Ryan Oliver
Independent filmmaker, Ryan Oliver, founded the Chicago-based Deathblow Productions, in 2007. Oliver has racked up over ten years of experience in many facets of the film industry, namely as a camera tech, actor, projectionist, stuntman, art director and special effects artist. All these experiences led the way to his current role as a writer/director where he is able to cull from a growing library of his screenplays.
"She-Bang", currently in production, is an apocalyptic gang movie with an all-female cast. His first official completed film, "Air Conditions", will premiere locally this summer, proceeding onto the festival circuit from there. "Bird Feeder", a brand new horror short of Oliver's, is slated for production in the Detroit area and is being co-produced by This Many Films. The last project slated for the year, is his new anthology of four biologically-themed shorts, "Anatomy of Horror". The script has been optioned by the Los Angeles based company, Tri-Focus Pictures, and is currently in development.
www.deathblowproductions.com
{Ryan Oliver photo ©2011 Dirty Bird Photography}
"She-Bang", currently in production, is an apocalyptic gang movie with an all-female cast. His first official completed film, "Air Conditions", will premiere locally this summer, proceeding onto the festival circuit from there. "Bird Feeder", a brand new horror short of Oliver's, is slated for production in the Detroit area and is being co-produced by This Many Films. The last project slated for the year, is his new anthology of four biologically-themed shorts, "Anatomy of Horror". The script has been optioned by the Los Angeles based company, Tri-Focus Pictures, and is currently in development.
www.deathblowproductions.com
{Ryan Oliver photo ©2011 Dirty Bird Photography}
Interview
So your primary goal was to be an actor?
In my late teens and early twenties, yes. I was the class maniac who found theatre in school and it seemed to be a good outlet. I took to it well and ended up studying, training and focusing on it full time. Before too long I was landing some choice parts around town with companies that suited my tastes. After that, people who knew my work were casting me out of trust. I didn’t have to audition for a great while and I got spoiled. Then when I moved to LA it was such a reality check, I didn’t want to be that waiter/actor guy waiting for breaks my whole life. So I got out and began attacking the business from the other side of the camera.
Were writing and FX better venues for your talents?
Writing always suited me. I remember sitting in the computer lab in grade school cranking out horror stories while my friends were out at recess. So I’ve always written, but it was after my first play, “Among the Dead” was produced that I started to take it way more seriously. As of today I believe my penchant for storytelling to be my strongest attribute. Special Effects, however, was a no brainer. I love practical effects to no end and I respect the Hell out of people who make their living doing it. Some of my best friends put bread on the table by making rubber monster suits. My home is filled with movie props and body parts. I’m very much attracted to that, but I’ll be the first one to tell you that I can’t hang with the pros. I’m not that strong of a sculptor and you really need that base skill to go forward in the big effects circles. I realized it, accepted it and moved on. What I’m awesome at, is making actors bleed, hooking up fire extinguishers filled with blood to people and simulating bullet exit wounds, amputated limbs, slit throats, etc. It’s still a big part of my life and I do live effects for some local theatre companies once in a while.
Was your freelance work well worth your trouble in the end? Provide you with a lot of valuable experience?
No doubt about it. On-set experience is invaluable. Even if it’s some schlocky shit-show where everything is falling apart and everybody knows the movie is going to suck, there is knowledge to be had. I believe you can learn from your mistakes, but why not learn from someone else’s instead? Anybody who wants to break in to the business should spend a couple days as an extra or a production assistant. Something where you can just sit around, shut up, and observe. Watch everybody like a hawk, remember like an elephant. All my varied experiences made for a collective skill set that allows me to function well as a director, all the sudden you can speak everyone’s language. You can instantly tell who’s down for the cause and who’s full of shit, too.
Where do you get your ideas from? Have you always had a vivid imagination?
