Johnny Zarfati

New Jersey-based Americana singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Johnny Zarfati draws on the grit of the Northeast and the soul of American roots music to craft a sound both lived-in and fresh. Blending folk, Americana, and alt-country, his music searches for something real. Zarfati released the heartfelt single “Light You Shine In” in June 2025, followed by the November release of his first album, Daydreams, co-produced in Nashville with Zachary Lantin. Zarfati played guitars, banjo, and piano on the recording, supported by Dan Kassel on cello and Brian Tangrea on violin. He is currently recording his second album in Nashville, with producer Dustin Hough and a studio band. Zarfati is realizing his vision for a full and dynamic sound with his new local band. With Jeremiah Schenerman (piano/keyboard), Brian O’Niell (guitar), Dave Zeigler (bass), Al Olivero (drums), Dan Kassel (cello), and Chris Smirnov (violin), Zarfati has played notable venues including The Stone Pony, Cape May Folk Festival, Into the Pines Music Festival, Albert Music Hall, and The Anchor Rock Club. "Part troubadour, part poet, grounded in tradition, Zarfati is unafraid to carve his own path. His sound feels nostalgic without being old-fashioned and modern without losing warmth. Zarfati has a voice built for storytelling, and his writing is full of reflection, honesty, and quiet emotion. His debut album, Daydreams, lives fully in that space, carrying eight tracks that look inward at how people love, wait, change, and eventually accept what they cannot control." - musicontherox