John Vento on starting original music in his 40s, choosing connection over perfection, and building Love, Lust & Other Wreckage from the honest parts of life.
John Vento did not arrive at original music through a neat industry origin story. The Pittsburgh singer grew up around professional musicians—and gamblers—but says songwriting only became essential in his early 40s, when a difficult marriage made it the place he could disappear from the world for a little while. He began recording in 2001 and never stopped.
That mix of late-blooming conviction and hard-earned honesty runs through Love, Lust & Other Wreckage, a 13-song semi-autobiographical album produced by David Granati and connected to playwright Amy Hartman’s stage work of the same name. Exposed Vocals caught up with Vento to talk about fearless persistence, the power of playing live, his Pittsburgh studio circle, Harry Chapin, and why a mistake onstage matters less than the bond with the room.
The Exclusive Conversation
John Vento on the work behind the music
Exposed Vocals:Tell us your story. Where did you grow up, and what made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My mother’s family was made up mostly of professional musicians and gamblers—actually, many were both. So I learned to love music but hated gambling.
I really didn’t get serious about writing and recording original music until my early 40s. I was struggling in my marriage and used writing as a safe haven to disappear from the world for a little while. I started recording in 2001 and have never really stopped since.
Exposed Vocals:Since everyone was a startup once, what advice would you give smaller or local artists looking for gigs and airplay?
Grind, grind, grind! Keep working your craft and be fearless. Get input from respected musicians who can help nurture your sound—and play live as often as possible.
Exposed Vocals:Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle them?
Oh yes! I smile and move on. Thankfully, live performances fly by, so it’s more about the energy and connection with an audience than perfection.
“Live performances fly by, so it’s more about the energy and connection with an audience than perfection.”
John Vento
Exposed Vocals:Do you tour? Anything from the road that our readers should know?
Not at this time. I’ve pretty much stayed in our region, but I would be interested in touring to support the album if the right circumstances came about.
Exposed Vocals:What are you working with in the studio?
My home studio, Corbriwood Studio, is constantly being upgraded by our engineer and producer, Lee Marks of Leematt Productions. Lee is amazing—always learning and pursuing the best techniques and gear. Corbriwood is on the Studio One platform, but I also work with other studios that are mostly Pro Tools-based.
Exposed Vocals:How do you promote your music? What works best for you?
Social media, of course, plus I use a texting and email database. But nothing is more powerful than live performances. I recently linked up with Michael Stover of MTS Management, and he is already kicking ass on my behalf!
Exposed Vocals:If you could perform anywhere, with any artist living or dead, who would it be—and why?
That’s easy: anywhere with the late, great Harry Chapin. His music and stories have always meant a great deal to me. I loved his authenticity as an artist. I perform “Taxi” at every show and always thank Harry for that great song.
Exposed Vocals:What projects are on your mind next?
I have a few unfinished songs that didn’t make the album, so I plan to get to work on those. The biggest project is the stage play of the same title, Love, Lust & Other Wreckage. The music is the foundation of the story. The play is written by Amy Hartman—she is badass!
Exposed Vocals:If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Gardening! I love flowers. What can I say? I’m a girly man at heart.
Exposed Vocals:What should fans look forward to?
We’re going to aggressively try to gain more listeners for the album and promote the stage play—and, as always, there will be plenty of live performances.
Exposed Vocals:Any shout-outs?
Oh yes! My partners on Love, Lust & Other Wreckage, who made such wonderful contributions: David Granati, Bert Lauble and Cherylann Hawk, plus all of the great musicians who poured their hearts into the project. Love!
Vento’s story is proof that an artist’s beginning does not have to arrive on schedule. What matters is recognizing the place where honesty becomes possible and continuing to return to it. For him, songwriting became that safe haven—and eventually a way to turn private wreckage into something other people could enter and understand.
