JOHNNY NASTY BOOTS – AN INTERVIEW WITH A RISING STAR

JOHNNY NASTY BOOTS – AN INTERVIEW WITH A RISING STAR

By Ralph Beauchamp

Johnny Nasty Boots (Juan Herrera) is a breath of fresh air. The Mexican rocker, now based in Los Angeles, has just released his new single titled “Howlin' and Dying.” The track will be its cornerstone Johnny'The highly anticipated new EP will be released this fall. JohnnyHis sound takes you back to the roots of rock n roll. His music is both raw and full of powerful guitar riffs. He adds new era nuances to his raw songwriting to create an oversized landscape of bombastic grooves. Johnny has forged a gigantic relationship between old-school anthemic textures and modern musical experimentation.

“Howlin and Dying” features stellar guitar licks, an explosive barrage of sonic ferocity and pulverized vocals. The track is pure acoustic dynamite. Each note carries a wave of intense melodic explosion. Johnny has imbued the song with a magnetic infection that transports the listener to relentless heights. “Howlin' and Dying” follows the release of another monstrous song titled “Soho”. Again, JohnnyHis guitar has a sonic volume. His incendiary arrangement is as powerful as it is majestic. JohnnyIts rhythms are wild and somewhat wild. This is real rock and roll. Brutal, merciless and full of inventions.

Johnny Nasty Boots was kind enough to sit down with AMP for this exclusive interview.

AMP: What got you into music?

JOHNNY: I was very young, probably 13. That's when I first heard Gorillaz. Even though their music is very different from the music I'm currently producing, it was a huge inspiration. From there the music was constantly in my head. This led me to wanting to figure out how to write a song. I asked my father for a bass guitar. He was big on classic rock and blues. I was also very influenced by his music. Well, he brought me this bass and that's how it all started.

AMP: Besides Gorillaz, who were some of your early inspirations?

JOHNNY: After Gorillaz, I started getting into Aerosmith. It was their song on the Spider-Man soundtrack that first hooked me. From Aerosmith, I found Led Zeppelin and had to learn more about the band. One thing led to another and I started listening to The Yardbirds, Cream and all things Clapton. Once I heard all this classic rock, I started to realize that this music came from the blues. Then I found artists like Robert Johnson and Howlin' Wolf. I was really enjoying my musical journeys and new discoveries.

AMP: Your sound is raw and full of energy. How would you describe your music?

JOHNNY: Honest! This is the music I want to make throughout my career. I've played in a lot of bands and some wanted to go more commercial or poppier. It wasn't where I wanted to go. I want to play what I feel inside. First of all, I must satisfy and be honest with myself. Honest. That's the word.

AMP: You originally started your career in Mexico. Was the scene there encouraging?

JOHNNY: Mexico has a huge music scene. The problem is that young bands don't get much exposure to this kind of rock n roll. There are quite a few big rock bands in Mexico, but no media dedicated to the genre. It is very difficult to survive. I was lucky to be accepted by so many music stores. When I was honest about my musical style, things started to change. My singles got played on the radio. I even had number 1 on an FM station even though I played rock and sang in English. This went completely against the grain.

But there was a limit to how far you could go. I realized that I had already reached my peak in Mexico. It wasn't pop or reggaeton. I moved to LA. I had played there before and then I knew that moving here would be good for my career. It was a great choice since this country loves to rock. I had amazing experiences.

AMP: Your new single, “Howlin' and Dying” is a real banger. Can you give us some insight into the piece?

JOHNNY: I started working on the song around 2016. It was a struggle to record my new songs in Mexico. There wasn't enough money or revenue to do it right. I didn't want to record “Howlin' and Dying” on a string. The song is very powerful. I wanted to make the track sound big. My first record was recorded in a top studio and these new recordings must have the same sound quality. It's not a complicated song, but I wanted to get the arrangement right. The case is about this Femme Fatale. Everyone has probably had one or two in their lifetime. It's just hard to beat rock n roll.

AMP: Your new EP will be out in a few months. How excited are you?

JOHNNY: Very! I really had to get it out. My first record came out in 2012. I've been dying to put out new music ever since. When the pandemic hit, he put things on hold. Now, everything I wanted to achieve is coming true. I am so excited to present new material.

AMP: You played most of the instruments on the new project. Are you self-taught?

JOHNNY: No, I studied music. The first instrument I learned to play was the Jarana which is a peculiar type of ukulele from the Veracruz region. Then I learned the bass. Then I switched to guitar because my godfather played bass and wanted to play with me. Actually, for me, the guitar was a little easier to play. When I returned to Mexico City from Veracruz, I studied composition and arrangement. I wanted to further understand music theory. I'm still learning. Plus, 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 be pretty cool. I try to stay away from that wild rock musician image. I like hanging out with my friends and talking. Chatting is more my speed. Like I said, relax.

AMP: If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

JOHNNY: It would probably be Jack White because I admire his work and what he has brought to modern music culture. It also helped pioneer the vinyl revolution. He is not only an amazing musician, but he is also a businessman. To survive in today's music environment, you need to understand every aspect of the business case. White is definitely a cool guy and I hope to work with him one day.

AMP: Any plans to tour?

JOHNNY: Just played Viper Room and here comes Whiskey. The extended tour is planned for September or October to coincide with the release of the EP. It will probably be around 40 shows, all over the country.

AMP: What do you want your fans to take away from your music?

JOHNNY: I want two things because I feel like I have two types of fans. The first thing is to enjoy. I want them to play a piece and hopefully forget their problems. Just be happy and have good vibes. The other thing I want to do is inspire the next generation of musicians. I want to inspire Mexican musicians to shoot for the stars. It's starting to happen. I get responses from Mexican musicians and bands thanking me for moving to Los Angeles and trying to move forward. They need to see that things can happen with hard work and determination.

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