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 out of LA, has just released his new single entitled “Howlin’ and Dying”. The track will be a cornerstone of Johnny’s heavily anticipated new EP being released this fall. Johnny‘s sound takes you on a journey back to the roots of rock n roll. His music is both unrefined and full of potent guitar riffs. He adds new age nuances to the rawness of his songwriting in order to create a supersized landscape of bombastic grooves. Johnny has forged a gigantic link between old school anthemic textures and modern day musical experimentation.
“Howlin and Dying” features stellar guitar licks, an explosive barrage of sonic ferocity and pulverizing vocals. The track is pure aural dynamite. Every notes carries a wave of edgy melodic detonation. Johnny has infused the song with a magnetic infections that transports the listener to ruthless heights. “Howlin’ and Dying” follows the release of another monstrous tune entitled “Soho”. Again, Johnny‘s guitar flairs with sonic tension. His incendiary arrangement is both powerful and sublime. Johnny‘s cadences are wild and somewhat savage. This is real rock n roll. Brutal, merciless and full of invention.
Johnny Nasty Boots was kind enough to sit with AMP for this exclusive interview.
AMP: What first got you into music?
JOHNNY: I was really young, probably 13. That’s when I first heard Gorillaz. Even though their music is very different from the music I currently produce, they were a huge inspiration. From there music was constantly in my head. That led to me wanting to understand how to write a song. I asked my father for a bass guitar. He was big into classic rock and blues. His music also influenced me a lot. So, he brought me that bass and that’s how it all started.
AMP: Besides the Gorillaz, who were some of your early inspirations?
JOHNNY: After the Gorillaz, I started to get into Aerosmith. It was their song on the Spider-Man soundtrack that first attracted me. From Aerosmith, I then found Led Zeppelin and I needed to know more about the band. One thing led to another and I started listening to The Yardbirds, Cream and all things Clapton. Once I listened to all this classic rock, I began to realize that this music was derived from the blues. Then I found artists like Robert Johnson and Howlin’ Wolf. I was really enjoying my musical journeys and new found 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 do throughout my career. I’ve played in many bands and some wanted to go more commercial or poppier. That’s not where I wanted to go. I want to play what I feel inside me. First of all, I have to satisfy and be honest with myself. Honest. That’s the word.
AMP: You originally started your career in Mexico. Was the scene there nurturing?
JOHNNY: Mexico has a huge music scene. The problem is the fact that young bands don’t get a lot of exposure with this type of rock n roll. There’s quite a few great rock bands in Mexico but there aren’t any media outlets that dedicate themselves to the genre. It’s very hard to survive. I was lucky to be accepted by so many music outlets. When I was honest in my musical style, things began to change. My singles got played on the radio. I even had a number 1 on a FM station even though I was playing rock and sang in English. That was totally against the grain.
But there was a limit to how far you could go. I realized I already hit my peak in Mexico. It wasn’t pop or reggaeton. I moved to LA. I had played there before and that’s when I realized that moving here would be good for my career. It was a great choice since this country loves to rock. I’ve had amazing experiences.
AMP: Your new single, “Howlin’ and Dying” is a real banger. Can you give us some insight into the track?
JOHHNY: 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 income to do it right. I didn’t want to record “Howlin’ and Dying” on a shoestring. The song is too strong. I wanted to make the track sound big. My first record was recorded in a top notch studio and these new recordings have to have the same sound quality. It’s not a complicated song but I wanted to get the arrangement right. The premise is about this Femme Fatale. Everyone has probably had one or two in their lifetime. It’s just hard hitting rock n roll.
AMP: Your new EP comes out in a few months. How stoked are you?
JOHNNY: Very! I really needed to get this out. My first record came out in 2012. I’ve been dying to put out new music since then. When the pandemic hit, it put a hold on things. Now, all the things I wanted to accomplish are becoming a reality. I’m so excited to showcase 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 area. I then learned the bass. Then I moved to guitar because my godfather was playing bass and he wanted to play with me. Actually, for me, the guitar was a little easier to play. When I moved back to Mexico City from Veracruz, I studied composition and arrangement. I wanted to further comprehend musical theory. I’m still learning. In addition, I’ve had some of the greatest teachers.
AMP: How would you describe your internal energy?
JOHNNY: I’m an energetic person but I’m also try to be pretty chill. I try to stay away from that wild rock musician image. I like to hang with my friends and talk. Conversation is more my speed. Like I said, chill.
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 the modern music culture. He also helped spearhead the vinyl revolution. Not only is he an amazing musician but he is also business savvy. To survive in today’s musical environment, you have to understand every facet of the business end. White is definitely a cool guy and I hope to work with him one day.
AMP: Any plans for touring?
JOHNNY: I just played the Viper Room and I have the Whiskey coming up. The extended tour is planned for Sept. or Oct. to align with the EP release. 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 I have two types of fans. The first thing is to enjoy. I want them to play a track and hopefully forget about 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 beginning to happen. I’ve been getting responses from Mexican musicians and bands, thanking me for moving to LA and trying to push forward. They need to see that things can happen with hard work and determination.
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