(Melodic Rock) Johnny Bennett - Blurred Lines - 2012, MP3, 320 kbps

So, it's the day before Christmas Eve, work is done and the rain is pouring down to put an end to any thoughts of nipping to the shops to do a little last minute shopping. What else to do apart from have a quick catch up with one of the most exciting talents I've been lucky enough to cover since Uber Rock finally gave in to my threats and let me 'help out'.

Johnny Bennett joined me to give us the lowdown on where he's at career wise at the moment, not to mention which state he's currently hanging out in, I could feel the early morning Nashville humidity creeping out the wires and defrosting my chilly Welsh toes.....

Hey there, first of all thanks for giving us a little of your time Johnny, I guess it's pretty early there in LA?

Hey Jamie, Good to be with you. Well yes it's a bit early here; I'm actually in Nashville, TN today. But never too early to talk music.

Oh, Nashville. Okay, so to quickly fill our readers in, you've released two excellent albums in recent years, but for one reason and another you've just signed to a new label, Blue Pie Records I believe, and it looks like they are getting right behind you, do you want to elaborate for us?

Thanks man, I'm glad you're enjoying them. Yes, I released 'The Violet Hush' in 2009 and 'Gone Missing' this past year both on my independent label, False Momentum. I did my very best to release and promote these albums on my own with the help of publicists, radio promoters etc. but when the opportunity came around to sign on with Blue Pie Records I felt the move would really allow me the chance to better reach the world and bring these albums above the radar.

Absolutely. It must be incredibly hard work trying to do everything independently. So, the new release is a 'new album' which is really tracks from both independent releases, yes? Was it hard to decide what to include and what to leave out?Well, Blue Pie really liked both albums and felt I could benefit from a more focused compilation of the two. The album just released, it's titled 'Blurred Lines' and focuses on the more rock side of what I do. When I was recording 'The Violet Hush' and 'Gone Missing' the goal with producer, Duane Lundy, was to deliver a varied look at what I do including sleazy rock tracks, acoustic ballads and songs that connect the two. Those are the albums that I've been drawn to over the years namely the third Led Zeppelin release. But I agreed that more focus initially with the label made sense. Yes, it was hard to pick the twelve tracks for 'Blurred Lines'. We took the seven rock leaning tracks from 'The Violet Hush' and five from 'Gone Missing'. I'm very pleased with the playlist but I'm also hoping that listeners will find the two original albums and discover songs like 'New War Countries', 'Simple Sugar', 'One Night Bag' etc, which I feel are important

That's understandable, makes good sense I'd say and I'm sure a lot of Uber Rock's followers would be more likely to latch onto the more rock orientated sounds of yours. So, I see that you also have a track on the CD that accompanies Classic Rock magazine's AOR offshoot: is that one of the perks of having a label behind you, to get into that territory?That was a cool opportunity that came from my publicist in the UK, Nicky at Two Side Moon Publicity. Nicky has been working hard over there to create opportunities for 'Gone Missing' primarily. The UK has really responded more to what I do than any other market. I made three trips to London in 2009 to promote 'The Violet Hush' via Fifth Element PR, Jeff Chegwin Promotion, my UK manager Tal Russ and my agent Harry Farmer. This great team got me great support on BBC Radio 2, awesome reviews and some important shows including the Cobden Club in London. I'm very much looking forward to be back over there in 2012 and features like the AOR cover mount CD will certainly help. As you might know I recorded 'Gone Missing' just outside of London at The Dog House Studio in the small village of Shiplake.

Yes, I did read that 'Gone Missing' was recorded in England; I also see some favourable comments from esteemed names such as the BBC's Janice Long. It must be a very exciting time for you? Also, as you mentioned Zeppelin, what other artists would you count as influential to you?

Yes, it's very exciting to have people respond to my music. I've been basically unknown for some time and to have the chance to make my mark is an unbelievable feeling. I'm hugely influenced by classic rock 'n' roll. The Who, David Bowie, Iggy and the Stooges, T. Rex, The Doors, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. I also have strong ties to acoustic artists including Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Stephen Stills, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. These are the bands I grew up with really but there are hundreds of other bands I really love that in one way or another have touched my song writing like The Black Crowes, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Chris Whitley etc. I try to let these influences touch but not control what I do as sometimes it can be a double edged sword when attempting to keep things fresh and even slightly original.

For sure. Well it works, as I'd definitely say I could pick out some of the rock influences in your music without it sounding anything at all like any of them....I guess that kinda makes sense!?!? So, exciting times ahead for you Johnny, and it sounds like you've paid your dues. So, what's next? Will there be touring to support 'Blurred Lines'? You did mention visiting the UK, or back to the studio?

Cool; that's the idea to sort of be part of that classic rock family in a way. I have the greatest respect for those artists and I hope one day to thank them for inspiring my career. What's next? Well I'll be working hard to support Blue Pie Records in the release of 'Blurred Lines' with select touring here in the States as well as in the UK in 2012. I'll plan to focus on the markets that respond via press and radio but I must admit that the UK feels like home to me and I can't wait to return. I'm currently writing the material that will be the follow-up to 'Blurred Lines'. The working title for the next release is 40-0. I have about 25 songs written so far and I'll have 40 before I head back into the studio sometime next summer. Being in the studio is such a magic time really and I can't wait to get to it.

Sounds like a plan! I'll look forward to catching a live show when you land here. In the meantime I see you've also just put out a Christmas song, which you'll be glad to hear I've downloaded officially just this morning. Johnny, thank you so much for giving us a little of your time. On behalf of Uber Rock I'd like to wish you all the very best of luck with everything.

That's great man; I hope you enjoy the seasonal release. Thanks very much Jamie for having me on. It really means the world to me to have folks like you supporting what I do. You really inspire me to keep on keeping on. All the best man!