Yes, my imagination is a little over-active. Again, going back to early school years I remember storyboarding car chase action sequences that I thought would be cool in a movie. I had no idea what I was doing or what is was called, but I do now. I tend to write a couple things at the same time. Sometimes the idea explodes inside my head and in a flash I know the beginning, middle and end. I’ll know how I want it to be shot, what the characters look like, plot points, etc. Those are exciting moments because everything stops and I have to get to the keyboard and drop everything. Other times, it has to gestate a bit. That may mean meditating on the idea, otherwise I’ll just start writing the damn thing and before too long… ‘poof!’ it shows itself. I’d rather not have to fight my way through ideas, but in the end it’s about being satisfied and proud of your work regardless of the effort.
If given a choice to produce either a short film or feature film, which would choose to work with, depending on your budget?
Both, I have my sights locked on the anthology market. I always loved movies like ‘Creepshow’ ‘Trilogy of Terror’, ‘The House that Dripped Blood’. It’s a smarter business plan for me because I can do some half-hour pieces one at a time and package them in a feature format when the time is right. Four of them belong to “Anatomy of Horror” and another four fill out a domicile-themed collection, “Blueprint of Horror”. My short form films will be allowed to have their own individual runs and identities, but will eventually wind up as a part of a greater whole. I like to think of them as modern Twilight Zones. As for proper features, yes, I have some scripts I’m rather fond of that would be a shame to go to waste. We’ll get there.
I saw the trailer for Air Conditions, and it looks great. But…why a guy on a rooftop? Was it hard to build a story around a plot like that?
No, in fact, it was a relief. My first (and on-going) production, “She-Bang” has a cast of about a hundred women involving lots of fighting and stunts all over Chicago. It was a very ambitious project for a first time director and I definitely began to feel it wearing on me. So when a sizeable break in production happened, I began ‘Air Conditions’ with the goal to do something more low budget/high concept. I wanted to explore a character’s acceptance of impending doom, play around with the journey through Kübler-Ross’ model of the five stages of death. I’ve always preferred to show more than tell. So, isolating my character up on a rooftop amongst a sprawling metropolis where no one can hear or help him was interesting to me. I knew where I was going with the ending, I just had to put my feet in the character’s shoes and give him tasks and actions that I thought I might do in the same situation. I relished the opportunity to do big things with a limited change of scenery. I haven’t seen ‘127 Hours’, but I suppose there might be some shared themes between the two. We all know how ‘Hours’ ends. I’m pretty confident my guy is pulling the shorter, more ill-fated straw.
I’ve heard rumors – well, personal opinions, actually – that the horror film industry is in a slump, hence the tendency to re-hash older films, like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser. Any comments?
I disapprove of re-makes, they’re seldom better and in most cases unnecessary. Even when they’re good and sanctioned by the original filmmaker, I’m mad at myself for liking them. It’s a nasty little habit that everyone’s putting up with, or cashing in on- depending who you are. I’m not even surprised anymore. They’re remaking ‘The Thing’, which is a remake already, and a near perfect film at that, achieved with wildly successful practical effects non-the-less. I don’t get it, don’t want to. I think it’s a waste of creative energy. That’s why I got out of theatre; everyone’s doing the same plays over and over. I like original ideas and fresh works.
Is horror in a slump? In the studio system it seems to be. I think there is a good swell of independent talent on the up rise. There are certainly lots of impressive films coming from overseas. Hard to tell, horror has always been frowned on by elite types, but it makes more money collectively as a genre than any other. You’re never going to see a fan convention for buddy-cop movies, or get Jennifer Aniston’s autograph at Romanticon. Still, it seems to me nine out of ten horror movies really suck. It’s that tenth one that makes it worth hanging in there and supporting the genre. The good ones tend to stand up over time; they’re worth purchasing, celebrating and revisiting.
Where do you go from here? Will you continue to produce indie films, or do you hope to get into bigger budget films someday?
I will continue to do what I’m doing and stick to my immediate goals and make these short films to the best of my ability. I would certainly jump at the chance to sit at the big table if the conditions felt right. It’s always nice to have some extra money to throw at your problems, but at some point that money is given to you by a little sweaty accountant guy with a funny moustache who wants you to change the ending. Fuck him.
I heard that. Thanks, Ryan!
