John Nau
John Nau, a native of San Diego, has been a professional musician since age 18, initially gaining experience playing in original jazz and rock bands as well as performing at the San Diego Repertory Theater with Max Roach. After relocating to Los Angeles in his twenties, he became a sought-after studio musician and bandleader.
John has performed on multi-platinum albums and toured internationally as a keyboardist with notable artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish, James Blunt, and Belinda Carlisle. He also leads his own groups, including Zoo People, Digital Monk, and The Januaries.
In 1995, John released Undercurrents—one of the earliest albums on Posi-Tone Records. He returns to the label for his latest release, Four Corners (2024), which marks the start of Posi-Tone’s 30-year anniversary celebrations. The album’s first half features compositions developed over several years, while the second half offers a suite inspired by his family’s backpacking and camping adventures across the Southwestern United States.
In 2001, John helped found Beacon Street Studios in Venice, California, occupying a space once owned by Joni Mitchell. At Beacon Street, he has produced and co-written music for numerous commercials and scored major films such as The House, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Casa de mi Padre, and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. His work extends to television, with credits on shows including Jury Duty. John has also collaborated with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Kristin Wiig on various film projects.
In 2014, he earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for the mini-series The Spoils of Babylon. Additionally, John served as music director for the ESPY Awards for four consecutive years.
John Nau, a native of San Diego, has been a professional musician since age 18, initially gaining experience playing in original jazz and rock bands as well as performing at the San Diego Repertory Theater with Max Roach. After relocating to Los Angeles in his twenties, he became a sought-after studio musician and bandleader.
John has performed on multi-platinum albums and toured internationally as a keyboardist with notable artists such as Hootie and the Blowfish, James Blunt, and Belinda Carlisle. He also leads his own groups, including Zoo People, Digital Monk, and The Januaries.
In 1995, John released Undercurrents—one of the earliest albums on Posi-Tone Records. He returns to the label for his latest release, Four Corners (2024), which marks the start of Posi-Tone’s 30-year anniversary celebrations. The album’s first half features compositions developed over several years, while the second half offers a suite inspired by his family’s backpacking and camping adventures across the Southwestern United States.
In 2001, John helped found Beacon Street Studios in Venice, California, occupying a space once owned by Joni Mitchell. At Beacon Street, he has produced and co-written music for numerous commercials and scored major films such as The House, Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues, Casa de mi Padre, and Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar. His work extends to television, with credits on shows including Jury Duty. John has also collaborated with Will Ferrell, Adam McKay, and Kristin Wiig on various film projects.
In 2014, he earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music for the mini-series The Spoils of Babylon. Additionally, John served as music director for the ESPY Awards for four consecutive years.