MerciRiva

John Tomaino, founder of MerciRiva, began playing guitar at a young age, and by his late teens, had published a handful of songs with a New York based publishing house. ‘Intelligent pop’ is how his brand of pop/rock is sometimes categorized. ‘It's pop with a brain,' says John... music with an 'extended warranty', as he puts it.

Along the way, John has won a string of songwriting awards, including an honorable mention from the Australian Songwriters Association, a 5-star rating from Sonics magazine, Brash’s Music best unsigned artist, and an Excellence in Music Composition award from B&M Music Queensland. 

John was invited to record his debut EP with legendary multi-award winning producer, Scott Mathews (Orbison, Bowie, Cash, Stones, Beach Boys, Starr, Costello, Santana, Clapton), from Hit or Myth Productions in California, USA.

In February 2007, JT gained digital distribution for his EP through iTunes Australia (and since, worldwide with Dead Famous). In April 2007, John signed with a worldwide media entertainment company to have his songs played on the 'Extreme Sports' NSW TV program. In May 2007, JT signed 'Blue Tune' and 'All that Matters' to LA record company, 272 Records, for release on their 'Acoustika series: Vol 2 & 3' compilation CD across California. Now available through Amazon.com In the same month, John received local airplay on Plenty Valley FM (Melbourne) and commenced live shows in Australia. In June 2007, John was added to the playlist of 5TCB FM in South Australia and internet radio station SWR in the UK.

July shaped up as another colossal month. John and his band were invited to play as resident band for 2 months in Nanchang, China. This involved a gruelling schedule of 60 consecutive performances to large crowds.

John has prepared new demo's for his debut album and is the feature artist on Chromatic Records (Germany). MerciRiva recorded 2 tacks with famed Australian producer Stuart Stuart (The Veronicas) in late 2009.