In my late teens and early twenties, yes. I was the class maniac who found theatre in school and it seemed to be a good outlet. I took to it well and ended up studying, training and focusing on it full time. Before too long I was landing some choice parts around town with companies that suited my tastes. After that, people who knew my work were casting me out of trust. I didn’t have to audition for a great while and I got spoiled. Then when I moved to LA it was such a reality check, I didn’t want to be that waiter/actor guy waiting for breaks my whole life. So I got out and began attacking the business from the other side of the camera.
Were writing and FX better venues for your talents?
Writing always suited me. I remember sitting in the computer lab in grade school cranking out horror stories while my friends were out at recess. So I’ve always written, but it was after my first play, “Among the Dead” was produced that I started to take it way more seriously. As of today I believe my penchant for storytelling to be my strongest attribute. Special Effects, however, was a no brainer. I love practical effects to no end and I respect the Hell out of people who make their living doing it. Some of my best friends put bread on the table by making rubber monster suits. My home is filled with movie props and body parts. I’m very much attracted to that, but I’ll be the first one to tell you that I can’t hang with the pros. I’m not that strong of a sculptor and you really need that base skill to go forward in the big effects circles. I realized it, accepted it and moved on. What I’m awesome at, is making actors bleed, hooking up fire extinguishers filled with blood to people and simulating bullet exit wounds, amputated limbs, slit throats, etc. It’s still a big part of my life and I do live effects for some local theatre companies once in a while.
Was your freelance work well worth your trouble in the end? Provide you with a lot of valuable experience?
No doubt about it. On-set experience is invaluable. Even if it’s some schlocky shit-show where everything is falling apart and everybody knows the movie is going to suck, there is knowledge to be had. I believe you can learn from your mistakes, but why not learn from someone else’s instead? Anybody who wants to break in to the business should spend a couple days as an extra or a production assistant. Something where you can just sit around, shut up, and observe. Watch everybody like a hawk, remember like an elephant. All my varied experiences made for a collective skill set that allows me to function well as a director, all the sudden you can speak everyone’s language. You can instantly tell who’s down for the cause and who’s full of shit, too.
Where do you get your ideas from? Have you always had a vivid imagination?
Yes, my imagination is a little over-active. Again, going back to early school years I remember storyboarding car chase action sequences that I thought would be cool in a movie. I had no idea what I was doing or what is was called, but I do now. I tend to write a couple things at the same time. Sometimes the idea explodes inside my head and in a flash I know the beginning, middle and end. I’ll know how I want it to be shot, what the characters look like, plot points, etc. Those are exciting moments because everything stops and I have to get to the keyboard and drop everything. Other times, it has to gestate a bit. That may mean meditating on the idea, otherwise I’ll just start writing the damn thing and before too long… ‘poof!’ it shows itself. I’d rather not have to fight my way through ideas, but in the end it’s about being satisfied and proud of your work regardless of the effort.
If given a choice to produce either a short film or feature film, which would choose to work with, depending on your budget?
Both, I have my sights locked on the anthology market. I always loved movies like ‘Creepshow’ ‘Trilogy of Terror’, ‘The House that Dripped Blood’. It’s a smarter business plan for me because I can do some half-hour pieces one at a time and package them in a feature format when the time is right. Four of them belong to “Anatomy of Horror” and another four fill out a domicile-themed collection, “Blueprint of Horror”. My short form films will be allowed to have their own individual runs and identities, but will eventually wind up as a part of a greater whole. I like to think of them as modern Twilight Zones. As for proper features, yes, I have some scripts I’m rather fond of that would be a shame to go to waste. We’ll get there.
I saw the trailer for Air Conditions, and it looks great. But…why a guy on a rooftop? Was it hard to build a story around a plot like that?
No, in fact, it was a relief. My first (and on-going) production, “She-Bang” has a cast of about a hundred women involving lots of fighting and stunts all over Chicago. It was a very ambitious project for a first time director and I definitely began to feel it wearing on me. So when a sizeable break in production happened, I began ‘Air Conditions’ with the goal to do something more low budget/high concept. I wanted to explore a character’s acceptance of impending doom, play around with the journey through Kübler-Ross’ model of the five stages of death. I’ve always preferred to show more than tell. So, isolating my character up on a rooftop amongst a sprawling metropolis where no one can hear or help him was interesting to me. I knew where I was going with the ending, I just had to put my feet in the character’s shoes and give him tasks and actions that I thought I might do in the same situation. I relished the opportunity to do big things with a limited change of scenery. I haven’t seen ‘127 Hours’, but I suppose there might be some shared themes between the two. We all know how ‘Hours’ ends. I’m pretty confident my guy is pulling the shorter, more ill-fated straw.
