John H. Schiessler is a German musician, producer, and songwriter. He is best known for his music project Beige Fish, through which he has released influential works in blues, folk, and Americana since the 2010s. Under the name Vanilla Moon, he also leads a genre-blending project that fuses African, Indian, and European musical traditions.
Life and Career
Schiessler began playing guitar at the age of twelve. He was deeply influenced by blues legends such as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Ry Cooder, as well as singer-songwriters like Stephen Stills.
In parallel with his musical career, Schiessler has worked as a composer for film productions and served as musical director for the German-Iranian theater project Letters from Tentland.
A major milestone came in 2013 when he composed and produced the blues album Seven Deadly Sins for French singer Nina Van Horn. The album received widespread acclaim in France and Germany, and was named "Blues Album of the Year" by the French magazine Soul Bag. It also received praise from the Dutch Blues Magazine.
Music Projects
Beige Fish
Since 2010, Schiessler has run the international music project Beige Fish, which brings together elements of acoustic blues, folk rock, Americana, and roots music. The recordings are created in close collaboration with guest musicians and lyricists from various countries.
Vanilla Moon
With Vanilla Moon, Schiessler has been pursuing an intercultural sound project since 2009. The project combines African percussion, Indian tonalities, and European song structures into a unique and original musical style.
Selected Discography
• 2009 – Vanilla Moon – Vanilla Moon
• 2010 – Beige Fish – Beige Fish
• 2011 – Beige Fish – Wildcat Café
• 2013 – Beige Fish – Down Home Shuffle
• 2013 – Nina Van Horn – Seven Deadly Sins (composition & production)
• 2015 – Beige Fish – Snakes’n Wimmen
• 2020 – Beige Fish – Best Of
• 2022 – Vanilla Moon – Puzzle Pieces
• 2025 – Beige Fish – Bittersweet Boos
2026 - Beige Fish - Forgotten Jams
