Johnny Lima

Interview with Johnny Lima by Ove

Hello Johnny Lima, thank you so much for giving Blizz Of Rock this interview

Johnny: Thank you so much for taking the time to do it.

We’re very grateful to be talking to the “Man” behind a lot of great albums and successful bands, such as Mizz Crazy, Dirty Penny and Freakshow (Labar,Christopher,Franklin and Banali)

Johnny: The honor is mine bro!

M!zz Crazy Dirty Penny Freakshow

Well, I really don’t know where to start. When did it start, Johnny? How did you become who you are today?

Johnny: I was bitten by the rock ‘n roll bug when I was really young. I believe I was four years old the first time I saw Kiss on TV. That was the moment I realized what I wanted to do in life. It’s been a great journey so far with lots of ups and downs. I released my first album in ’96 and 13 years later I now have my fifth and what I think is my best album called LIVIN’ OUT LOUD.

I have always been a fan of Ozzy Osbourne and his songwriting, but you really write some great songs as well, where do you get your ideas?

Johnny: I get my ideas from everywhere. Usually the music and melodies direct me to the topic of the song. My life personally is really undramatic, meaning I get along great with my wife, I have a wonderful son. So there’s not much people would want to hear about regarding my personal life. My life doesn’t make for interesting topics. Besides, I like to keep my personal life personal. So all the songs I write about heartbreak or infidelity, are songs inspired by other people’s lives. I have a lot of friends with fucked up lives which make for good topics to write about. HAHA!!

People love you Johnny, you have given people some kick ass tunes through other bands, and now you’re on your way with your new album “Livin’ out loud” How did this come about?

Johnny: Well, it almost didn’t come about. I was ready to just concentrate on being a producer, engineer, and songwriter. I wasn’t sure I was even going to make another album to be honest with you. It wasn’t until I started receiving tons of emails and comments on myspace, that I realized that I still have a lot to offer the fans, and that they deserve more music than I had given them. So it was the fans that inspired me to write and record another album. I think that’s why this album came out so good. I wasn’t making this album to fulfill a contract with a record company. I was making it for the people that matter. THE FANS! So I had to make sure it was the best album I’ve ever made because the fans deserve nothing less than greatness.

Let us say that I want to make a hit, and I have great musicians with me. What is the most important things to work with? What can I do to make a great rock song?

Johnny: Well, you already mentioned one of the most important ingredients. The musicians. Without having great musicians play on a song, the song cannot sound good. I don’t care if you’re recording a song in a multi-million dollar recording studio. Without talented musicians you cannot make a great recording. Plain and simple Your recording is only going to sound as good as the people playing it. As far as the song, there’s no secret ingredient or magic pill you can take to write a great song. I really don’t think you can “teach” someone to write a great song either. That sort of talent has to be developed. It has to be in the soul to begin with. And being a great musician is not enough to write a great song. I’ve worked with plenty of great musicians who cannot write a great song. And I’ve heard people who are not that great of musicians write some of the best stuff I’ve heard. So to record a great song is a combination of a lot of teams.

Johnny, would you share with us who those others artists you play with on this album are?

Johnny: Sure, the guitar solos are done by Craig Takeshita, Danny Danzi, and Christian Wolff. Craig and I have known eachother for a very long time and he’s played on my albums since SHINE ON. Danny and I go way back as well. We’ve always talked about working together, so when I was working on this album I called him up and asked if he’d like to lay down some solos and he obliged. I met Christian on myspace and him and I wanted to co-write some songs together. He ended laying down the guitar solos for a few of the songs as well.

Craig Danny Christian Johnny

You released your debut album in 1996, another one in 1999, 2003 and 2005. What do you feel is the biggest difference since your first album?

Johnny: I think everything is different. I believe my songwriting has gotten better since then. My production skills have dramatically improved, and the atmosphere is a lot different. What I mean by that is, in 1996 it wasn’t cool for someone to have long hair, wear guyliner, sing rock music that had melody and felt good. I think it’s totally the opposite now. People want rock music that makes them feel good, makes them want to raise their fist in the air and say “FUCK YEAH!”.

19961999200320052009

Would you go back and change anything?

Johnny: I truly believe that what happens in your past makes you who your are today, and I’m very happy with who I turned out to be. So if I went back and changed anything in my past, I’d be a different person today and a different place today.

Maybe you kill me after this question, but I think your voice is very alike Bon Jovi. Or Jon Bongiovi. Have you ever heard this before? Bon Jovi is for me maybe one of the greatest singers in the 80’s besides Tony Harnell (TNT).