I’ve heard rumors – well, personal opinions, actually – that the horror film industry is in a slump, hence the tendency to re-hash older films, like Friday the 13th and Hellraiser. Any comments?
I disapprove of re-makes, they’re seldom better and in most cases unnecessary. Even when they’re good and sanctioned by the original filmmaker, I’m mad at myself for liking them. It’s a nasty little habit that everyone’s putting up with, or cashing in on- depending who you are. I’m not even surprised anymore. They’re remaking ‘The Thing’, which is a remake already, and a near perfect film at that, achieved with wildly successful practical effects non-the-less. I don’t get it, don’t want to. I think it’s a waste of creative energy. That’s why I got out of theatre; everyone’s doing the same plays over and over. I like original ideas and fresh works.
Is horror in a slump? In the studio system it seems to be. I think there is a good swell of independent talent on the up rise. There are certainly lots of impressive films coming from overseas. Hard to tell, horror has always been frowned on by elite types, but it makes more money collectively as a genre than any other. You’re never going to see a fan convention for buddy-cop movies, or get Jennifer Aniston’s autograph at Romanticon. Still, it seems to me nine out of ten horror movies really suck. It’s that tenth one that makes it worth hanging in there and supporting the genre. The good ones tend to stand up over time; they’re worth purchasing, celebrating and revisiting.
Where do you go from here? Will you continue to produce indie films, or do you hope to get into bigger budget films someday?
I will continue to do what I’m doing and stick to my immediate goals and make these short films to the best of my ability. I would certainly jump at the chance to sit at the big table if the conditions felt right. It’s always nice to have some extra money to throw at your problems, but at some point that money is given to you by a little sweaty accountant guy with a funny moustache who wants you to change the ending. Fuck him.
I heard that. Thanks, Ryan!
Herlaka Rose
Scream Queen? Dark diva? Rock groupie? For multi-talented beauty Herlaka Rose, it's almost impossible to pin her down to one certain category. But one thing is for certain; she is gorgeous, exciting, and one of a kind.
Biography:
PromoterforMETAL*DEATH*THRASH*BLACK*DOOM*PUNK.
I do Interviews and Reviews for Grins From Below ReviewZine and Kovenant Rose Promotions which I am founder of. I manage the Lord of Logos Christophe Szpajdel who majors in great logo designs for bands all over the world. Underground model forBlack Metal and Death Metal bands, staff member of Beyond the Dark Horizon Magazine based in San Antonio Texas. I have communication with Charles Manson, nuff said!
Interview
This may sound a bit redundant by now, but are a big fan of the horror genre?
Hell yes!! I remember as a kid being horrified by The Exorcist, yet loving Texas Chainsaw Massacre! I also always had a thing for Michael Myers instead of Jason. I think all people are into horror one way or another.
Why the obvious attraction to the darker side of things? Death Metal music, for example.
Good question! hummmm..Growing up in the 80's the metal scene was it! I loved it and it was all around me, Motley Crue, Ozzy, Death, Testament, W.A.S.P., Nuclear Assault etc.
Is the horror genre – in all reality – a basis for a lot of the death and Goth metal?
I don't think so, If falls into that theme but all in all I think it comes with the turf. I mean even a country singer can tell you he loves horror yet sings country music ya know?
Would you consider yourself a diva? A groupie? Neither one?
