Artists/Band : Ash Black
Music Genre : Rock
Websites or Social Media Pages
Instagram: ashblack7777
FB: Ash Black (band site) or see Johnny Black
Johnny Black,
What Musical Genre Do You Feel Best Describes Your Music And How Would You Describe Your Sound?
My music is hard rock and evocative of the early 70’s with great hooks and poetic lyrics. Think about a mix of Cream, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, UFO, The Cult.
How Did You Get Your Name? Is There A Story?
I was just trying word combinations for about 3 years haha!
What Are or Have Been Your Musical Influences?
I’m a classically trained performer on piano, trumpet and picked up guitar and bass as a fun side thing to do. I adore Chopin. But my eclecticism shines through with my jazz influences from Oscar Peterson to Jelly Roll Morton to contemporary rock artists like Pagey, Blackmore, Duffy, and Lemme. I especially love the blues and get mesmerized by the likes of Freddy King, Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker. It’s really been that way since my folks bought me a Yamaha acoustic guitar at age 11 – along with LED Zeppelin I. Nevertheless, I incorporate jazz chords and progressions in many of my songs – think about the cascade of chords at the very beginning of “White Room” by Cream. Kinda competes with metalcore intensity! Other players that I admire are guys like Sin Quirin of Ministry – yeah dude he can shred. 🤘🏼
What Are You Working On Now? Any Future Collaborations We Can Look Forward To?
The pandemic certainly caused a crisis in the ability to work as normal. I turned to an A&R outfit to assist in getting license/publishing deals and in March of 202O I inked an exclusive deal with Expressive Artists of Beverly Hills and have also published and licensed some of my other tracks with an imprint named Alley’s Pad Publishing. Right now we are waiting for the virus surge to subside so we can go back into the studio and continue producing.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry? What Is Your Plan Of Action?
I certainly would like to produce other bands but I truly enjoy writing, recording and playing shows and regional tours. Nevertheless, publishing is the lifeblood of a solid career and at this point I’ve got the time to be indulgent with crafting songs and work on the arrangements more and wring out some verse that is substantial and transcendent.
What Is Your Favorite Track To Perform Live and Why?
The sheer locomotive weight of hard rocker “Dodgin’God & The Devil” is our encore song and I’m so grateful for the reception from fans and the music industry. It’s everyone’s favorite and we love kickin’ out the jams.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
Two things: First trying to get signed; Maintaining personnel.
What’s Your Typical Songwriting Process?
Most of the time I start messing with my old Yamaha acoustic. Sometimes a good chord or two falls out of it.
How Has Social Media Influenced Your Career As An Artist?
Ironically, it hasn’t really been an expansive experience really.
What Are Some Tracks and Artists Currently On Your Playlist?
New Candys – Bleeding Magenta album
Sad Planets – Akron, Ohio album
Disturbed – Invincible album
All Them Witches – 1X1
Jazz Messengers
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
I wrote my first song at age 8 so I guess I was playing in the woods if I wasn’t playing piano or going to school.
Any Advice For Young People (Men or Women) That Want To Succeed In The Music World?
Follow your heart but keep the brass ring in your mind. Goals made are the yard lines to success. Any musician needs to work very hard at their art, from instrumental work, to writing to performing in an ensemble.
What Would You Change In The Music Industry If You Were A Top Music Executive?
I would expand equity. It’s like any worthy artist is squinting through a keyhole that will not open the door. The economics are difficult because the medium has been diluted by digital files. The vinyl fashion flair really exposes what people miss about a “record collection” and the spinning ambiance. Even CDs offered some value. Liner notes!
How Do You Feel About Originality?
I write exclusively original music. I’ve always preferred to.
Is There Anything Else We Should Know About You Or That You Would Like to Add?
Yes. Currently the Broadjam production music charts hold two of my songs in the Top 10. In 2010 I wrote, produced, mixed and mastered an electronica album. My nom de plume “Transoniq Johnny /The Life of a Phoenix” It briefly topped The Indie Music Channel’s chart in late 2011. I love skiing, surfing, the desert southwest and my Belgian Malinois “Blackie” (FoxxyDogg)