol. 1|last= Hynes |first= Jim |date= October 22, 2023 |website=Making A Scene: The Independent Music Magazine |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="Glide2023">{{cite web |url= https://glidemagazine.com/287882/marcus-miller-christian-mcbride-julian-lage-brad-melhldau-more-spark-up-blue-note-at-sea-2023-cruise-review-photos/ |title= Marcus Miller, Christian McBride, Julian Lage, Brad Melhldau & More Spark Up Blue Note At Sea 2023 Cruise |last= Hynes |first= Jim |date= January 25, 2023 |website=Glide Magazine |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
Splithoff's other collaborations include co-writing Jeff LeBlanc's 2018 single “Way You Are” with LeBlanc and Stephen Gause.<ref name="Billboard2018-02-09"/> He co-wrote the song "Hold Me Back" on EDM/dance-music group Autograf's 2019 EP ''Love & Retrograde'', on which he also sings lead vocal. The band's Mikul Wing told ''Billboard'' that Splithoff's lyrics, about trying to stay creative in the face of hardship, "really spoke to us" and encouraged the band "not to give up on our dream" after several years of personal setbacks.<ref name="Billboard20190607">{{cite magazine |last= Bein |first= Kat |date=2019-06-07 |title= Autograf Survive and Shine on 'Love & Retrograde' EP Breakdown: Exclusive |url= https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/autograf-love-retrograde-ep-track-breakdown-8514951/ |magazine=Billboard |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="PM2019autograf">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-03-15 |title= Autograf Premieres New Song "Hold Me Back" featuring John Splithoff |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/20190315-9114 |work= PM Studio World Wide News |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> Splithoff guested on the song "See Me Here, See Me Now" on LA-based synth pop duo Great Good Fine OK's 2021 EP ''Great Good FIVE OK''.<ref name="DiscogsGGFO"/> Splithoff sang and arranged vocals for singer-songwriter Melissa Polinar's 2022 single "February Song."<ref name="AMFebruarySong"/><ref name="NPR2017"/> In 2023, Splithoff played guitar on Toronto R&B/indie-pop artist nodisco's single "Blame".<ref name="Skope2023-05-25">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2023-05-25 |title=nodisco. and John Splithoff Go Full R&B on "Blame" |url= https://skopemag.com/2023/05/25/skopemag-news-thursday-may-25-2023-10-pm-est |work=Skope |location=Boston |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> Noah Wade of ''Melodic Magazine'' praised the song as reminiscent of John Mayer, calling it "a funky tune with a killer melodic line", and said that Splithoff's solo was "expertly crafted."<ref name="Melodic2023">{{cite news |last= Wade |first= Noah |date= June 7, 2023 |title= nodisco. and John Splithoff Team Up For Funky New Heartbreak Jam |url= https://www.melodicmag.com/2023/06/07/nodisco-and-john-splithoff-team-up-for-funky-new-heartbreak-jam/ |work= Melodic Magazine |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> Erika Isaacs of the website Unheard Gems called it the "perfect mix of an upbeat and head-bobbing instrumental with lyrics of fresh heartbreak."<ref name="UG2023">{{cite web |url= https://www.unheardgems.com/post/blame-nodisco-ft-john-splithoff-review |title="Blame" - nodisco. ft John Splithoff |last= Isaacs |first= Erika |date= June 6, 2023 |website=Unheard Gems |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> Splithoff also played guitar on R&B singer Khaki's single "Other Side" and New York-based band East Love's 2019 single "Sunday Afternoon".<ref name="Starry2015">{{cite web |url=https://starrymag.com/east-love-unbroken/ |title=East Love – Unbroken |last=Steinberg |first=Jamie |date=September 29, 2015 |website=Starry Constellation Magazine |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref><ref name="EastLoveMusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.eastlovemusic.com/music-1 |title=Music |last= |first= |date= |website=East Love |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref> Splithoff sang on rapper YONAS’s 2021 single "Glory".<ref name="YTYonas2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f22WmnmJxPE |title=YONAS - GLORY (feat. John Splithoff) |last= |first= |date= |website=YouTube |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref><ref name="Bodega2021">{{cite web |url=https://bodegasync.com/yonas-skyfall/ |title=YONAS – "Skyfall" |last= |first= |date=November 5, 2021 |website=Bodega |publisher= |access-date=2025-02-26}}</ref>