I love your questions! I am a metal promoting thrasher!! a groupie..no..although "groupies" are who they are to "get with the band" after the show. Well I am with the band even before the show!!! LOL!! I can recall a time when a famous singer in the Metal world played a show in my town and this band was waiting for a ride to the club, I was the one to pick them up and bring them to the gig! I remember thinking "Man...I was a kid when they started! and here I am picking them up to come to a show!" I had a blast! Then the singer needs a ride back to the hotel. Well I take him...mind you, I was not doing so to get with him. He invites me in the hotel and we end up making out and wrestling in bed WITH clothes on!! He ended up on the floor! I was mocking him and we were doing a match to see whos tougher! To make a long story short...I would of..but what he had to offer was just too little for my needs...so I kissed him good night and left! Man I LOVE my rock star life! LOL! He was not even worth bragging rights!! I also met Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead and he told me TWICE "Yeah I saw you there in the front roll" I could of slept with him if I wanted..but Lemmy is just too cool for me and his words of notice to me were enough to make me happy!!
Tell me about Grins From Below. You were the founder, were you not?
I am founder of Grins From Below. I started it as a quote I would say a lot from reading a Marvel comic where in one it said "Hela grins from below" and from there it stuck. I started getting people and bands come to me when Myspace started, asking me to be a co host and review the demos etc. So I took it from there and went with it. Its all about reviews and promotions for underground bands who want promotion. I have turned bands down due to not liking the music but always thank them and will help with a review even if its bad!
How did you become involved with Beyond the Dark Horizon?
Beyond the Dark Horizon came to me after I confused them for a band asking them to send me demos and what they wanted for promotion etc. The owner is the smartest woman in metal as I know it ending up connecting with me and we both just started raising her baby which is Beyond the Dark Horizon. We released our first magazine a few years ago and now are gonna release our next this August! It should be great, I am gonna have my art displayed which consist of serial killers and Horror stuff so I am really happy about that. We will also have Macabre opening up the show and a lot of goodies in store for this show in San Antonio Texas!
Was it a lot of fun being one of the Eviscerated Girls?
Its always fun being a part of something when your chosen to. I love attention and promotion for myself as well! Shit I worked hard to help promote bands and all so being promoted is always a plus!
Excuse me for being forward, but you have a great figure. How do you stay in such good shape?
BEER!! hahahaha! I work out in the shower and when I lift my tall boy beers!! Thanks for asking!
What’s this about you being acquainted with the infamous Charles Manson?
I started writing Manson back in early 2000 or so and he wrote back and then started calling me from there. I have a lot of his conversations recorded and even got a X-MAS card from him this past year!! How cool is that? I also did a 6 day shoot for a film a woman from Australia who came down to do it here in Texas. I can't say when the documentary will be out since she claims to want to film more later this year but we will see. I also have access to see him as he sent me a request form to visit him which I have not, but would love to! Charlie is a cool guy despite all the media and what you have read. I do not judge him from what he is marked of. I take him as he takes me, and NO he has not asked me to "kill" or start a new wave of "Helter Skelter" for him. I am making light of this since I know how the back lash will be. Over all hes cool with me and I am cool with him.
Any new exciting interviews coming up?
Other than yours? I have a lot in the works as for being the model for a short story book in the making and doing my art work gallery and releasing the Beyond the Dark Horizon magazine. Please do check us out at www.beyondthedarkhorizon.com
We'll be watching for you!
Hell yes!! I remember as a kid being horrified by The Exorcist, yet loving Texas Chainsaw Massacre! I also always had a thing for Michael Myers instead of Jason. I think all people are into horror one way or another.
Why the obvious attraction to the darker side of things? Death Metal music, for example.
Good question! hummmm..Growing up in the 80's the metal scene was it! I loved it and it was all around me, Motley Crue, Ozzy, Death, Testament, W.A.S.P., Nuclear Assault etc.
Is the horror genre – in all reality – a basis for a lot of the death and Goth metal?
I don't think so, If falls into that theme but all in all I think it comes with the turf. I mean even a country singer can tell you he loves horror yet sings country music ya know?
Would you consider yourself a diva? A groupie? Neither one?
