Johnny Lima is back with a brand new album entitled “My Revolution”. It’s the first CD that was released through a fund raising campaign program. Johhny talked to Grande Rock about the new album, the fund raising campaigns & illegal downloading among other things. Do not miss this very interesting interview with this genuine rocker…
Hi Johnny. I think those 3-4 years, since your previous album, have worked for your own benefit. Isn’t that so?
J: Yeah, I think so. It’s always nice to make an album without any outside pressure. It was that way with “Livin’ Out Loud” too. I can take my time and make an album that I’ll be very proud of.
When did you first start working on the new album? What did you have in mind about it? How did you want to make it?
J: I started recording it about two years ago. I wasn’t working on it every single day for two years though. There were 5 months which I lost my voice, so I couldn’t really do anything until my voice was back. Also, when I’m performing live, I usually take time off of recording because I don’t have the time to record and prepare for live shows.
When did the idea of a fund raising campaign occur? And why did you choose indiegoo for such a thing?
J: It started back in October. I chose Indiegogo because their fees were less and they use PayPal which is more common than what Kickstarter uses for the transactions.
I’ve seen many artists/bands doing such a thing in the latest years but only a few of them succeed in reaching their goal. Were you anxious at some point? How easy is it to convince your fans to “invest” in something they can’t see and you do not have?
J: Yes, I’ve seen a lot of failed attempts at crowd funding, but there’s also lots of success stories. I was beginning to get a little nervous towards the end because contributions stalled around $1500. I think the fans have faith in me, and they know that I’m always going to make them an album that rocks. So there’s no need to “convince” them. (i.n.: Yeap and you did it!)
Had you thought what you would do if you weren’t able to reach the actual goal?
J: I was just going to release it digitally if I didn’t reach the goal.
I guess you were very satisfied when the fund raising exceeded your goal. Did this money help you finish the album or what? Did you make it as you had it in your mind finally?
J: Yes, of course I was very satisfied we exceeded the goal, and of course the money helped finish the album. That was the whole point of the campaign.
Is fund raising campaign programs like “indiegogo” the answer to the problems concerning today’s music industry?
J: I wouldn’t say it’s an answer to the problems. It’s just another option for the artists.
So, what’s “My Revolution” all about? What’s your revolution?
J: “My Revolution” is basically to start living my life on my terms. Not allow others to determine the outcome of my life. Breaking away from the herd of sheep that are brainwashed by the media, or religion, or politics. Being brave enough to stand up for what I believe and not be ashamed of my beliefs or opinions just because they don’t match up with everyone else’s. That’s MY revolution. (i.n.: That’s how a Rock Revolution should be!!!)
Do give us a hint about each track…
J: “My Revolution”: Really powerful song…
“Happily Ever After You”: The best “fuck you” song I ever wrote…
“You’re The Drug I Wanna Get High On”: One of the first ones recorded for the album. Rockin’!
“Fill You Up”: This song will make you want to take your clothes off…
“Blame It on Love”: So far this one seems to be most people’s favorite off the album…
“I Can’t Love You Any More”: Best ballad I’ve ever written…
“Tell Me Lies”: Great message in this one…
“Couldn’t Be the One”: Very melodic! Lots of keyboards!
“Nowhere Left to Go”: Recorded during the “Livin’ Out Loud” session…
“Dirty Girls”: Motley Crue should do this one!
“Show Them Who You Are”: Another song with a great message…
“Into the Light”: A lot of people liked this song. Only going to be available on the Limited Edition CD.
“Deeper Into You”: The title is deceiving. It’s not about sex.
“Maybe You’re Right, Maybe It’s Wrong”: Beautiful ballad…
“Naturally Beautiful”: Another song recorded during the “Livin’ Out Loud” album…
Did you also do the production of the album? Where did the recordings take place?
J: Yes, I produced, engineered, and mixed the album. That’s the way I typically make albums. It’s mostly me by myself until it’s time for guitar solos. I recorded it at Suspect Studios.
There’s a misunderstanding with the release date of the album since some “pirate copies” were out in late December. The special edition of the album has 15 tracks! When is the actual release date and how many tracks will the normal edition feature?
J: I’m shooting for a March 1st release date. But for now, it’s only going to be released digitally through iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Do you believe that having a label would have been better or it’s more preferable now that you have your own control of your album?
