January 29th, 2005
I received this response back from an industry rep,quite amusing and appreciative at the sametime. I excluded the corresponding name due to the fact that I think this person knows what is going on...and I do not want to see this individual fired for their honesty. Its the first rep I actually feel sorry for, Enjoy.

John,
Let me first start off by saying I loved everything I heard.The emotion that transcends from your compositions is amazing. Your picture certainly does not portray the sounds from your cd. You have the look of the devil with the voice of an angel,which caught me off guard.
At the present time what you have does not fit into my roster. You have something special so please do not be discouraged. The industry is changing in many ways , check back with me again in a few months. Yes the industry is in shambles right now, and an act such as yours should be signed with no question about it. Unfortunately I am a goat/sheep and have to play by the rules. I am given a list to hunt down that ultimately puts out one hits and has the acts all sounding the same.(for the very same reason) In retrospect we try to find enough one hits to complete a full cd repertoire.Why?There are many answers to that question but Im sure your gut insitinct will let you know the reasons.
You are a very talented individual and seem to be very knowledgable of your goals and the business. All I can say is do not give up or give in. You have it! If it were my label, you would be on the roster.

Heres my take on this email:

So there you have it, an A&R rep admitting that the industry is not functioning correctly. A very interesing email indeed. I'm basically being told we love what we hear, you should be signed, be we ultimatley would have no idea where to put you or how to promote you. For the simple fact that my music does not sound like the 4 or 5 bands or artists that the A & R rep promotes that when narrowed down , could be mistaken for soudning all the same. Is something wrong with this picture??? Isn't that the whole idea? What a business. I want to say thank you, but it seems kind of odd...but ahh thank you...I think.

Styll

January 25th, 2005
Time for a late January and early February update:

Let the snow fall down. Well, after thinking we would be getting away with a mild winter we have now been hit with a decent snowfall with more on the way. The temperatures havent really been that frigid outside of a few days here and there. So, it really has not been that bad considering January is almost over. Lets hope it melts as fast as it falls.

Ok, enough Winter weather. The emails and phone calls have been coming in for Styll to perform at different functions and venues. It is quite a nice feeling when promoters and venues call you. That is yet another priceless feat that comes from hard work, faith, and dedication. I was to perform at a Valentines weekend funtion but had to decline, which was a tad upsetting because I rarely turn down an opportunity to perform and meet everyone at the venues. I had a slight injury with my back that has side lined me for the last 2 weeks and looks like the pain will be with me another week or so. For those of you that know whats its like to bruise or hurt any part of your back, I dont even have to tell you. For those that dont, Imagine a rod jabbing you or the feeling of elbows in your back 24-7. OUCH, OUCH, OUCH. So in between getting back with everyone, writing, promoting,etc... I'm just trying to relax and let the bruises heal.
The new songs are coming along nicley and I was also able to view possible artwork for the new site. I had a local tattoo artist draw up a few renditions of an idea that was bounced to me and it turned out increible. The image represents things very nicley. The cd title may take a change now to coincide with the artwork. Thats all in the works and will all unfold naturally.
This has all been a great and incredible journey. It certainly is a very strange business with many surprises along the way. There can be many high points and many low points. It really is all what you make of it. The thing is to learn from the low points just as much as those high points. You become stronger from each experience if your are able to view each day as a positive step in the direction you want to go. So when you sit back and think about it, there really are no lows. Its all apart of the scheme of things. As I always say its just another story in the book, and what a story is has been thus far. I cant wait to read the next page.

Sincerely,
Styll

January 12th, 2005
Hello everyone,
I want to first say thank you to all of you that have supported and believe in Styll. It has truely been an honor to hear and read your comments and to feel your support. It has proven time and time again that the peoples voice always outshines those "inside" who seem to think they know what should be heard instead of "what needs and deserves to be heard." It has proven time and time again that there are those out there who are fed up with novelties and so called industry standards and that are longing for real, honest,true,and pure music. Your voice is keeping that alive and well. Rolling stone magazine is proclaiming that 2005 will be the return of real music.
Much has been accomplished here. How many can say they know an artist who has been contacted by 4 labels, 2 talk shows, publishers, and has sent music to many many labels in between.Styll has been invited to peform from east to west and beyond and has been given the thumbs up by many artists within the industry. Styll has also participated time and profits to many deserving charities and foundations. Im very proud of what has been done, and in many ways I feel its what we have done.
I will be finsihing the recording of the next few songs and continue to work on a new website in the hopes of a spring release for both. This will be for you, as a thank you for believing. Thank you once again.