I love your questions! I am a metal promoting thrasher!! a groupie..no..although "groupies" are who they are to "get with the band" after the show. Well I am with the band even before the show!!! LOL!! I can recall a time when a famous singer in the Metal world played a show in my town and this band was waiting for a ride to the club, I was the one to pick them up and bring them to the gig! I remember thinking "Man...I was a kid when they started! and here I am picking them up to come to a show!" I had a blast! Then the singer needs a ride back to the hotel. Well I take him...mind you, I was not doing so to get with him. He invites me in the hotel and we end up making out and wrestling in bed WITH clothes on!! He ended up on the floor! I was mocking him and we were doing a match to see whos tougher! To make a long story short...I would of..but what he had to offer was just too little for my needs...so I kissed him good night and left! Man I LOVE my rock star life! LOL! He was not even worth bragging rights!! I also met Lemmy Kilmister from Motorhead and he told me TWICE "Yeah I saw you there in the front roll" I could of slept with him if I wanted..but Lemmy is just too cool for me and his words of notice to me were enough to make me happy!!
Tell me about Grins From Below. You were the founder, were you not?
I am founder of Grins From Below. I started it as a quote I would say a lot from reading a Marvel comic where in one it said "Hela grins from below" and from there it stuck. I started getting people and bands come to me when Myspace started, asking me to be a co host and review the demos etc. So I took it from there and went with it. Its all about reviews and promotions for underground bands who want promotion. I have turned bands down due to not liking the music but always thank them and will help with a review even if its bad!
How did you become involved with Beyond the Dark Horizon?
Beyond the Dark Horizon came to me after I confused them for a band asking them to send me demos and what they wanted for promotion etc. The owner is the smartest woman in metal as I know it ending up connecting with me and we both just started raising her baby which is Beyond the Dark Horizon. We released our first magazine a few years ago and now are gonna release our next this August! It should be great, I am gonna have my art displayed which consist of serial killers and Horror stuff so I am really happy about that. We will also have Macabre opening up the show and a lot of goodies in store for this show in San Antonio Texas!
Was it a lot of fun being one of the Eviscerated Girls?
Its always fun being a part of something when your chosen to. I love attention and promotion for myself as well! Shit I worked hard to help promote bands and all so being promoted is always a plus!
Excuse me for being forward, but you have a great figure. How do you stay in such good shape?
BEER!! hahahaha! I work out in the shower and when I lift my tall boy beers!! Thanks for asking!
What’s this about you being acquainted with the infamous Charles Manson?
I started writing Manson back in early 2000 or so and he wrote back and then started calling me from there. I have a lot of his conversations recorded and even got a X-MAS card from him this past year!! How cool is that? I also did a 6 day shoot for a film a woman from Australia who came down to do it here in Texas. I can't say when the documentary will be out since she claims to want to film more later this year but we will see. I also have access to see him as he sent me a request form to visit him which I have not, but would love to! Charlie is a cool guy despite all the media and what you have read. I do not judge him from what he is marked of. I take him as he takes me, and NO he has not asked me to "kill" or start a new wave of "Helter Skelter" for him. I am making light of this since I know how the back lash will be. Over all hes cool with me and I am cool with him.
Any new exciting interviews coming up?
Other than yours? I have a lot in the works as for being the model for a short story book in the making and doing my art work gallery and releasing the Beyond the Dark Horizon magazine. Please do check us out at www.beyondthedarkhorizon.com
We'll be watching for you!
Johnny Sin
Johnny Sin knows as well as anyone about gambling on a music career. He started out playing open mic nights and street performances in Madison,WI, back in 2003, doing what it took to get noticed in a crowded music scene. Then,in 2004, he rolled the dice on a trek to Las Vegas and spent a few months playing black jack...and winning! His next move was to return to Madison and take an even bigger gamble,starting his own label. After hiring some studio musicians, and Bradley Fish to handle production, Johnny Sin recorded his 12-song debut disc, released on Johnny Sin Records. Produced by Fish, with mixing and mastering by Mike Summerfeldt, the disc has already begun garnering air play and strong responses in Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago.
In fact, sometimes the response to Johnny Sin's music generates something even more valuable than accolades - and that is "controversy." When a DJ named Lucas the Prince of Darkness began spinning Johnny Sin on WORT 89.9 in Madison, he was forced to remove the track from rotation because some listeners deemed the music lyrics offensive. Nobody likes to have a track pulled from the radio, but then again, the buzz from such a controversy is incredibly valuable. Another gamble, another hand played by Johnny Sin.