J: No, I don’t think it would’ve been better to be on a label, because I believe I’m where I’m supposed to be. Everything happens for a reason.
Are there any plans to give some live shows in the near future? Would you like to play your music live in front of your audience?
J: Yes, of course. I’ll be performing again in a few months.
J: Yeah, I think so. It’s always nice to make an album without any outside pressure. It was that way with “Livin’ Out Loud” too. I can take my time and make an album that I’ll be very proud of.
When did you first start working on the new album? What did you have in mind about it? How did you want to make it?
J: I started recording it about two years ago. I wasn’t working on it every single day for two years though. There were 5 months which I lost my voice, so I couldn’t really do anything until my voice was back. Also, when I’m performing live, I usually take time off of recording because I don’t have the time to record and prepare for live shows.
When did the idea of a fund raising campaign occur? And why did you choose indiegoo for such a thing?
J: It started back in October. I chose Indiegogo because their fees were less and they use PayPal which is more common than what Kickstarter uses for the transactions.
I’ve seen many artists/bands doing such a thing in the latest years but only a few of them succeed in reaching their goal. Were you anxious at some point? How easy is it to convince your fans to “invest” in something they can’t see and you do not have?
J: Yes, I’ve seen a lot of failed attempts at crowd funding, but there’s also lots of success stories. I was beginning to get a little nervous towards the end because contributions stalled around $1500. I think the fans have faith in me, and they know that I’m always going to make them an album that rocks. So there’s no need to “convince” them. (i.n.: Yeap and you did it!)
Had you thought what you would do if you weren’t able to reach the actual goal?
J: I was just going to release it digitally if I didn’t reach the goal.
I guess you were very satisfied when the fund raising exceeded your goal. Did this money help you finish the album or what? Did you make it as you had it in your mind finally?
J: Yes, of course I was very satisfied we exceeded the goal, and of course the money helped finish the album. That was the whole point of the campaign.
Is fund raising campaign programs like “indiegogo” the answer to the problems concerning today’s music industry?
J: I wouldn’t say it’s an answer to the problems. It’s just another option for the artists.
So, what’s “My Revolution” all about? What’s your revolution?
J: “My Revolution” is basically to start living my life on my terms. Not allow others to determine the outcome of my life. Breaking away from the herd of sheep that are brainwashed by the media, or religion, or politics. Being brave enough to stand up for what I believe and not be ashamed of my beliefs or opinions just because they don’t match up with everyone else’s. That’s MY revolution. (i.n.: That’s how a Rock Revolution should be!!!)
Do give us a hint about each track…
J: “My Revolution”: Really powerful song…
“Happily Ever After You”: The best “fuck you” song I ever wrote…
“You’re The Drug I Wanna Get High On”: One of the first ones recorded for the album. Rockin’!
“Fill You Up”: This song will make you want to take your clothes off…
“Blame It on Love”: So far this one seems to be most people’s favorite off the album…
“I Can’t Love You Any More”: Best ballad I’ve ever written…
“Tell Me Lies”: Great message in this one…
“Couldn’t Be the One”: Very melodic! Lots of keyboards!
“Nowhere Left to Go”: Recorded during the “Livin’ Out Loud” session…
“Dirty Girls”: Motley Crue should do this one!
“Show Them Who You Are”: Another song with a great message…
“Into the Light”: A lot of people liked this song. Only going to be available on the Limited Edition CD.
“Deeper Into You”: The title is deceiving. It’s not about sex.
“Maybe You’re Right, Maybe It’s Wrong”: Beautiful ballad…
“Naturally Beautiful”: Another song recorded during the “Livin’ Out Loud” album…
Did you also do the production of the album? Where did the recordings take place?
J: Yes, I produced, engineered, and mixed the album. That’s the way I typically make albums. It’s mostly me by myself until it’s time for guitar solos. I recorded it at Suspect Studios.
There’s a misunderstanding with the release date of the album since some “pirate copies” were out in late December. The special edition of the album has 15 tracks! When is the actual release date and how many tracks will the normal edition feature?
J: I’m shooting for a March 1st release date. But for now, it’s only going to be released digitally through iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Do you believe that having a label would have been better or it’s more preferable now that you have your own control of your album?
