WACO, TEXAS, USA — Sometimes all it takes is a new landscape to come up with fresh song ideas, and that’s exactly what John 3 did. John Connor, also known as John 3, has released a song with a classic rock sound that is getting the attention of both fans and music playlisters alike.
John 3 has released five full-length albums in five consecutive years, ranging from rock and blues to instrumental tracks in folk and contemporary genres. “I released my first album, School Days, in 2017 because two of my guitar students encouraged me. I recorded it in 2007 and it just sat for a decade. My students never cease to amaze me. If it hadn’t been for them, there’s no telling where I’d be in my songwriting career,” exclaimed John.
Following John’s debut album, he released two instrumental albums back to back. “I wanted to try new music styles. I even expanded on my songwriting skills and different instrumentation concepts that were, at that time, foreign to me,” John said.
John 3 got back to his rock and blues roots again with albums four and five. “After I finished my fifth album I needed a break. Five albums in five years is a lot of work,” stated John.
Taking a short hiatus from music, John got into the RC hobby to take his mind off of working on music. Unbeknownst to him, this new hobby would be the catalyst to writing new songs.
John 3 recalls his first experience at the race track, “I found out there was an RC track near by and I had to check it out. The first time at the track was very exciting. I was blown away by how fast the racers were. One of the racers caught my attention. Not only is he really fast but as I got to know him, he’s extremely knowledgable on everything RC related.” That is when John got to know Big Bill.
Billy is a sponsored RC driver that has paid his dues and now races at some of the big racing circuits around Texas and beyond. “Billy has a swag about him. He’s down to earth and knows his stuff related to RC cars. He’s always willing to help other RC drivers, along with the other guys at the track. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked Billy for advice with my RC gear. Plus he helped me tune my buggy and get it in better racing condition,” said John.
John 3 has been fascinated at learning more about the racing world—watching races live stream and YouTubers, such as Mark Santa Maria, to become steeped in to what all goes on at big time RC races. John explains the song’s inception, “The idea for Smart Car came about when I watched these races and imagined what Billy goes through—the travel, the race event itself, and everything involved. It’s all very neat and I took these concepts and placed Billy in that scene along with his Smart car which the song really hinges upon. I also incorporated two RC companies, Team Associated and JConcepts, that Billy is currently sponsored by into the song."
Smart Car went on to release August 29, 2022 through John 3’s distributor, CD Baby.