Johnny Sin is now ready to return to the table. Not content to tour regionally, he intends to take his sleaze-rock, raunchy and provocative style to radio stations and venues nationally. With his music available at cdbaby.com, as well as other online retailers, and already a buzz worthy rep on his home turf, Johnny Sin is playing a winning hand.
In fact, sometimes the response to Johnny Sin's music generates something even more valuable than accolades - and that is "controversy." When a DJ named Lucas the Prince of Darkness began spinning Johnny Sin on WORT 89.9 in Madison, he was forced to remove the track from rotation because some listeners deemed the music lyrics offensive. Nobody likes to have a track pulled from the radio, but then again, the buzz from such a controversy is incredibly valuable. Another gamble, another hand played by Johnny Sin.
Johnny Sin is now ready to return to the table. Not content to tour regionally, he intends to take his sleaze-rock, raunchy and provocative style to radio stations and venues nationally. With his music available at cdbaby.com, as well as other online retailers, and already a buzz worthy rep on his home turf, Johnny Sin is playing a winning hand.
Interview
I hear your music career began as a gamble of sorts? Was it your 2004 trip to Las Vegas?
It really happened by accident. We were contemplating the idea of a sort of Vegas theme for my debut album. Vegas was on the travel channel every minute and poker tournaments were on TV all the time and celebrities were buying homes and partying in Vegas a lot. Vegas was everywhere and i really wanted to tap into that. So I thought the best way to do that was to go out there and see it for myself and find some inspiration. I lost a lot more then I found though, until one night at the Palms I had a good streak at the tables. After that i decided to get into music and never look back.
Do you Miss your days of Street performing and open mic singing? Did these days provide you with a lot of experience?
I don’t miss those days because I still play a lot of open mic shows and street performances. A lot of venues are afraid to book me just like a lot of musicians are afraid to play with me. But it doesn't stop me if I can’t find musicians to back me up or I can’t find a venue in a certain city to book me i will just grab my acoustic guitar and find a place to play at bar or street corner or alley or where ever it doesn't stop me, i will still make the music.
What exactly is sleaze rock? Is that anything like an x-rated weird Al Yankovic?
That might be one way to describe it. Rock n Roll at least up until recently has always been very sexual and when played right is very sleazy. I just like to add a touch of humor to it. But rock n roll played right is very dirty, raunchy and offensive. It should give the listener a hard on and make them cream all over their laptop just like good porn.
Now two of your song titles - "Eskimo Pussy" and " Big Black Lesbians" could be considered just a tad bit controversial. How has your audience reacted to those songs?
The reaction is usually laughter. They know its tongue and cheek. The people who don't realize it's supposed to be funny are the ones I feel sorry for. And they are out there. But I don't listen to those people anyway.
Has your obvious candor ever made anyone mad at you?
Hopefully, if it hasn't then I have not been doing my job. I have never been known to pull punches and I don't intend to start now. I have really just scratched the surface. The next album is full of material guaranteed to offend. I have played live and I have been banned from a couple of venues around the Midwest. One manager of a bar/lounge I was playing at even jumped on stage and stopped me in the middle of my set. They were having a dinner party up stairs and i guess they could hear me singing something about cock or pussy or whatever. That happens sometimes at the open mic shows because they don't see many artist like me that often.
Do you consider your style of music a form of Black Comedy?
Sure but I try to stay clear of labels because it is to easy to create these expectations from your audience. As an artist you should be free to go in different directions. If I want to write a song about Necrophilia I should be able too. And if i want to write a sappy Rod Stewart type love song I should be free to write that too. Or a Rod Stewart love song about Necrophilia like my track " Necrophiliac Love Song" which i will be releasing on itunes shortly.
Why do you think it is that dark literature, film and music is so popular? why do so many people enjoy exploring the darker side of life? Of their own inner being?
I think a lot of it is very sexual and I think people crave something thrilling and dangerous in the bedroom. People are attracted to danger and dangerous people. How many groupies does Charles Manson have? You have to admit he always got the chicks. Why is there so much sex in horror films? The two almost always go together sex, violence and darkness. It sells because sex sells. You bring your date to a horror film so you can grab her tits while you watch someone being hacked up on screen, it’s a turn on and a thrill. Thrills in the night.
