Johnny’s Nasty Boots – Interviews with Rising Stars
Ralph Beauchamp
Johnny’s nasty boots (Juan Herrera) A breath of fresh air. The Los Angeles-based Mexican rocker just released his new single “Howlin’ and Dying.” This track will become JohnnyThe highly anticipated new EP will be released this fall. JohnnyThe sound takes you on a journey back to the roots of rock and roll. His music is both subtle and full of powerful guitar riffs. He adds new age nuances to his original songwriting to create an oversized landscape of bombastic rhythms. Johnny A great connection is made between old school anthemic structure and modern musical experimentation.
“Howlin and Dying” has great guitar lines, pounding vocals, and crushing vocals. This track is pure aural dynamite. Every note explodes with an edgy melody. Johnny imbuing the song with a magnetic appeal that takes the listener to unforgiving heights. “Howlin’ and Dying” was released after the release of another horror song called “Soho”. again, JohnnyThe guitar style has sonic tension. His incendiary arrangements are both powerful and sublime. JohnnyThe rhythm is wild, even a little barbaric. This is real rock ‘n’ roll. Cruel, ruthless, and creative.
Johnny’s nasty boots It’s an honor to be interviewed exclusively by AMP.
AMP: What got you started in music?
Johnny: I was really young, maybe 13 years old. Even though their music is very different from what I’m currently making, they are a huge inspiration to me. Music has been in my head ever since. It made me want to learn how to write songs. I asked my dad for a bass guitar. He is passionate about classic rock and blues. His music also had a huge influence on me. So, he brought me a bass and that’s how it all started.
AMP: Who were your early inspirations besides Gorillaz?
Johnny: After “Apes,” I started getting into “Aerosmith.” The first thing that attracted me were their songs from the Spider-Man soundtrack. Then I found Led Zeppelin from Aerosmith and I needed to know more about this band. One thing led to another and I started listening to The Yardbirds, Cream and all the music by Clapton. As I listened to this classic rock music, I began to realize that this music had roots in the blues. Then I found artists like Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. I’m really enjoying my musical journey and new discoveries.
AMP: Your voice is raw and full of energy. How would you describe your music?
Johnny: Honest! This is the music I’ve wanted to do my entire career. I’ve played in a lot of bands and some wanted to be more commercial or more pop. That’s not where I want to be. I want to tap into what I feel inside. First, I had to be content and honest with myself. Honest. That’s the word.
AMP: You originally started your career in Mexico. Is the scene there intoxicating?
Johnny: Mexico has a huge music scene. The problem is that young bands aren’t exposed to this type of rock a lot. There are many great rock bands in Mexico, but there is no media coverage dedicated to the genre. Survival is very difficult. I’m so lucky to be accepted into so much music media. When I got honest about my musical style, things started to change. My single was played on the radio. I even got number one on FM radio even though I played rock and sang in English. This is completely unreasonable.
But there is a limit to how far you can go. I realized I had reached my peak in Mexico. This is not pop or reggae. I moved to Los Angeles. I had played there before and that’s when I realized moving here would be good for my career. It’s a good choice because this country loves rock ‘n’ roll. I had an amazing experience.
AMP: Your new single “Howlin’ and Dying” is a real song. Can you give us some insight into the track?
Johnny: I started writing this song around 2016. There isn’t enough money or income to do it well. I didn’t want to record “Howlin’ and Dying” on a shoestring. The singing is so strong. I wanted the song to sound big. My first records were recorded in a state-of-the-art studio and these new records had to have the same sound quality. It’s not a complicated song, but I wanted to get the arrangement right. The premise is about this femme fatale. Everyone has probably experienced it once or twice in their life. It’s just hard rock.
AMP: Your new EP will be released in a few months. How excited are you?
Johnny: Very! I really need to figure this out. My first record was released in 2012. When the pandemic hit, everything came to a standstill. Everything I wanted to accomplish is now a reality. I’m excited to present new material.
AMP: You play most of the instruments on the new project. Are you self-taught?
Johnny: No, I study music. The first instrument I learned to play was the Jarana, which is a special type of ukulele from the Veracruz region. Then I learned bass. Then I switched to guitar because my godfather was playing bass and he wanted to play with me. In fact, playing guitar is easier for me. When I moved back to Mexico City from Veracruz, I studied composition and arrangement. I wanted to further my understanding of music theory. IM still learning. Additionally, I had some of the greatest teachers.
AMP: How would you describe your inner energy?
Johnny: I’m an energetic person, but I also try to stay calm. I try to stay away from the image of a wild rock musician. I like to chat with my friends. Conversation is faster. Like I said, calm down.
AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist from the past or present, who would it be and why?
Johnny: Probably Jack White because I admire his work and the impact he has had on modern music culture. He also helped usher in the vinyl record revolution. Not only is he a great musician, but he also has business acumen. In order to survive in today’s music environment, you must understand every aspect of the business. White is definitely a cool guy and I hope to work with him one day.
AMP: Are there any touring plans?
Johnny: I just played Viper Room and am about to drink whiskey. An extended tour is planned for September or October to coincide with the release of the EP. There will likely be around 40 shows across the country.
AMP: What do you hope your fans take away from your music?
Johnny: I want two things because I feel like I have two types of fans. The first is enjoyment. I want them to play a track and hopefully forget about their problems. Just be happy and have good vibes. Another thing I want to do is inspire the next generation of musicians. I want to inspire Mexican musicians to strive for stardom. It’s starting to happen. I received responses from Mexican musicians and bands thanking me for moving to Los Angeles and trying to move forward. They need to see that with hard work and determination, things can happen.
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