Episode Transcript
Intro
Welcome back to Sharkbelly Nation. We've heard from Jackson Wetherbee, the voice and songwriter, and Nick Asta, the drummer who started the band with him. Today it's lead guitarist John Alves.
His story comes with a turning point. According to the band, when John joined, everything got more serious.
The Lead Guitarist
According to The Elovaters' official site, John Alves is the band's lead guitarist. On the 2026 album Shark Belly Motel, the album page credits him as Johnny "Blaze" Alves on guitar. So if you've heard the band go from a steady groove to a soaring, melodic lead line, that's likely John.
In a reggae rock band, the lead guitar often plays a different job than in other genres. The rhythm guitar and keys keep the offbeat pulse going. The lead guitar adds color on top, with melody lines and solos that give a song its personality. John fills that spot in a six-piece band, alongside Jackson on rhythm guitar, Matt Link on bass, Greg Nectow on keys, Derrick Cabral on percussion, and Nick on drums.
The Moment the Band Went All In
Here's the story that matters most. The Elovaters formed in 2014 in the Boston and South Shore scene. In an interview with Top Shelf Music, the band said that when Johnny Alves joined on guitar, they quit their other bands and went full-time.
That's a big statement. It suggests the band didn't see itself as a side project once the lineup came together. It became the main thing. A few records and a lot of touring later, they've released Shark Belly Motel.
I'll be upfront about what I couldn't find. I didn't find a reliable source on John's early life, his influences, or how he first picked up the guitar. Rather than make something up, I'm sticking with what's documented.
Let's hear the band as a whole. Listen for the guitar line sitting on top of the groove.
Song break: "Boston" by The Elovaters
The John Alves Playlist
Welcome back. One more thing worth knowing. The Elovaters' own Spotify profile has a playlist titled "John Alves." I can't tell you what's on it or how he chose the tracks. But if you want to hear music connected to the band's lead guitarist, it's a good place to look.
Song break: "Gimme Love" by The Elovaters
When it's done, head back to the Sharkbelly Nation playlist for more.
Outro
Welcome back. For tour dates, merch, band news, the Label page, and our new band member pages — Jackson's page is coming — head to sharkbellynation.com, and join the Sharkbelly Nation newsletter while you're there.
That's John Alves, the guitarist who, according to the band, helped turn a local project into a full-time band. Next time we head to the low end with bassist Matt Link. Thanks for listening to Sharkbelly Nation.