Johnny Gates – Brooklyn Nights

By starrymag | November 14, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Ryan Adams is a big influence of mine. The second I heard his Heartbreaker album, I was hooked on the more intimate/stripped singer-songwriter stuff. Bob Dylan is a huge influence for me as a writer. Nirvana and especially Kurt Cobain vocally. Butch Walker and Kings of Leon are also favorites.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Brooklyn Nights.”

A) So, I grew up a couple hours outside of New York City, in Rhode Island, and this one girlfriend of mine, and I, always dreamed about living in Brooklyn. So, we’d take the train down a lot and just walk around planning our future there.

The relationship ultimately didn’t work out and a couple years later I was back in NY on tour, so I went over to Brooklyn to kill some time. It was my first time there without her and it just felt different. Not better or worse, just different. I went back to the venue after that and started writing the song downstairs in the green room.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think the emotions in the song are so real for me that, hopefully, it shines through and the listener is able to not only feel that, but maybe it sparks some similar emotions in them. And I think people can just relate to the story of a relationship just not working out and missing someone.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) So, what’s so cool about the video is we went to Brooklyn and shot everything there. It was important for everyone involved in the video for this to feel very true to Brooklyn, and I really think we captured that. It was such a blast and we had the best time ever.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) For me, I try to emulate the vibe of a band practice or live show when I write. So, I’ll drag my equipment down to the rehearsal spot I have here in LA and just plug in and play and sing it out. Once I have an idea I’m into I’ll take that and record a demo at my place. I’ll try to get whatever is in my head out, so once we really head into the studio, we have a rough draft to work with.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I try to be very involved in the entire recording process. Some of the final vocals and guitar stuff were actually recorded in my apartment, but it’s really a team effort once we jump into the studio and I’ve been fortunate to have a couple close friends who I’ve been working on this music with. David LaBrel has been producing the EP and we’ve been having so much fun just messing with the songs and ideas. He’s such a talented guy and you can totally hear his signature vibe on the record.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Johnny Gates performance?

A) I really try to make sure every single performance is special and different whenever I jump on stage. Some of the set is me and electric, which has a more raw vibe. But most is just me and an acoustic, which I love because it creates a very intimate and personal experience. And in between songs is always fun and random and a cool way to just connect with the people in the room.

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

A) Yes! There will definitely be a full EP coming right after the new year!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) Cities I’ve lived in are always fun so Providence, Nashville and LA are always a blast, with NY threw in there because so many of my dear friends live there. But I really love the Pacific Northwest, Chicago, Colorado, etc. I could go on and on. [laughs] Honestly, it’s just a blast to be able to play anywhere.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I’d love to do something with Phoebe Bridgers. Her songs are just great and I’m a big fan of her voice. That would be cool to link up in the future.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I’m always listening to Kings of Leon. I’m such a fan of everything they do and I think Caleb [Followill] is such a great writer and has such a badass tone to his voice. I love how raw the recordings are.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think social media works best when you treat it like an extension of yourself. So, for me, it’s a cool place to post pics, clips of music, live clips and all that. I just try to think back to when I was a teen searching the internet for clips from my favorite bands. So, I try to post whatever teenage me would be looking for. And it’s just a fun way to interact with fans from all over the world.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I’d just really like to say thank you for following me on this journey. I fell in love with music when I was watching bands play shows back in Providence. I know how important the relationship is between the bands on stage and the fans that fill the room. It’s a special bond, that I truly value so much, and just want to say thank you again for supporting music and allowing this ride to continue. I’m so lucky to have you in my corner and getting to talk to you guys online and at shows is such a blast. See you all soon!