John Stanislawski

The first release from Nashville-based musician and songwriter John Stanislawski, “Catch My Breath” reveals his affinity for lush country-infused textures and stylistic roots in what Gram Parsons famously called “Cosmic American Music,” an eclectic sonic stew of early rock and roll, folk, country, and blues. Driven ardently by multi-instrumentalist and producer Graham Bechler’s minimalist drums and awash with the rich enveloping warmth of Brett Resnick’s (Kacey Musgraves, Kelsey Waldon) steel guitar, “Catch My Breath” plunges listeners into those cosmic swirling depths showcasing Stanislawski’s passionate vocals and nuanced lyricism. 



Born in central Wisconsin, Stanislawski started playing classical piano at seven and took up the guitar under the guidance of his dad at thirteen. Honing his instrumental skills amidst a steady diet of Sam Cooke, George Jones (and Strait), Hendrix, and Frederic Chopin, Stanislawski found his deepest musical and spiritual connection to late 60s country-rock pioneer, Gram Parsons at 16 after being introduced to Parsons’s cover of Porter Wagoner’s “A Satisfied Mind” on the International Submarine Band’s first and only release, Safe at Home.

Later while attending graduate school at the University of Illinois, Stanislawski formed Sonny Stubble, a five-piece band modeled after Americana roots acts such as The Wood Brothers and Delta Spirit and anchored by the group’s love of groove and tight vocal harmonies. Though Stanislawski had always written songs, it was during his time in Illinois when Stanislawski became more interested and active in writing original material. After the band’s three-year run came to end in 2015, Stanislawski’s next big jump was a move to Nashville in early 2016 where he now writes and records.

John Stanislawski’s tracks

• Where I Came From by John Stanislawski
• Catch My Breath by John Stanislawski