John Consalvo, a musician and fantasy author from Staten Island, New York, has been captivating audiences with his heartfelt songs and imaginative stories for years. From his early days of guitar strumming and lyric writing to his Into the Apocalypse rock albums and Earth & Evermore fantasy novels, John’s creative journey is as inspiring as it is diverse. In this candid conversation, we delve into his music, writing, and the deeper themes that connect it all.
Q: What inspired you to pick up the guitar and start writing songs in your early teens? Were there specific artists or experiences that sparked your love for music?
John Consalvo: Well, I come from a musically gifted family—three of my uncles are amazing guitarists. I used to pick up their guitars as a kid, but honestly, I had no idea what I was doing. Still, I could sing a bit and create melodies.
It wasn’t until I took a guitar class in high school that it all clicked. Suddenly, I wasn’t intimidated anymore, and I developed this deep passion for playing and learning. At the same time, I’d been writing poetry since I was about 12, so once I learned guitar, it just made sense to combine the two.
As for inspiration, I loved artists like White Lion, Rush, Van Halen, Billy Joel, James Taylor, and U2. My first concert was Stryper at the old Ritz in NYC. Watching Oz Fox and Michael Sweet trade guitar solos? Mind-blowing. I could only dream of doing something like that back then.
Q: That’s such a cool starting point—especially Stryper at the Ritz! When you finally started playing, was there a moment where you thought, “Yes, this is it, I’m doing this”?
John: Oh, for sure. Once I could string together my first song, it was like, “This is it, this is what I love.” It felt natural, like something I was supposed to do. I didn’t want to stop.
Q: Your debut album, Choose This Day, came out in 2005. Looking back, how do you feel your music has evolved since then, especially with the Into the Apocalypse projects?
John: I think we’re always learning, right? With Choose This Day, I worked with Gary Wehrkamp from Shadow Gallery, and I learned so much during that process. That album came out of a personal place—I was going through some rough times and looking for hope.
Since then, I feel like my guitar solos have gotten stronger, I can hear harmonies better, and my songwriting has matured. The Apocalypse albums have a grittier, heavier tone, which reflects the story they tell. Tyler Mays produced those, and like Gary, he’s taught me so much.
The biggest shift is probably in the sound—Choose This Day had more of a U2 or Michael W. Smith vibe with a bit of alt-rock. The Apocalypse albums? They’re raw, transparent, and have this outlaw feel to them. It’s been a great evolution.
Q: That’s interesting. So, with the Apocalypse albums being heavier and rawer, do you feel like that’s where your music is heading long-term, or is it just a phase for this particular project?
John: Great question. Honestly, it’s both. I love exploring heavier, grittier tones because they fit the stories I’m telling in these albums. But I’m also working on some new stuff that’s more intimate and personal—it’s less about the apocalyptic themes and more about purposeful events in our lives. So, I think I’m always evolving based on the story I want to tell.
Q: Let’s talk about your song Because It’s Christmas. It’s such a heartfelt and reflective piece. What inspired you to write it?
John: A year ago, I started hearing stories from people I know—real, painful stuff like job loss, family loss in war, financial struggles, loneliness. My heart was gripped, and I felt like I had to put something together that was real.
I wanted it to reflect what people are actually going through during the holidays, while also being a call to action. It’s about reminding people to show kindness and help each other out, whether it’s paying someone’s bills, offering support, or just being there for someone who’s alone.
Q: That’s such a powerful message, especially for the holidays. Did you draw from your own experiences for the song as well?
John: Absolutely. I thought about my childhood Christmases—my mom always made them so special. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more aware of people who spend the holidays alone. That realization inspired me to think about what I could do now to help others, and that definitely influenced the song.
Q: Your song Hello, Are You There has such emotional depth. Can you share the story behind it?
John: Hello is part of the Apocalypse albums. It’s about a character who’s living through the apocalypse and feels completely alone. He’s on the run, trying not to conform to a broken society. Then, an angel approaches him and tells him he’s not the only one.
The inspiration came from Elijah’s angelic visit in scripture when he thought he was alone in his fight. It’s a reminder that even when we feel lost or weak, there’s hope. One of my favorite quotes is from Legends of the Guardians: “When your wings are weak, your spirit’s done, and you’ve flown as far as you can, you’re halfway there!” That’s the essence of Hello.
Q: That’s so beautiful and layered. Do you think that theme of hope in unexpected moments is one that resonates throughout your work?
John: Absolutely. Hope is a huge part of everything I do, whether it’s music or writing. It’s what drives me.
Q: Who Done It? is such a unique title. What’s the story behind it?
John: Imagine if the rapture happened tomorrow—millions of people disappearing without warning. What would the world look like? How would people react? That’s the concept behind Who Done It?.
It’s about the chaos, the questions, and the narratives that would emerge. Think of the early days of the pandemic but magnified a thousand times. The song captures that frenzy with a rock-driven, modern sound. It’s one of the most fun but thought-provoking songs I’ve done.
Q: I can definitely see that comparison to the pandemic—people searching for answers in the midst of confusion. Did you have a specific scene or moment in mind when writing it?
John: Oh, absolutely. I kept picturing the stock markets crashing and people screaming, “What’s happening?!” That energy really shaped the song.
Q: You’re not just a musician but also a fantasy author. How do your experiences as a songwriter influence your storytelling in literature, and vice versa?
John: To me, creating is creating. I’ve always loved writing, whether it’s poetry, short stories, or novels. And I think everything we create connects in some way.
Albums like Shadow Gallery’s Tyranny and Queensrÿche’s Operation: Mindcrime inspired me to imagine characters and stories in music. I hope to bring that same inspiration to my novels and songs, blending them into experiences that resonate on multiple levels.
Q: That’s such a unique perspective. Do you ever find it challenging to switch between the two mediums?
John: Sometimes, but they complement each other. When I’m stuck in one, I’ll often find inspiration in the other. It’s like a creative reset.
Conclusion
Talking with John Consalvo is like stepping into a world filled with passion, creativity, and hope. Whether he’s writing music that touches the soul or crafting fantasy novels that transport readers to other realms, his work reflects a deep belief in the power of storytelling. Keep an eye out for his upcoming album in early 2025—it promises to be another chapter in his extraordinary journey.
You can follow up with John and listen to his music at:
- Website – click here
- Instagram – @john_consalvo
- Facebook – @JohnConsalvoFB
- YouTube – @johnconsalvo1078
- Spotify – click here
- Music Apple – click here
- Amazon Music – click here
- SoundCloud – click here