October 20, 2004

Interview with Johnny Lima

It is with much pleasure that I introduce today’s featured artist on Strike Up The Bands! Not only is Johnny Lima one of today’s funnest and most energetic artists but also a real down to earth character that keeps you hoping with his answers and laughing with his remarks. I would like to thank Johnny for taking the time to do this interview and share some of who he is with us … his fans! Johnny’s most recent release is his album “Made in California” and he’s working on some new projects that will surely get our toes ‘a tappin! Keep an eye on the Hot News section for updates or visit www.johnnylima.com for the details.

1. Johnny, thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Will you start off by telling the fans a little bit about Johnny Lima, the man behind the music, where you come from and where you hope to go?

I come from a small town in Central California, but have been live in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 12 years now. As far as where I'm going? I'm just going with the flow. I hope to be creating music for a long time to come.

2. “Made in California,” your latest album, has had great reviews from fans and critics alike. Is there a song on this album that you feel is the best representation of your style?

Well, I think the entire album is a good representation of my style. I'd like to think my style is very melodic, and very catchy. And that album is full of hooks and cool melody lines. But what you hear on the album is not the only style I can write. As a matter of fact I've been writing a lot of Hip Hop lately since I've been getting a lot of Hip Hop Artists walking through the studio door. Now I don't want to alarm anyone, I'm not releasing a Hip Hop album, but the money is very good, and when you have a mortgage, a child, and tons of bills to pay, I don't mind whoring my songwriting talents to anyone that needs them. And Hip Hop is SO damn easy to write and record, I can do a whole album in two weeks.

3. Your travels have taken you all over the world, especially within Europe. Is there any particular place you haven’t been where you would like to do a show and is there a favorite show you could name to date?

I'd like to play in Sweden, Germany, Portugal, and Australia. That would be way cool. But seeing that I don't play out much, and really have no desire to, I seriously doubt that will ever happen. So I'll probably just have to go to those countries on vacation or something. I'd much rather be in the studio than on the stage.

4. You have been very focused on the pursuit of your music career; was there ever a time when you wanted to do something else?

Every other day I think about doing something else. HAHAHA!! But you know what, when you've been writing, and playing music for 20 years, there's no letting go of it. I can never see myself walking away from music and doing something else. No matter how shitty this business can be, I'm here for the long haul. I no longer have any dreams or ambitions to become a rock star, but I wouldn't mind producing one, or writing with one, or recording one. That's where my main focus is now. It's in the studio with other artists. I'm sure I'll keep releasing albums in the future, but mainly for my fan base, and not because I'm trying to "Make it Big".

5. As you have been a repeat performer at the Gods Festival, can you tell us a little about the show from a performer’s viewpoint and what do you think about future performances?

From a solo artists viewpoint it's pretty freakin' stressful. I'll tell you why. Both times I played there I had a "rented" band. Both times I only had 3 rehearsals with those bands. I'd go on stage worrying that someone's going to forget part of the song. I worried so much that I forgot some lyrics. I screwed up more than anyone else!! HAHA! But overall it was a great experience. I love England and the fans over there are unbelievable. You don't see that kind of dedication from fans
Anywhere else. I mean, how many times can an indie artist say that they went on at 5pm and played for over a thousand people. I've never done that here in the states. It's also really cool going to England and getting the rock star treatment then coming home to reality. It's a
nice ego trip.

6. With the crazy schedule most musicians have, I can only imagine it’s difficult to stay energized and healthy, is there something you do to keep yourself centered and grounded?

My family keeps me pretty grounded. I'm naturally a high-strung kind of guy, always need to be doing something or else I get bored very quickly. My wife makes sure I have plenty to do around the house and my son makes sure I never sleep in. It's pretty hard to stay energized though because I don't sleep enough at night. So I try to nap anytime I can. I love taking naps. I think I should've been a cat.

7. Listening to your music, a person can hear a variety of influences and styles, how do you describe your musical style and who are your influences?

I describe it as melodic rock with a little modern flavoring thrown into the mix. My influences are Def Leppard, White Lion, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Mutt Lange, Desmond Child, and the list goes on.

8. Since before you could read a note of music you have been writing songs, what parts of a song do you compose yourself, and what order do they follow during the creative process?

Well, I still can't read a note of music. I always thought that it was useless trying to read music. Especially for rock 'n roll. I could never picture myself on stage or in the studio staring at a sheet of music as I was bangin' my head. So I never learned how to read music. I use my heart and my mind, rather than my eyes. Most of the time I compose 100% of the song. Very rarely do I collaborate with anyone these days. Not that I don't want to, it's just I haven't needed to. The music always comes first when I write a song. Then a melody line. Then a chorus/title. Then the lyrics. Lyrics are always last for me. It would be so much easier if I'd write the lyrics first, since those usually take me the longest to write.

9. Now that you have released “Made in California” what are your plans for the future? What can the fans expect from you in the near future?

Well, I'm currently trying to get out of my contract with Now and Then. We're currently negotiating my release from the company. I'm also going to be re-releasing my debut album. That's going to be the next album out. I'm half way done with it and it sounds killer. So as soon as that's done, I'll be shopping it around to various labels. I also plan on getting more into writing and producing other artists. Right now I've been working a lot with Hip Hop artists, but I'm very open to other genres of music. My studio partner Dave and I are starting a production company and we'll be developing up and coming artists.

10. It’s been said that the internet is the future of the music industry, do you have plans to take advantage of this new medium to reach new fans?

Most definitely. I think the internet is an awesome medium to promote and market music. Those that are bitching about it aren't seeing the big picture. Apple had the right idea in coming up with iTunes, and it's been very successful. My albums are on there as well as a few other "legal" music sites, and it's done quite well. I'm actually thinking about releasing future albums exclusively through these outlets. Especially if I'm going to release them myself. That way
there's no manufacturing costs.

11. Do you have any advice for struggling songwriters and performers, something that you would have liked to have known from a professional before your first release?

Yes. If you make your own album, make sure it can stand up to what's currently available from the major labels. If not, don't release it until it is. I've made that mistake twice!! Also, don't try to go national with your album unless you've got the proper financial backing. Concentrate on your home market and region instead. It's better to play in your hometown to 500 people then to go to L.A. and play for the bartender and waitress. And most important, get as much as you can
from a record company in advance. Because that's more than likely all you'll ever see.

12. Is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?

As always, thanks for the support over the years. You're the best!!!!

Posted by Kathy at October 20, 2004 08:05 PM