|
Californian Rocker JOHNNY LIMA already hit our CLASSIX-Section with his awesome Debut-CD which came out in 1996. Now he is back with his fifth album called “Livin´ Out Loud” and he is in great shape today too. Loud riffs, killer melodies and lots of hooks make this CD a must have for any Melodicrock lover. And here are my questions:
S.T.: You are selling your new CD at your own, without any support from a record company. Do you believe, that record companies are becoming redundant in near future?
J.L.: No, I don't feel like they're redundant. Some artists still need a record company. I just felt that as far as I'm concerned, a record company isn't really needed. I've dealt with record companies for 10 years and I didn't feel like I was promoted or marketed well enough. At least not well enough to justify never getting paid for my work. This is the first time that I'm actually seeing some money for the hard work that I've done. Plus, I believe that fans really like the idea that their money is going directly in the artist's pocket and not some record company's bank account.
S.T.: The new material sounds much more rough and dirty. Where are these new influences from?
J.L.: I've always been a hard rock guy. So for me this isn't really something new. Also, you have to understand that my previous albums were released years ago and I'm a different person today than I was back in '99 or something. For this album, I just wanted something that really rocked. There's some mellower moments on this new album, but for the most part it's all in your face, good time rock songs. I couldn't name an album "Livin' Out Loud" and have a bunch of ballads on it. That wouldn't have worked. That would have been false advertising. HAHAHA!!
S.T.: On your myspace page you are writing about your bandmembers “Johnny Lima & Friends”. Please tell me a little bit about your friends!
J.L.: Craig Takeshita has been my go to guy for guitar solos since Shine On. So he was the first one I approached to work on the guitar solos for this album. However, I also wanted to try something a little different, have some fresh blood on the album. So that's when I approached Danny Danzi to do some guitar work as well as Christian Wolff. All three of them did amazing work. I'm really lucky to have those guys be apart of this awesome album.
S.T.: What was your goal releasing 1996 a classic Hardrock-album like your debut? I mean, this music was nearly dead at this time?
J.L.: Yes, it was dead. The band wagon broke down and I was the only one left on it. HAHAHA! I've never been one to try to chase music trends. Trends come and go. If you play music from your heart no matter what the flavor of the month is, eventually people will see that honesty and really attach to it. I think that's starting to happen now. People can listen through my catalog and know that I've always been the same type of artist. I never changed my sound to appease the current musical climate. I've changed my look quite often, but that wasn't because I wanted to sell more albums. That was because I was bored of my look.
S.T.: In Germany it seems there are a little bit better times for Melodic Rock at the moment. Can you tell me about the state of MR in your homecountry?
J.L.: Rock music is doing fine here. Journey's selling out arenas again, Motley Crue is big again. People are more interested in rock music today then they have been in a long time. The musical climate is great right now for this type of music. I'm really excited about what the future has in store for me.
S.T.: What do you say about that your Debutalbum was sold on Ebay for very high prices for a long time?
J.L.: I'm honored that someone would think that album is worth $80.00, but I also feel really bad that a fan of mine would have to part with so much money just to get that album. The good news is, I'll be getting more of that album pressed soon so my fans will no longer have to pay ridiculous amounts of money for it. No album is worth $80.00.
S.T.: You´ve sent everybody a new song which is not on the album (“Nowhere Left To Go”) for subscribing your mailing list. Are there some more leftovers from the new album (or the older ones)?
J.L.: Yes, there was two songs left over from Made In California and they're available at my website in the digital downloads section of my store. There's another song called "Naturally Beautiful" that I recorded during the "Livin' Out Loud" sessions, but currently that one is not available anywhere. I may give that one away to those on my mailing list as well. So for those of you that aren't on my mailing list, you can sign up at www.johnnylima.com.
S.T.: In mostly reviews your voice is described as some kind of Bon Jovi style. Aren´t you weak by described as a second Bon Jovi?
J.L.: Well, yes and no. To me, Jon Bon Jovi is one of the greatest singers and songwriters of our time. So being compared to him is a major compliment. Something that I shouldn't be upset about. At the same time though, you have some people calling me a Bon Jovi clone, which I think is a cheap shot. I don't try to sound like Bon Jovi. My voice is something I was born with. It's not like a bought Bon Jovi vocal chords from a fucking music store. So having this voice is a blessing, and at times it can be a curse. But it's the voice I was given, and the voice I'm going to use. If someone likes it, great, if they don't, they can go fuck off and listen to someone else. I don't care.
S.T.: In the last time you produced a couple of other bands like DIRTY PENNY or FREAKSHOW. Is this the kind of work you prefer or are you more in writing and playing/producing your own stuff?
J.L.: I prefer anything that has to do with music. Whether I'm working on my own album or someone else's, I love being in the studio. It's the place I feel most comfortable in. I will continue to work with other artists on their albums, as that's something I've always enjoyed doing and it's nice to get paid good money doing it.
S.T.: I cannot remember that JOHNNY LIMA was touring in good old Germany ever. Is there a chance to hear the new stuff live on stage some day?
J.L.: Yes, there's always a chance. However, I can't play to an empty house, so the wonderful German people need to help me spread the word throughout Germany and get people to buy my album. If sales are great in Germany, I'll come out and play for sure. I don't think a promoter would want to book me if sales are poor. So it all comes down do how popular I am in Germany, and the only way that can happen is if people start telling all their friends about me.
S.T.: You are launching your new website in a few time. Can you tell me a little bit about the features of your new webhome?
J.L.: Well, for right now it's minimal. The store is open which was the most important thing. I'll be adding new features soon, but I don't plan on making my website an amusement park. So it's going to be very basic. I'm using the site to market my music and that's it. So it's going to be a place where you can read up to date news, get show information, buy music, and learn about all my albums that I've released.
S.T.: Which CD is in your car-stereo at this time, which kind of music is your favourite when you are cruising around? You have to know, why I ask this question: I have a dream, driving down route 66 in a 67er Camaro with some hot rockin music in the stereo. California must be the perfect location for cruising around just for fun on a hot friday evening, isn´t it?
J.L.: Right now I have Dirty Penny's new album in my stereo because I'm checking the mixes that I just finished. Usually I'll listen to my ipod which is connecting to my car stereo. I love the new Rasmus album. Livin' Without You has to be one of the best songs I've heard in a very long time. I also, got the new Green Day album. That one sounds really good. Oh, and I just bought both of The Poodles albums. I really like that band.
S.T.: Perhaps you could answer these 5 short questions too?
What was your first LP/CD you´ve bought for your own?
J.L.: Kiss ALIVE
And which one was the last?
J.L.: The Poodles
When did you get in touch with Rock music for the first time?
J.L.: When I was 4 years old and saw Kiss on TV.
If you will get 1 000 000 $ from somebody, what are you doing with this money?
J.L.: Put it in the bank and continue doing what I'm doing.
What was the highpoint of your musical career so far?
J.L.: There's been many. Playing in England twice, getting my song on an ABC show called "The Nine", having Livin' Out Loud on CDBaby's top sellers list 4 weeks in a row.
S.T.: For the case you want to say some words to the german fans or the readers of the Rockingboy Webzine, here´s your chance:
J.L.: I just want to say thank you for all your support. If you're on myspace, come over and say hi. My page is www.myspace.com/johnnylima. Also, don't forget to sign up on my mailing list at www.johnnylima.com for the latest news, exclusives, etc. Peace & Love!
S.T.: Well, thank you so much for taking the time and answering my questions. I hope it wasn´t too boring for you
J.L.: Thank you Stefan! You Rock!
|