Styll

December 23rd, 2004
Hello all,
Four new songs have been recorded for a demo disk. I had a friend of mine Ivan Justofin add his percussion mix to the compositions. Ivan and I mixed and recorded the new songs in really the span of one day and finished everything in two. That is quite an amazing accomplishment via industry standards. Ivan has quite the resume under his belt. He previously worked in Los Angeles at EMI publishing, is friends with all the guys in Fuel,Produced and recorded Fuels first demo among many of the areas successful bands and artists, and runs the studio at C and C music in Hazleton, Pa. He is an incredible percussianist whom I hope to work with quite regularly. It was a great pleasure working with him and being on the same page. Ivan treated my compositions like they were his own. Ivan,I thank you sincerely for that.
The four new songs that were recorded are as follows: 1. Watching Angel - or otherwise what most are calling Angel eyes
2. The Angry song
3. Devil in disguise
And the fourth I did a cover, which is bringing in quite the response, of Ring of Fire by the man in black, Mr. Johnny Cash. I need to go through some licensing procedures before its available on the new cd. We're going to try to get this version on a Johnny Cash tribute. I hope to have clips up soon.
Next I received contact from Atlantic records. I want to thank Gary for making contact and Mr. Jason Flom for passing Styll along to him. Thank you both. Lets hope Atlantic falls in love with Styll like so many of you have. To recieve contact from a label such as Atlantic is quite the accomplishment and an honor to say the least.
I do hope everyone has a great holiday. As always I thank all of you who continue to support styll and who continue to believe in life and in dreams.

Sincerely,
Styll

December 7th, 2004
Condolences go out to Dana Ruch for the loss of his beloved Susie. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Susie lost her long and hard battle to cancer. Susie had a true spirit and genuine love for life. Dana and Susie made quite the impression on us without even knowing. They both were indeed two souls deeply in love. Angels walk among us, now another one of those Angels has been called home. God bless you all.


From November 22, 2004 till November 22, 2005, Styll will be donating proceeds from the latest release, Still Standing Still Strong, to the Ronald McDonald House for cancer research. The album has been dedicated to the memory of Kelly Dorozinsky, a close friend to vocalist/composer John Harvan of Styll. If you would like to take part please feel free to visit at www.styllstanding.com

December 6th, 2004
Hello everyone,
Let me start off by apologizing to you all. We have been experiencing some internal problems as of of lately with some disgruntled individuals. My peace has been said and as far as I'm concerned the matter has been put to rest. As in life there will always be good and there will always be evil. I am not about to burden you good people with these trival issues. I myself should not have posted my responses to these individuals but there comes a point where enough is enough. Even more so when the truth is far from being told.
Styll is and deserves much better than that, Yes Styll represents perseverance and triumph,among many other things, which is another example of what has been going on. I've dealt with this issue long enough and the time of perseverance
and triumph has come. I know I can sleep at night and thats all that really needs to be said. I've taken down the forum to inhibit anymore negative posts from people who really are not in support of what is here. I've worked too long and hard to have a few people take away from all that is good. I will not let that happen. So once again, I do apologize for the procedures of late, We will not let that happen again. I will save that energy for the songs and music and for all that Styll stands for and represents which is "Life"
The new cd is being worked on as you read this. I have about 20 songs I am going through and working with. I will be narrowing that 20 down to 10 or 11 compositions. The new cd will be tentatively titled " Styll, One And The Same" Along with that will be a new website. I am looking forward to the holidays, the new year, and the continued path of dreams.

Sincerely,
STYLL

From November 22, 2004 till November 22, 2005, Styll will be donating proceeds from the latest release, Still Standing Still Strong, to the Ronald McDonald House for cancer research. The album has been dedicated to the memory of Kelly Dorozinsky, a close friend to vocalist/composer John Harvan of Styll. If you would like to take part please feel free to visit at www.styllstanding.com

Condolences go out to Dana Ruch for the loss of his beloved Susie. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Suzie lost her long and hard battle to cancer. Susie had a true spirit and genuine love for life. Dana and Suzi made quite the impression on us without even knowing. They both were indeed two souls deeply in love. Angels walk among us, now another one of those angels has been called home. God bless you all.

November 18th, 2004
For a short time I will be donating partial proceeds from all new sales of the Still Standing Still Strong cd to The Ronald McDonald house. I am more geared in donating to a foundation that offers aid and comfort rather than just a Hospital.
As some of you may know, the cd is dedicated to a dear friend Kelly, who lost her life to this disease.
It is also dedicated to my grandmother who lost her life on the operating table due to heart surgery.
In the past CD proceeds have been dedicated to The Ty Longley baby fund(Station fire), Dream come true, Jimmy Pages childrens relief, and to the fire and policeman funds.
It has been a dream to raise enough to dedicate a hall in the hospital to Kelly, maybe one day.
I do sincerely thank you in advance for your support.