J: No, I don’t think it would’ve been better to be on a label, because I believe I’m where I’m supposed to be. Everything happens for a reason.
Are there any plans to give some live shows in the near future? Would you like to play your music live in front of your audience?
J: Yes, of course. I’ll be performing again in a few months.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard of you before?
J: Melodic, Rockin’, with hooks big enough to catch a whale…
And some weird questions now!!! Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
J: The obvious one. Illegal downloading.
Which music kind can’t you bear to hear at all?
J: I try to find something good in all styles of music.
Do you prefer the digital music files or the psychical copies and why?
J: I personally prefer digital files. Even when I buy a CD, which is hardly ever, the first thing I do is put it in my computer. I’ll never see the CD again. It’s put away in my garage.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
J: Well, I can only speak for myself so… My opinion is, I think it’s killing the independent artist. Because I don’t make the majority of my musical income from touring. I make it from CD/Digital sales. If I don’t make enough from sales to support a tour, I can’t tour. If I can’t tour, I can’t sell enough CDs and merchandise to make another album. I can’t do anything about illegally downloading, and I’m not going to waste my time worrying about it. Truth is, if I can’t make enough off of my music so I can make MORE music. That’s there won’t be any more music. Simple as that! (i.n.: Let’s hope that all those who download illegally music will get the message!)
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
J: Def Leppard – “Hysteria”. I’d be rich!!
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: I don’t think there’s just one album that represents the entire musical evolution. So I’d just take one of my least favorite albums and shove it up E.T.’s ass and tell him to go phone home and get the fuck out of here. HAHAHAHA!!
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be?
J: Kim Kardashian. I love her ass! (i.n.: Who doesn’t?!!)
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
J: I’ve been with my wife for almost eighteen years, so haven’t had to use a pick up line for a very long time.
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: I’d be fine with it, as my collection is in my computer anyway. So she just did me a favor by clearing some room in the garage.
I think we’re done! Thx you Johnny. Thx for the music. Close this interview in your way… Take care!
J: Thank you Thanos! I appreciate your support and the support from your readers. For anyone interested in getting their hands on the Limited Edition CD, go to my website at www.johnnylima.com.
J: Melodic, Rockin’, with hooks big enough to catch a whale…
And some weird questions now!!! Which are the things that piss you off in today’s music industry?
J: The obvious one. Illegal downloading.
Which music kind can’t you bear to hear at all?
J: I try to find something good in all styles of music.
Do you prefer the digital music files or the psychical copies and why?
J: I personally prefer digital files. Even when I buy a CD, which is hardly ever, the first thing I do is put it in my computer. I’ll never see the CD again. It’s put away in my garage.
What’s your opinion of people downloading free music from the Internet? What shall an artist do in order to avoid losing money and time?
J: Well, I can only speak for myself so… My opinion is, I think it’s killing the independent artist. Because I don’t make the majority of my musical income from touring. I make it from CD/Digital sales. If I don’t make enough from sales to support a tour, I can’t tour. If I can’t tour, I can’t sell enough CDs and merchandise to make another album. I can’t do anything about illegally downloading, and I’m not going to waste my time worrying about it. Truth is, if I can’t make enough off of my music so I can make MORE music. That’s there won’t be any more music. Simple as that! (i.n.: Let’s hope that all those who download illegally music will get the message!)
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
J: Def Leppard – “Hysteria”. I’d be rich!!
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
J: I don’t think there’s just one album that represents the entire musical evolution. So I’d just take one of my least favorite albums and shove it up E.T.’s ass and tell him to go phone home and get the fuck out of here. HAHAHAHA!!
You have the opportunity to sleep with the movie-celebrity/porn-star of your choice. Who would it be?
J: Kim Kardashian. I love her ass! (i.n.: Who doesn’t?!!)
Best pick-up line that has worked for you several times in the past?
J: I’ve been with my wife for almost eighteen years, so haven’t had to use a pick up line for a very long time.
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
J: I’d be fine with it, as my collection is in my computer anyway. So she just did me a favor by clearing some room in the garage.
I think we’re done! Thx you Johnny. Thx for the music. Close this interview in your way… Take care!
J: Thank you Thanos! I appreciate your support and the support from your readers. For anyone interested in getting their hands on the Limited Edition CD, go to my website at www.johnnylima.com.