A decade ago singer John West was perched on a stool front and center on the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, CA. Surrounded by the noise and chaos of this oceanside mecca of street performers, John was simply focused on his guitar. He attracted huge crowds with his soft falsetto and heavy melodies that harkened back to his southern roots in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Having busked the streets of LA for years, John soon found himself signing a major label record deal, recording with household name producers, and collaborating with famous rappers.

But something got lost along the way. Emotionally exhausted by his experiences in the music industry, John consciously decided to take a break from all the madness, start a family, and go back to school to become a therapist.

Fast-forward several years, John is a new man. Recently relocated to Japan, John is slowly finding his way back into the limelight with renewed energy and a newfound purpose.