While working in the far north in Palmer, Alaska, John Budnik draws his influences from classic rock artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, and Eric Clapton; to contemporary muses like John Mayer, Lukas Nelson, Kevin Morby and Ben Harper. It's not unusual to find him dabbling in the spectrum of genres ranging from Americana to Indie Pop to Synth Rock. 

Much of Budnik's musical work is inspired by his philosophical curiosities. He credits Zen Buddhist Philip Toshio Sudo's book "Zen Guitar" as helping him to achieve new levels in his guitar playing and songwriting. 

When not writing and recording his own material, he is the lead guitarist for the Triple Black Diamonds.

Michael Richter 3 is following