If you look back at the last century of music, one thing becomes clear; many of the masterpiece contributions were furnished to the art at times when it was in deep flux, fusing or fissioning into new variants. The people who steered the styles went on to become famous (though not always in their own time) and the association between experimentation and genius is now widely acknowledged. Johnny Solo is a creature of such circumstances, a pioneering influence in a new style called 'reggaehop' that will likely go on to become a major tributary of modern music. 'No Justic No Peace', written in homage to the fallen of Ferguson, is a good example of where his leadership will take the rest of us. Independent reporter Lauren Thompson recently caught up with the passionate and articulate musician to talk about his unique vision for the future of music, the life experiences that led him to choose an artistic calling, and his hopes and expectations for the future.
LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open - What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
JOHNNY: Well, so many things have happened. Where do I start? 2013 was a stellar year for me. I went from being a nobody to doing numerous shows, performing all over the place. Six months prior to dropping a few songs on Soundcloud, I was sleeping under a bridge. Then it was on to my friend’s living room sofa, then a suite, and I had no idea or clue how the rent was being paid. Crazy! Things were moving at a very fast pace. I was still grounded, though.
LAUREN: Your song ‘No Justice No Peace' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
JOHNNY: I was ecstatic. Finally! After years and years of trying to break through I finally did it. It was more of a relief for me than excitement because everything I got, everything that would define my future is hanging on this project.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JOHNNY: ‘No Justice No Peace’ was my response to the misfortunes incurred by my people in Ferguson, Missouri and across the nation. It just seemed like every other day a son, an uncle, a father was being lost and justice wasn't being served. We as artists, no matter how morally reprehensible we are, need to be the voice for our community in times that matter most. That was the inspiration behind the song.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
JOHNNY: Yes. The fuel to my fire is the insurmountable opposition that has risen against me since I embarked on my newly found inspiration to see this music career to the end - or sink in failure. The amount of opposition that I have faced from peers, family and friends has been way above normal... well above the level of regular hate. That's why I write about it and shed light on my life. It has been a struggle. Man, you have no idea what I've been keeping inside. I'll save that for the book!
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
JOHNNY: Why did I start doing music in the first place? It was because it was fun for me. So a fun-loving musician would be quite right. There is nothing like going to the studio with a joint rolled for 'medicinal purposes' and a six pack of beer, and jamming out the night with an award-winning producer like Lucian, J-One, Shagg, Abel, Lionel or even Tyrone Bradley, Nudie or SciPhi and Crutch. These producers made it fun and I picked up a thing or two from them along the way. Recently I have become more of a serious no-nonsense guy because I feel like I am behind compared to my peers. I am in a hurry and cannot afford to waste any more time.
LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
JOHNNY: Well Lucian, Richard, Simon, Will Poole, Evan Bailey and Dante Jackson - This group is my support system. I may be broke with no money but these guys would make sure I get to the studio somehow, someway. Either by having one of their girlfriends drive me there or by paying my way outright. Music-wise Richard has been a blessing due to our contrast in styles. Watch out for the ‘Gold Can Chronicles’ mix tape by Gravity coming soon. Lucian has also been a pleasure to work with. He was the architect behind the whole New Generation project and we just got along fine. It didn't take much to develop the chemistry at all. I loved the fact that we somehow ended up having the same vision for the music we created. We are aiming to create a new genre - ReggaeHop which is reggae mixed with hip-hop, punk and a little bit of ska. It took us a few years to recognize the elements of what we were doing but we knew we were doing something special.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JOHNNY: No, not really. However I heard that my cousin in Africa is a big time music promoter. My immediate younger brother is a saxophonist and an exceptional one at that. He even created his own music he calls ‘Quintessential Kovab’. I also have a baby brother who is an entertainment lawyer in Nigeria. So while no one before us was a musician in any way, shape or form in the industry, we developed a way and we can now say we have a musical background in our family. More importantly, our kids can claim that.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JOHNNY: The most rewarding thing about being an artist is being able to uplift people and being a voice for my people when they need me the most. Helping people. What's most challenging to me is dealing with the crab in the bucket mentality brought forth by peers and the hatred exhibited from the most unlikely of sources. Those you expect to be your allies turn out to be the ones really against you. I have no friends, just associates. When music is over, I head home. I don’t kick it. I am strictly business because I don’t know who my friends are. It's been a challenge.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
JOHNNY: Wow. I want to be realistic here and mention the music that really influenced me versus the musicians I met in person. 1. Nas. I don't know why I listened to him. I listened to him a lot okay. I was drawn to his flow and then he partnered up with Damian Marley and he just solidified my perception of him. 2. Ray Charles. A lot of the things I’m doing on the New Generation Project were drawn from Ray Charles. His writing styles, melodic transitions and ability to use what he knew to make people dance were fascinating. The movie Ray inspired me and is still one of my favorite movies till date. 3. DMX, believe it or not. You might think he is crazy. Name a musician that isn't crazy. Name a genius that isn't borderline crazy! Okay I rest my case. 4. Om Johari. Out of all the well-known artists to come out of Tacoma, where I used to reside, she is the only one to advise me and give me tips that would help me in the fifteen years I've been doing music. No one, I repeat no one has ever given me any advice as useful as this woman has given me. Other people gave me advice but it was more to get me out of their way than to propel me to the next level. The first discussion I had with this woman, she blessed me. Off top. I respect that and trust me if I run into a jam and have any more questions, who do you think I'm going to call! 5. Benzly Hype, last but not least. He is based in Kingston, Jamaica and he is a very busy man. Every time I reach out to him, he responds. He has one of the most watched sitcoms in Jamaica. His music is positive. He came from a struggle battling health issues. I try to emulate these artists and follow the path they took to reach where they are.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JOHNNY: My most memorable performance did not happen at a venue. It occurred on the streets of Seattle. I was with my friends Controversy the Misfit and Budgzus and one of the twins. We had no mic and no music, until we ran into these gypsies playing music on the side street. We performed right there with these gypsies on Capitol Hill in Seattle. We entertained a bigger crowd than the clubs and venues in the area did that night. I believe this was the Seattle Pride Festival 2014. Controversy and I always had this natural chemistry. It’s just difficult to understand why we haven't done a song together yet.
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
JOHNNY: My first advice is to follow your instincts. Listen to your inner voice. Don't entertain discouragement and ask questions. There is no such thing as a mistake. If you don't make mistakes you won't learn. Be yourself and don't copy others. People want to experience the uniqueness in you. Not the unique ability you stole from someone else. Contribute to this world with music. Make it a better place for you and for me and the entire human race.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JOHNNY: You know I hate to count my chicks before they hatch but since your establishment is notable and reputable, I will leave you with this. ‘New Generation’ is going to be available everywhere this fall. My mix tape ‘Pushing 40’ featuring DJ Qualifi is out now and the next single dropping on my ‘New Generation’ album is ‘Got with You’.
LAUREN: Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us about your history in music and the life experiences that led you down this path. 'No Justice No Peace' is a stirring track and we expect to hear great things about your career in the coming year!
http://www.reverbnation.com/JohnnySolo