==Streaming and international success== Splithoff has had considerable success on streaming services such as Spotify, Pandora, and at Adult Contemporary radio. The website Music Metrics Vault has estimated that Splithoff's songs have been streamed more than 150 million times as of May 2024.<ref name="MMVSplithoff">{{cite web |url=https://www.musicmetricsvault.com/artists/john-splithoff/7A2x4Urpc4VKF1pb7qnNqD |title=John Splithoff |last= |first= |date=2024-05-28 |website= Music Metrics Vault |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> He has been profiled by music publications such as ''American Songwriter''<ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23"/> and Billboard,<ref name="Billboard2017-07-13"/> and the GRAMMY Museum’s Programs at Home series.<ref name="Grammy2021"/>
His music has received international support and acclaim from fans in Australia, China, Indonesia, New Zealand and the Philippines.<ref name="BBVA2018">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= October 31, 2018 |title= John Splithoff - Exclusive Interview |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=anxnJt-u9YU |work= BBVA Music Sessions |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="BBVA2020">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbva.com/en/bbva-music-sessions-campaign-recognized-by-ava-digital-awards-for-second-straight-year/ |title=BBVA Music Sessions campaign recognized by AVA Digital Awards for second straight year |last= |first= |date=2020-12-18 |website=BBVA |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/> In New Zealand, ''The Masked Singer NZ'' contestant Eroni Clarke performed Splithoff's song "Sing To You" on the eighth episode of the show's 2022 season.<ref name="NZHerald2022">{{cite news |last= Reitsma |first= Bethany |date=2022-09-11 |title= The Masked Singer NZ 2022 episode 8: Lies, deceit, and one judge turns True Detective |url= https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/the-masked-singer-nz-2022-episode-8-lies-deceit-and-one-judge-turns-true-detective/BM7E5AJWPQCSZC772G4H4ELLDE/ |work=The New Zealand Herald |location= Auckland, New Zealand |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> In 2021, South Korean K-pop star Yunho performed to Splithoff's song "Vices" on the popular YouTube channel Studio Choom.<ref name="Choom2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1dU57wwawI |title='my strange addiction' X 'Vices' covered by TVXQ! U-KNOW(유노윤호) Artist Of The Month Jan. 2021 |last= |first= |date=2021-01-23 |website= Studio Choom |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref>
==Artistry and musical style== Splithoff has a four-octave voice,<ref name="NoiseTrade"/> and is proficient on both guitar and piano.<ref name="BringinItBackwards2021"/><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18"/> His musical style fuses pop, R&B, soul, electro. jazz, and funk.<ref name="MakeItBetter2015"/><ref name="Iowa2018">{{cite news |last= Vanhorn |first= Melanie |date= January 24, 2018 |title= Review: MAX and John Splithoff bring a wide musical spectrum to the Great Hall |url= https://iowastatedaily.com/43482/limelight/review-max-and-john-splithoff-bring-a-wide-musical-spectrum-to-the-great-hall/ |work=Iowa State Daily |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="KUTX">{{cite news |last=Anderson |first=Jack |date= April 22, 2021 |title= Song of the Day: John Splithoff: "WGYG" |url= https://kutx.org/song-of-the-day/john-splithoff-wgyg/ |work=KUTX |location=Austin, Texas |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> His musical influences include Marvin Gaye, Prince, John Mayer, Tears for Fears, The Beatles, Empire of the Sun, Take 6, and D’Angelo.<ref name="soulbounce2014"/><ref name="NoiseTrade">{{cite web |url= https://noisetrade.com/johnsplithoff/ |title= John Splithoff |last= |first= |date= |website= NoiseTrade |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22 |archive-date=2017-03-12 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170312111014/https://noisetrade.com/johnsplithoff/ }}</ref> He has cited Pat Metheny, John Mayer and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour as guitar influences.<ref name="BringinItBackwards2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.bringinitbackwards.com/videos/interview-with-john-splithoff/ |title= Interview with John Splithoff |last= Lisicky |first= Adam |date= May 17, 2021 |website=Bringin' It Backwards |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-05-18">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2021-05-18 |title= Bringin' It Backwards: Interview with John Splithoff |url= https://americansongwriter.com/bringin-it-backwards-interview-with-john-splithoff/ |work=American Songwriter |location= Nashville, Tennessee |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref><ref name="AmericanSongwriter2021-04-23"/>
Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic wrote that Splithoff's musical style mixes "throwback soul, modern production, and a laid-back pop vibe."<ref name="AMSplithoff"/> Hannah Steinkopf-Frank of the Chicago Tribune, writing about Splithoff's 2018 performance at the Lollapalooza festival, called his singing voice "butter smooth" and said his songwriting "felt like a love letter to the audience."<ref name="ChiTribune20180802">{{cite news |last= Steinkopf-Frank |first= Hannah |date= August 2, 2018 |title= We tracked all the Chicago artists at Lollapalooza. Here's how they did. |url= |work= Chicago Tribune |location= Chicago |access-date= }}</ref> As a lyricist, Splithoff gravitates toward universal subjects such as love and heartbreak, the desire for human connection, and staying true to one's beliefs and dreams.<ref name="Grammy2021">{{cite podcast |url= https://watch.grammymuseum.org/r-b-soul/videos/programs-at-home-john-splithoff |title= Programs at Home: John Splithoff |host= Scott Goldman |date= 2021-06-17|website= Grammy Museum Programs at Home series |publisher= Grammy Museum |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> "I write a lot of my songs about breakups, and getting back together," he said in an interview with ''On Tour Magazine''.<ref name="OnTourMag2014">{{cite web |url= https://ontourmag.com/archives/john-splithoff-tales-of-a-nomadic-lothario/ |title= John Splithoff: Tales Of A Nomadic Lothario |last= Scott |first= Cole |date= January 6, 2014 |website= On Tour Magazine |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22 |archive-date=2019-07-04 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190704115947/https://ontourmag.com/archives/john-splithoff-tales-of-a-nomadic-lothario/ }}</ref>
==Discography== {{Music ratings |title=''All In'' | rev1 = Popmatters | rev1Score = {{rating|8|10}}<ref name="Popmatters2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.popmatters.com/john-splithoff-all-in-review |title= John Splithoff goes 'All In' on his debut full-length release |last= Horowitz |first= Steve |date=2021-04-23 |website=Popmatters |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> | rev2 = Soulstrutter | rev2Score = {{rating|7.4|10}}<ref name="Soulstrutter2021">{{cite web |url= https://soulstrutter.blogspot.com/2021/07/john-splithoff-2021-all-in-pleasant.html |title=John Splithoff [2021] - All In [Pleasant Lane Music] |last= |first= |date= 2021-07-05 |website= Soulstrutter |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> }}
===Albums and EPs=== * ''The Move'' EP (2013) * ''Make It Happen'' EP (Asylum Worldwide, 2018) * ''Go Somewhere'' EP (Pleasant Lane Music, 2020) * ''Good To See You'' EP (Pleasant Lane Music, 2020)<ref name="ShoreFire20210127">{{cite web |url= https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/john-splithoff-fahrenheit |title= John Splithoff Releases Fahrenheit, New Single, Music Video & First Preview of Debut Album Due Out This Spring |last= |first= |date= January 27, 2021 |website=Shore Fire Media |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> * ''All In'' (Pleasant Lane Music, 2021) * ''All In (Acoustic)'' EP (2021)<ref name="ShoreFire20210711">{{cite web |url= https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/john-splithoff-releases-all-in-acoustic-ep-expands-debut-album-with-two-new-recordings-fan-favorite-platters-cover |title= John Splithoff Releases All In (Acoustic) EP, Expands Debut Album with Two New Recordings & Fan-Favorite Platters Cover |last= |first= |date= July 11, 2021 |website=Shore Fire Media |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> * ''Blue Christmas'' EP (Pleasant Lane Music, 2023)<ref name="AMBlueChristmas"/> * ''Far From Here'' (forthcoming in 2025)<ref name="Patch2024"/><ref name="AMSplithoff">{{cite web |url= https://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-splithoff-mn0003421669 |title=John Splithoff |last= Erlewine |first= Stephen Thomas |date= |website=AllMusic |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="DiscogsSplithoff">{{cite web |url= https://www.discogs.com/artist/5622070-John-Splithoff |title= John Splithoff |last= |first= |date= |website=Discogs |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="R&BMuse20250219"/>
