Buzz about a new CD out and upcoming Albuquerque tour date made me want to find out more about Phantoms, a Seattle based rock band. The unexpected but certainly welcome result of that curiosity is an exclusive Glide Magazine interview with lead singer Johnny. I want to give a special thanks to their agent, 4Perzi for supplying unfettered access to this upcoming band that has been described as, "fresh, interesting, thought-provoking rock!"
How did Phantoms come together?
I wanted to write and play the music that was in my head. I wanted to have complete control over my sound. So I learned to play all the instruments I wanted to use and started recording the songs I heard in my head. From there I found guys who believe in that sound and enjoy playing that sound; phantoms is the result.
So what made you take the leap from complete control to seeking out band members?
Over the course of the past ten years, I slowly got fed up with the egos and drama that come with collaborative songwriting in a band setting. Who knows, perhaps my ego was the problem! Haha. Either way, I wanted to do exactly what I wanted to do, so I locked myself in a home studio for a month and started creating the sound that is Phantoms. By experimenting with different sounds and instruments I was able to put together the soundtrack that would be the foundation of what we are now. When I came out of the studio a month later, I was asked to open a show for local alternative station, 1077 The End. Little did they know I did not yet have a band and the show was 10 days away! I put up ads on the internet and found my guitar player, John Luzzi, who called his friend and drummer, Nick Anderson. Two puzzle pieces in place, two to go. Facebook answered my call for a keyboard player: I posted a status update saying I needed one and an old friend, Trong Nguyen, replied. Randomly I got an email with a YouTube video of this guy shredding on the bass. He said his name was Doug Rehfeldt and he loved my material and wanted to give the music biz one last shot. A couple days later we played our first show to a sold out crowd.
Good Story! What inspires your music?
Lyrically I am inspired by intense feeling and emotion. Whether it be heartache or injustice, if I feel strongly about it, that is what will come out in my songs.
What is your best show to date?
Our CD release party at the Hard Rock Cafe in Seattle was definitely our best show yet. It was the culmination of a year of hard work. It was nice to see that so many people believe in what we are doing.
Anyone you particularly would like to play with?
There are a number of artists I would love to work with all across the musical board. But I have read some interviews with MUSE and I think the lead singer and I would see eye-to-eye on a lot subjects.
Craziest fan?
We have a few Internet stalkers. One in particular continually insists we get married. I find it endearing.
I like that. Where can people find your music?
iTunes and most other digital retailers. Check out whatisphantoms.com and add us at facebook.com/phntms.
Upcoming Shows:
September 23 at Flipside Lounge in Pocatella, Idaho/ September 25 at the State Fair in Albuquerque, NM/ September 26 at Lions Lair in Denver, CO/ October 1st at Crocodile Cafe in Seattle, WA.
