John Doe: Advice Columnist

For some time now, X founder and leader John Doe has been making some interesting use of his website as something of a “Dear Abby” for musicians — maybe less “Dear Abby” and more like the CNN-Money website’s “Ask the Expert” for aspiring artists.

With that illustrious background of experiences, Doe recently added a blog feature called “What Would John Doe Do?” where he encourages readers to send him questions about “music, the business or life.” Inquiries sent and published include those by a mother who wanted advice for her youngster who wants voice lessons, an up-and-coming musician looking for a backing band, a group looking to replace their bassist and performers who have legal concerns.

It is quite outstanding to see a man of his level of talent and such legendary status in the music world take the time to answer questions from those who are looking to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Too many doors are closed to a good amount of talented people that advice like Doe’s can be priceless to people who needs it. Any ambitious singers, instrumentalists, writers or technical people would benefit from simply reading John Doe’s blog. Information on how to seek his advice can be found with each published letter.

While Doe is best known for his work with X, he might be the quintessential modern Renaissance Man: Doe has played with an eclectic choice of other groups (The Knitters, The Flesh Eaters and Mojo Nixon‘s band), he is an accomplished actor, a writer and he recently collaborated with the alt-country band The Sadies. Doe is still putting out music with Yep Roc Records and recently completed a huge nationwide tour with X.