Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with johnny bottos
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
The first time I listened to my now favourite band Metallica. I heard Enter Sandman in my early teen years and loved it!
How did your passion for creating music begin?
When I got my first acoustic guitar and played metal on it. I was quite young maybe around 10-12 years old when I started.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The current music project is inspired from the way the world is. It dives into mental health issues experienced by many people. The hardships of life and social media’s influence on people. There is also a song about substance abuse and one about one of my family members which is an emotional song for me. I use the negatives in the world and turn them into positive songs that give me and hopefully others strength.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would describe it as unique and my version of trying to create something different. You either love it or hate it.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
You really need to explore and try new things on the guitar. Don’t be afraid to mess around, make things that may sound strange but actually are very interesting. People like something that sounds different and I found when I made strange different things I really appreciated my own music more.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My amazing electric guitar and bass guitar collection. Garage band is a tool I use to make demos before bringing them to life. But without Mike Trubetskov my music producer and Marko Duplisak doing vocals it would be impossible to create my music. You can have all the software in the world but the true art of music comes from the minds of creatives.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There is a guy I follow on Instagram he’s not well known but he’s super talented. His name is Simon Bosshart and he plays many instruments!
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
They are the single thing defining my songs. Everything I make is either a personal experience or a take of something I have seen or heard.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I want them to feel powerful and strong. I hope they get the feeling that they are not alone and we all go through the good and bad emotions. Hopefully my listeners will use my songs as the drive they need to get through anything.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me who I am and acceptance. I don’t need to be anything but who I am. Music has taught me to be comfortable being uncomfortable, to realise that we are all human and we go through things and that’s okay it’s what makes us truely who we are.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
To me I don’t have any dream venue I would just love to perform in general. I’m so passionate about music that I don’t mind having 2 listeners or 5000000. I’m doing what I love and anytime I’m doing it I’m happy.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Metallica. They have been my favourite band of all time. I have listened to their music for 20 years and to create a song with them would be a true dream!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
To perform my songs live with my singer and an entire band.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they eventually recognise the face and person behind the songs. I feel like people know my music but not so much me.
