After originally breaking through as the frontman for Runaway Saints in recent years, Nashville-based artist Johnny Gates aka johnny was here is now back with a new project and the infectious new single 'silverlake'.
Conjuring a wonderfully fresh and energetic indie-rock aesthetic from start to finish, 'silverlake' makes for an incredibly fun and uplifting listen. Jam-packed with vibrant hooks, a soaring atmosphere, and his own mesmerising vocals at the helm, he is certainly looking to make an impact with this dynamic new delight.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Guitar. And oddly enough, I didn’t start playing until I was like 21/22 years old. I always just sang in my band, but wanted a way to write songs on my own, so I had my bandmates teach me some chords and fell in love.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was very into the emo / punk / hardcore scene in high school. Bands like saves the day, brand new, the get up kids, Thursday. That was the first music to really hit me and make me look at music differently. I was the kid, in the pit, screaming the lyrics to every song. It was so pure.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Green Day - Dookie. I had this weird kids cassette player and I remember having the dookie cassette and playing and rewinding “basket case” about a thousand times.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
I would have to say Gillian Welch - Everything is free. It’s one of the few songs I actually cover live, and I love what it’s saying about the music industry, and art.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
My writing process has changed throughout the years for sure. For my artist stuff, I like to write on tour, or by myself at night. The night stuff is probably my favorite. That just feels the most natural for me. There are also times when I’ll be listening to something, and an idea will just hit me, and I go directly to my voice memo app. Writing on airplanes is also really fun. Being without an instrument and having to literally write everything in your head is a cool way to shake it up.
And when I’m writing for another artist, it’s pretty standard 11am sessions and writing in the room with them. But I do like to wake up and listen to their music and come up with some ideas before the session. I really love that process as well.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve currently been listening to a lot of cage the elephant, kings of Leon, the strokes, and some newer bands like bad nerves, idles, Winona fighter, and Briston Maroney.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I’d love to open for kings of Leon. I’ve been such a fan of theirs for so long and really appreciate and respect watching them grow as a band. It’s so natural for artists to want to grow, and it’s been cool watching them do that.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I still think playing shows is the best part. And by that, I mean, the actual playing of the show. When everything lines up, and it’s a great crowd, great venue, great night, there’s nothing better. For those 45 minutes or whatever, you feel invincible and you never want it to end. It’s the ultimate high.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Personally, I think what social media has done to music is frustrating. We exist in this culture now, where views and likes matter more than songs and talent, and the music industry has fully embraced it. Which isn’t shocking. The modern day music industry looks for short cuts, and they found it, and i think it’s watered down the talent, so, having to play that game is frustrating.
I actually just started a record label, with my publisher and producer, and we’re trying to get away from that stuff. Music first. Artists first. I guess the only positive thing to come from this tech boom and social media boom, is that it’s a bit like the Wild West now. And it’s never been easier to make and release music. So that’s for sure a good thing.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
This is going to sound cliche, but just be yourself. There’s really no other way to do it. And it’s going to make your path harder and longer, but I can promise you, wherever it takes you, will be more rewarding, and beneficial, than pretending to be something you aren’t, or chasing a trend. And it’s going to be so tempting to fake it. Trust me. I’ve faked it. And it left me hollow and empty and resenting music. That’s a bad feeling to have towards something you love. And you’ll probably stumble and look for a shortcut, or make a compromise with some a&r who has no idea what you’re dealing with, and that’s natural. But, once you do that dance, try to get back on your path. I think the greats are the ones that won the lottery by being themselves. I’m not saying it’s going to work, but if your number is picked, you’ll make it, and you’ll be happy.
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johnny was here's new single 'silverlake' is available to stream now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.