Styll

For those concerned about Angie, her surgery was on Monday. Her diabetes got the best of her and took her eye sight. Doctors are hopeful but not 100 percent surgery will restore her sight but we are all being positive and hopeful and saying our prayers. I have tried to help her the best that I know with eating and drinking, and trying to live a healthier life style. She had a Doctors appointment on Friday and they we're all stunned with all of her levels. In fact they were ecstatic, They have never seen someone regain and take charge so quickly. She literally brought her one level from 300 down to 140. I am very proud and happy for her.

Styll

November 9th, 2004
Wow, you never know what you may find in your closet. I have found my grandfather was the court clerk for NYC and speculation is that he may have worked with former Mayor Giuliani,this is being looked into. My grandmother from the other side of the family worked in the Pentagon. Kind of ironic that their grandson turns out to be a composer/musician. :)
I just thought id share that with you. Im somewhat of a I guess the term is a native son or grandson to the city :)
Anyway No real updates other than auditions are being held for the new Styll cd. Im very excited with the new compositions, They've taken a different twist compared to the present cd. Same heart and soul vibe,you have to hear them.

Peace...

STYLL

October 27th, 2004
Trick or Treat and a Happy Halloween to all. Let me say Halloween has given a nice night of several treats. Lets get right into things:
Styll Shirts are now available at the Army Navy store in Allentown , Pa. If you we're never there, check the place out, they have something for everyone.
We will have a CD baby site coming soon for those of you that have been asking. I will let you all know when its official.
I have had a few labels and management inquiries. The other day I received a call from Capitol Mgmt and a few more emails from Nashville giving their words of comments, which is deeply appreciated as always. I also had a friend in New York give me a nice helpful hand to an entertainment law attorney which I hope to talk to her this week. Thank you very much Leo.
Next, I have received an invitation From England to play a few dates. I am taking this into deep consideration. It would be an incredible trip. The one venue is one of the most sought after venues in the area and many musicians both regional and national have played there. Its called the Doghouse and is in Loughborough , the other is The Loughborough acoustic club. I'm quite honored to receive this invite, extremely honored.
Next, Tonight I ran into a friend who was in the Pre John Harvans Darker Daze project, Digger Bloom. I had a great time talking and mending. We talked about possibly making some music again, we shall see. It was very nice to talk and laugh, that truly does wonders. Its one of those things where it almost brings you to tears when you realize the admiration you have for one another but sometimes silly things can get in the way of things. Music, bands, it really is like a marriage. Compromising, communication, understanding, and listening all play a very important role. Growing, learning,and not doing the same silly things over and over will define whether or not you're going to make it. That goes for life period. I'm very happy where I am and the things that have been accomplished. Big steps, which I look forward to continuing forward. You will never make everyone happy, and there will be those you'll never get through to, but then there is a whole other side that you will. I have also come to an understanding with myself which sees the good in all of this. Call it the Zen, inner peace, whatever you like. All I can ask of me is that I do the best I possibly can. Those who get what I do seem to take it so deep into their soul while others, maybe another day. Life gives you many choices,but rising above one sidedness is very important. Not liking something because your friend doesn't, that's crazy. Its a big world, do not limit youself. Be your own individual, keep your mind,eyes, and ears open, you just might surprise yourself. I thank all of you who continue to write. You have made this so worth it in so many different ways. I'm very excited about the new compositions and I cant wait to share them with you.

Peace...
STYLL

October 5th, 2004
Hello again,
I just wanted to let everyone know the songwriters forum went very well. It was conducted by Jim Femino who has written with Toby Keith, Vince Gill,and many Nashville artists. The phrase was given to me that night "John you have arrived" I'll take that as one amazing compliment. I was greated with many kind words,compliments, and appreciation from Jim. Mr.Femino also gave me a very nice introduction. I met quite a few new people and the music chat went on for hours,It was a good night. Its very admirable to have your music taken in by all kinds of music listeners. It truly shows that good songs and music go a long way.
I have received quite a few emails from Nashville that last few days and have an interview scheduled with a music publication this weekend.
Those of you that have Cds ordered, they're on thier way.
Things have been hectic but certainly that is welcomed with open arms.
Radio Holland has started spinning the Cd and it is being received quite nicley, Thank you so much to our new listeners there. There are a few others things brewing that if all goes well I hope to share with you all soon.

Peace...
STYLL