John McLaren is a former award-winning violinist turned self-taught guitarist who has electrified audiences with his unique percussive guitar style and alternate tunings. Blending traditional and modern fingerpicking, his original compositions have racked up hundreds of thousands of views online and wowed live crowds across North America.

He’s shared the stage with global touring acts such as Jesse Roper, Gareth Pearson, Petunia and ECMA winners Campbell & Johnson. His debut single, “The Pathless Path,” premiered on the prestigious Candyrat Records’ YouTube channel back in 2020. Since then, he has released multiple singles and two albums over the past five years. His second album, "Part II," was nominated for Recording of the Year at the 2025 PRIX MNB Awards. Two-time Grammy nominated jazz artist Raul Midón hailed his playing as “Awesome!” and “Cool!”