Artist Information
Biography
After playing in bands for several years, I (John O. Shively), began writing music for myself in the early 2000's. After hearing some newly written songs, my long time drummer immediately jumped on board, and this formed the root of what is now J.O.D. (John Oliver and the Distinguished). J.O.D. makes adult alternative/rock songs that are catchy and easy to listen to. We keep an upbeat/energetic stage presence that creates a positive atmosphere. We also pair our stage energy with a "distinguished" look that consists of collared shirts with ties.
Passing music back and forth over the internet between members is how we practice without actually "getting together" - this also makes what happens when we play a new song on stage for the first time fun and exciting.
Members of J.O.D. are influenced by David Gray, Death Cab for Cutie, Paul Simon, Niel Young and a variety of other great musicians.
A bit about our accomplishments:
- J.O.D. headlined at the 2009 New York Restoration Project's "Little Red Lighthouse Festival" which hosted several thousand individuals - NYRP is an organization founded by Bette Midler.
http://www.nyrp.org/Kids_Parents_Teachers/For_Parents/Events_and_Activities/Little_Red_Lighthouse_Festival
- J.O.D. was selected to showcase twice at the 14th and once at the 15th Annual Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, PA. One of our tracks "Don't Come To Me" was also selected to appear on the MMC14 Compilation CD. MMC14 is billed as one of the largest music conferences on the east coast. www.musicconference.net
- J.O.D. receives "Song of the Year" 2009 for "It Ain't Over" - awarded by WVYA 89.7 FM - an affiliate of National Public Radio. www.northcentralpa.com
- J.O.D. held a spot in the NYC Grows festival held in Union Square Park NYC during the summer of 2010 - The festival played host to several thousand guests.
Some of our favorite places to play include:
- Mohegan Sun Casino (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
- Harrisburg Midtown Arts Center "Stage on Herr" (Harrisburg, PA)
- Lovin' Cup (Rochester, NY)
- Bar Louie @ Station Square (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Cafe 210 West (Stage College, PA)
- Bullfrog Brewery (Williamsport, PA)
Instrumentation
John Oliver - Guitar, Lead Vocal, Piano/Keys
Keith Bashnick - Drums, Backing Vocals
Damon Shaheen - Bass, Backing Vocals
Discography
LP - "Tell Me More" - 2010
Recorded @ Milkboy Recording in Ardmore, PA.
01. No Good
02. Help Me Help You Help Me
03. Tell Me More
04. Let It Show
05. Closet Ghosts
06. Heads Up
07. A Step Back
08. No Please
09. Sing Along w/ Me
10. Please Don't Let Go Of Me
11. The Fire You Set
12. Nothing's Changed A Lot
13. Go It Alone
14. Last
15. We Should Go
LP - "It Ain't Over" - 2008 Recorded at Blackdog Media in Rochester, NY.
01. Don't Come To Me
02. Love & Hate
03. I Won't Be Coming Back
04. It Ain't Over
05. Nonchalant
06. Granted
07. Smoke & Mirrors
08. The Only One
09. Someday
10. Heart Of Silver
11. An Idea (Acoustic)
All Songs cane be heard in north-central PA on 88.5 WXPI.
Our albums have all tracks streaming on chilitech radio (www.chilitech.fm)
We are also streaming on www.RadioScranton.com (Scranton, PA)
All tracks on the album also have airplay on WVYA 89.7 FM (Billtown Bus Stop Radio Show - affiliate of NPR) out of Williamsport, PA.
J.O.D. has been featured on The Zone 94.1 FM out of Rochester, NY for their "zonegrown" homegrown special.
All albums are available on iTunes, CD Baby, Amazon.com, as well as most other major digital distribution websites.
Hard copies of the CD are also available on CD Baby.
We also stream tracks on our website (www.jodband.com) as well as our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/jodband)
Links
Press
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Velco Like Hooks
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"Walk into any beer joint on a Saturday night and you're sure to find a rock ?n' roll cover band. Th...
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Soul
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JOD has all the elements of a top-flight rock band: Great song craft, solid musicianship, excellent ...
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Featured Artist
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John Oliver & The Distinguished is an all-time favorite of ours, and not just because they're gr...
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Goth Reviews
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John Oliver and the Distinguished IT AIN’T OVER (self-released) www.jodband.com Goth Woman: Based...
Setlist
Our sets typically contain all original music with an few cover songs that mesh well with our music style. If the venue is smaller and provides dinner hour music, we start our set off with acoustic guitar, bass and the drummer plays a cajon (wooden box) and other percussion instruments. Then we pick the feel up as the show goes on.
J.O.D. has over three hours of original music. this music can be performed both with the whole band or acoustic.

