John Kay

John Kowaleski is a Detroit-born multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and engineer who fuses emotional grit with surgical precision. A graduate of the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences, he’s spent decades behind the drums, behind the console, and behind the kind of songs that don’t flinch.

From the Metro Detroit punk scene—writing for The Cue-Tips, Churchill, and Churchill’s Revenge—to drumming for Blindshot and P.T.’s Revenge, Kowaleski made his mark early. He produced, engineered, mixed, and performed on P.T.’s Revenge’s acclaimed 2024 self-titled album, contributing music, lyrics, and vocals that hit hard and ring true.

He helmed Bat On Fire, a progressive metal band known for its cinematic concept albums, and toured internationally as a guitarist and producer for psychobilly cult heroes Koffin Kats. Whether performing in basements or on festival stages, he brings the same intensity and care to every note.

From the biting social commentary of “Affluenza U” to the unexpected warmth of “Santa’s Workshop,” Kowaleski creates music that cuts deep, challenges expectations, and stays with you. His catalog spans genres but never loses its spine. “I don’t care about genre,” he says. “I care about telling the truth in a way someone can feel.”

What’s next? Something honest. Something loud. Something personal. Something unpredictable. Whatever it is, you’re going to want to hear it—because Kowaleski never phones it in. He shows up. Fully.