John Michael Karnatz

John Michael Karnatz is a veteran musician and songwriter who has played in numerous bands in the Northern Illinois area. His musical roots lie in classic rock of the 1960’s to 1980’s. If you see John cruising down Main Street with the windows down, you’ll probably hear some Eagles, Bob Seger, Beatles, Rolling Stones, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, Bon Jovi or Eric Clapton music blaring away. But you might also hear some Ed Sheeran, Jason Isbell, John Mayer, or Beck filling the air. John sings and plays guitar, bass, harmonica, and dabbles in boogie-woogie piano..

One of John's earliest successes occurred while he was serving in the US Army and stationed in West Berlin. After winning the Berlin Brigade Show Band Contest with his band "Haze," he was assigned to Special Services and played in the First Annual Original Magnificent Special Services Showband Contest held in Mannheim, Germany. One of the contest judges was KURT LODER, who wrote for the Overseas Weekly at that time. Haze finished second in the contest.

While John does not turn a deaf ear to changing musical sounds, much of his current writing remains influenced by his musical family background and his classic rock roots. The use of tight vocal harmonies and a fat rhythm guitar continue to be earmarks in many songs written by John. He is currently focusing on writing songs to help meet the needs of the film, television, commercial and recording industries.