What are you up to right now? Been writing any new songs?
Well I am about to release a couple of new songs on itunes and I am working on a new video. I have a few videos on youtube but they were rushed and the quality is not great in all of them. I have also written some new material and i am working on another album. This one will tackle religion, a sensitive subject that should open some new doors full of people to offend, so it's only natural I would choose that theme for my next album. But I am not just going after one religion like most other artists do, I am an equal opportunity offender.
It really happened by accident. We were contemplating the idea of a sort of Vegas theme for my debut album. Vegas was on the travel channel every minute and poker tournaments were on TV all the time and celebrities were buying homes and partying in Vegas a lot. Vegas was everywhere and i really wanted to tap into that. So I thought the best way to do that was to go out there and see it for myself and find some inspiration. I lost a lot more then I found though, until one night at the Palms I had a good streak at the tables. After that i decided to get into music and never look back.
Do you Miss your days of Street performing and open mic singing? Did these days provide you with a lot of experience?
I don’t miss those days because I still play a lot of open mic shows and street performances. A lot of venues are afraid to book me just like a lot of musicians are afraid to play with me. But it doesn't stop me if I can’t find musicians to back me up or I can’t find a venue in a certain city to book me i will just grab my acoustic guitar and find a place to play at bar or street corner or alley or where ever it doesn't stop me, i will still make the music.
What exactly is sleaze rock? Is that anything like an x-rated weird Al Yankovic?
That might be one way to describe it. Rock n Roll at least up until recently has always been very sexual and when played right is very sleazy. I just like to add a touch of humor to it. But rock n roll played right is very dirty, raunchy and offensive. It should give the listener a hard on and make them cream all over their laptop just like good porn.
Now two of your song titles - "Eskimo Pussy" and " Big Black Lesbians" could be considered just a tad bit controversial. How has your audience reacted to those songs?
The reaction is usually laughter. They know its tongue and cheek. The people who don't realize it's supposed to be funny are the ones I feel sorry for. And they are out there. But I don't listen to those people anyway.
Has your obvious candor ever made anyone mad at you?
Hopefully, if it hasn't then I have not been doing my job. I have never been known to pull punches and I don't intend to start now. I have really just scratched the surface. The next album is full of material guaranteed to offend. I have played live and I have been banned from a couple of venues around the Midwest. One manager of a bar/lounge I was playing at even jumped on stage and stopped me in the middle of my set. They were having a dinner party up stairs and i guess they could hear me singing something about cock or pussy or whatever. That happens sometimes at the open mic shows because they don't see many artist like me that often.
Do you consider your style of music a form of Black Comedy?
Sure but I try to stay clear of labels because it is to easy to create these expectations from your audience. As an artist you should be free to go in different directions. If I want to write a song about Necrophilia I should be able too. And if i want to write a sappy Rod Stewart type love song I should be free to write that too. Or a Rod Stewart love song about Necrophilia like my track " Necrophiliac Love Song" which i will be releasing on itunes shortly.
Why do you think it is that dark literature, film and music is so popular? why do so many people enjoy exploring the darker side of life? Of their own inner being?
I think a lot of it is very sexual and I think people crave something thrilling and dangerous in the bedroom. People are attracted to danger and dangerous people. How many groupies does Charles Manson have? You have to admit he always got the chicks. Why is there so much sex in horror films? The two almost always go together sex, violence and darkness. It sells because sex sells. You bring your date to a horror film so you can grab her tits while you watch someone being hacked up on screen, it’s a turn on and a thrill. Thrills in the night.
What are you up to right now? Been writing any new songs?
Well I am about to release a couple of new songs on itunes and I am working on a new video. I have a few videos on youtube but they were rushed and the quality is not great in all of them. I have also written some new material and i am working on another album. This one will tackle religion, a sensitive subject that should open some new doors full of people to offend, so it's only natural I would choose that theme for my next album. But I am not just going after one religion like most other artists do, I am an equal opportunity offender.