Johnny: Why would I kill you after you say I remind you of one of the greatest singers. I should be thanking you, not killing you. HAHAHA!! I hear it all the time, and no it doesn’t bother me. What bothers me is when people think I’m ‘trying’ to sound like Jon Bon Jovi. I was given this voice and unfortunately or fortunately I can’t trade it in for another. Trust me, if I was trying to ‘sound’ like anyone it would be Bryan Adams, as his voice is by far my favorite to listen to.

Bon Jovi Tony Harnell (TNT)

Will we be able to have more albums from Johnny Lima in our collection?

Johnny: Yes, of course. If people still want me to make more albums, then I will. I have no plans of hanging this up anytime soon. The fans have spoken, and I got the message. Expect a lot more from me!

Where may we find the albums, where could we buy the music from Johnny Lima?

Johnny: They’re available at www.johnnylima.com as well as other retailers all over the world like AOR Heaven in Germany, Rock Avenue Records in Japan, Destiny Records in England, Amazon.com, CDBaby.com etc. with more retail partners being added all the time. Currently my new album LIVIN’ OUT LOUD and SHINE ON are the only albums in stock but I will have my ’96 debut, MADE IN CALIFORNIA, and VERSION 1.2 available in the near future.

Do you have a favorite track, and a favorite album?

Johnny: My favorite album is the new one. As far as a favorite track. That would be too hard for me to pick. But if there were one track that captures everything I’m about right now it would probably be the song “Livin’ Out Loud”.

Is it possible to see Johnny Lima live on tour?

Johnny: Yes, as soon as I get a band together. I plan on getting a band here in the USA and one in Europe for any European shows. So anyone interested in playing live with me should send me an email to johnny@johnnylima.com.

Any bands or artists you would love to have with you on your tour?

Johnny: I’ll take any artist that looks good, can play, can sing, and is not an asshole.

Do you know of any Norwegian bands?

Johnny: WIG WAM!

If there was one place in the wide world that you could play Johnny where would that be?

Johnny: I can’t chose just one place. There’s too many places I want to play.

Have you ever thought about creating your own Record Label? “Lima records” sure sounds nice…

Johnny: Well, Shock Pop Records, is my own label. Sounds a little cooler than Lima Records don’t you think?

What’s your opinion about the Rock ‘n’ roll coming back? (If it ever were gone)

Johnny: I don’t think it went anywhere. We’ve always had rock bands around. I think the difference now is that rock bands are also taking a more visual approach. Meaning they’re starting to look like “rock stars” again. Bands like CRASHDIET, DIRTY PENNY, etc. and it’s also ok to have fun with rock ‘n roll music again. This is a great time to be in a rock band!

What sort of age group are you attracting with your music?

Johnny: I’ve received emails from people as young as 13 up to people as old as 60. So I think my music is appealing to a wide range of ages.

If you got the chance to have a concert in Norway, what could we expect from Johnny Lima?

Johnny: You should expect leaving the concert with a big smile on your face, because my show will be fun, exciting, loud, and involved.

Any instruments you would love to learn how to play, that you don’t?

Johnny: No, I already know how to play every instrument I need to. I’d like to get better at the instruments I already know how to play.

Is there a funny story you could share with us?

Johnny: Not one that I’d like to share in public. HAHAH!!

If you could turn back the time and choose a new date to start a band, when would that be? And who would be in your band?

Johnny: The time would be 1983, I start a band with Angus Young on guitar, Nikki Sixx on bass, and Tommy Lee on drums.

Angus NikkiTommy

What is the highlight of your career as rock musician?

Johnny: I have a few. My shows in England, getting my song “Another Lonely Day” on an ABC show called “The Nine”, being on the top sellers list on CDbaby.com with “Livin’ Out Loud”.

Anyone you would love to meet, that you have not met yet?

Johnny: I just want to meet all my fans that have supported my career so I can thank them personally.

Fans

What is your opinion about Blizz Of Rock? (www.blizzofrock.com)

Johnny: Kicks major ass!

Any final words for your fans Johnny?

Johnny: I just want to say thank you for many years of your support. Don’t forget to sign up on my mailing list at www.johnnylima.com for the latest news, exlusives, and more. Also, if you’re on myspace, please stop by at www.myspace.com/johnnylima. Add me to your friends list, and add my songs to your player. Peace & Love!

Thank you so much Johnny for taking time to answer these questions.

Johnny: Anytime man, Thank YOU

Blizz of rock wishes Johnny Lima all the best, Please drop by again