===Singles=== * "What If She Wants You" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2014) * "Sing To You" (Asylum, 2016) * "Show Me" (Asylum, 2017) * "Raye" (Asylum/Atlantic, 2018) * "Vices" (East West Records, 2018)<ref name="UnRated2018"/> * "Like You Talk To Me" (East West Records, 2019)<ref name="PM2019">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=2019-11-13 |title= John Splithoff Unveils New Song "Like You Talk To Me" |url=https://www.pmstudio.com/music/music.html?page=20191113-10461 |work= PM Studio World Wide News |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> * "Proud" (2019)<ref name="Skope20190926"/> * "Fahrenheit" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2021) * "Inside Out" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2021) * "Steady" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2021) * "Holding On To Me" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2021)<ref name="UnderTheRadar2021">{{cite web |url= https://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/premiere_john_splithoff_debuts_new_single_holding_on_to_me/ |title= Premiere: John Splithoff Debuts New Single, "Holding On To Me" |last= Campbell |first= Caleb |date= April 6, 2021 |website=Under the Radar |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> * "Somewhere in New York" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2022) * "Way Back" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2024) *"Tangled”/“Magenta (Days Go By)" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2025) *"Plateau”/“Same Page" (Pleasant Lane Music, 2025)<ref name="R&BMuse20250219"/>
===Guest appearances=== * Saturn & Orygin, "Woke" (2015) * Armando Young and John Splithoff, "Stepping Stone" single (2017) * Jeff LeBlanc, “Way You Are” (2018)<ref name="Billboard2018-02-09">{{cite magazine |last= Trust |first= Gary |date=2018-02-09 |title= Jeff LeBlanc Celebrates Feeling 'Completely Comfortable In a Relationship' With 'Way You Are': Premiere |url= https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/jeff-leblanc-way-you-are-8098844/ |magazine=Billboard |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> * Autograf, ''Love & Retrograde'' EP (2019) - vocals on "Hold Me Back"<ref name="AMSplithoff"/> * East Love, "Sunday Afternoon" (2019) * Brasstracks, ''Golden Ticket'' (EQT Recordings + Capitol Records, 2020) - vocals on "Nothing Better"<ref name="SFBrasstracks2020">{{cite web |url= https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/brasstracks-release-title-track-from-upcoming-album-golden-ticketfeaturing-masego-common |title= Brasstracks Release Title Track From Upcoming Album 'Golden Ticket' Featuring Masego & Common |last= |first= |date=2020-08-19 |website= Shore Fire Media |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> * Great Good Fine OK, ''Great Good FIVE OK'' EP (2021) - guest on "See Me Here, See Me Now"<ref name="DiscogsGGFO">{{cite web |url= https://www.discogs.com/release/23251181-Great-Good-Fine-OK-Great-Good-FIVE-OK |title= Great Good Fine OK – Great Good FIVE OK |last= |first= |date= |website=Discogs |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref> * YONAS, "Glory" (2021) * Melissa Polinar, "February Song" (2022)<ref name="AMFebruarySong">{{cite web |url= https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/february-song-mr0005672239 |title=February Song |last= |first= |date= |website=AllMusic |publisher= |access-date=2024-10-22}}</ref><ref name="NPR2017">{{cite news |last= Yu |first= Mallory |date= March 22, 2017 |title= At SXSW, Asian-American Musicians Make A Space Of Their Own |url=https://www.npr.org/2017/03/22/521128243/at-sxsw-asian-american-musicians-make-a-space-of-their-own |work=All Things Considered (National Public Radio) |location= |access-date=2024-10-22 }}</ref> * nodisco featuring John Splithoff, "Blame" (2023) * Chris Botti with John Splithoff, "Paris" (Blue Note Records, 2024)
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * [https://www.johnsplithoff.com/ Official website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Splithoff, John}} Category:Living people Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:Glenbrook South High School alumni Category:Musicians from Chicago Category:Musicians from Los Angeles Category:University of Miami Frost School of Music alumni Category:People from Glenview, Illinois Category:1990 births