It had been quite a while since we've seen or heard from Johnny McDougal after his huge surprise performance at TA this year which blew the audience away. We were able to track him down by taking the long drive through West Virginia to his home and recording studio nestled in the hills among some beautiful scenery. As soon as I walked in I could hear some gritty slide guitar mixed with some traditional folk instruments like banjo and mandolin. I stood in the booth watching him do his work and making some beautiful noise with his solo project before he caught sight of me. He gave me a small smile and nod holding up a finger to let me know he'd be a minute before he finished. Then he stepped out of the booth wearing a backwards trucker hat, a misfits shirt, some worn out jeans, and chuck taylors. He looked like a mix of redneck and punk rock with the clothes he was wearing. Then he took off his hat and shook my hand walking me through his studio giving me a small tour before heading upstairs to his back yard. He looked off into the expanse of his back yard where I could hear the whisper of falling water that was rather tranquil and relaxing to listen to. Then he lit up a cigarette and took a drag while he sat down. After he pulled me up a seat he smiled and nodded once more.Johnny: Ready to get this thing off the ground?
He laughed and leaned back in his chair throwing his legs up on the table getting himself comfortable as he addressed me. I'm their ghost writer and interviewer who has been a close friend of Johnny's for a long long time. Sometimes it's surreal to see how far he's come. Johnny's told me many times he'd rather me conduct their interviews and reviews than Rolling Stone any day. Which is kind of flattering. Though they seem more receptive to Alternative Press.GW: Yeah man as always. Good too see you. You've been hiding out for a while after that huge surprise performance at TA that nobody saw coming. What's the story?
Johnny: Oh man. That was something even we didn't suspect. A lot of artists ended up cancelling at the last minute and they needed people bad. So we decided to show up and blow up the stage at the very last minute. People had been waiting for us to come back for a while. We decided to do it in style. Though following Electrodeath was pretty difficult. But the response was amazing and I loved every minute of it.
GW: You guys haven't missed a beat. You played some new stuff and old stuff as well. Your sound seems to have changed a bit and you're taking in a different direction. Especially with that first song you played. Who you dedicated to somebody you have fond feelings for. But besides that it does seem that the band is trying something different.
Johnny: Yeah I'll be honest and straight with you. That song was for Lily Abbot. I am pretty fond of her. We never really got a chance to really take things any where. Touring schedules and things got in the way of it. But that's life. I won't lie and sit here saying I still don't have feelings for her. I do. As for the band well yeah we're wanting to try to have a more fuller sound I guess you could say. That's more of an alternative country punk kind of think that's a whole lot of rock n' roll as well. We just want a bigger sound that's more substantial than just the stripped down punk rock sound. Add more to the mix I guess. But that doesn't mean we're ditching our old stuff entirely. Just adding something new to a formula that's already working for us.
GW: Lily huh? I thought so. Anyway glad you're taking the band somewhere new. You were working your solo project's next album when I came weren't you? What's the deal with it so far and what can we expect?
Johnny: Yeah we've been hiding out working on the new album which is undergoing a title change along with some musical changes as well. We're going to be focusing on mostly electric/acoustic blues and country music. Mixing it with some traditional folk instruments like banjo and mandolin. Bringing in Joe's wife to do some backing vocals on a track and just really make another great rootsy type album. I've been having a lot of fun working on it and trekking around the woods in my back yard during the down time. Everything's been going well.
GW: Your Grandad's working on a new album with you as well right?
Johnny: That's been under wraps but yes we have. He's been sick though and we hope it's not too serious. Doctor's say he could have throat cancer. So we're hoping and praying that everything's good right now. But we have recorded a few songs for another album that he'd been wanting to do. Stepping in the studio with him is always a joy and more fun than anything else.
GW: So needless to say you've been busy but just enjoying your down time after that little surprise performance.
Johnny: Pretty much. It was a way of letting all the fans know that we weren't disappearing off the map. The way we did it was enjoyable as well and as I said the response was absolutely fucking incredible. We weren't expecting the roof to blow off the place but man did it ever! It's that kind of thing that makes you enjoy what you do and keep playing music. But I've been enjoying my time off and recording. In the mean time I plan to play around the tri-state area for a few small acoustical dates to keep the engines running for the live show. Because if you don't play live enough you kind of forget how it feels. You never want to stay stagnant on the live touring end of it all.
GW: That makes pretty good sense really when you put it all together that way. Your surprise appearance at the end of TA was very incredible as well. You busted out some new stuff and some old stuff that just sounded great all around. Besides yourself and recording have you been keeping up with anybody else lately?
Johnny: Yeah, naturally I keep an eye on Erich Hess and his gang of friendly misfits. I also enjoy Ellie-Grace Summers, Julia Volkova, Radio Vine of whom I send out my most heartfelt of feelings too for what she's going through currently, Jason Smith, Misery Loves Company, The Devil You Know, Abie Lena, and I've just started getting into Riot! In The Boulevard. Not sure how I missed them but they blew me away at the Field Trip Fest. I love musicians with fire and energy. Amy Meyer has that in bunches and to see her go off like a fire cracker on stage is something excellent to see. I've performed with Erich at least but I'd love to perform with the rest of the artists eventually. I respect all of them.
GW: So we can expect some slight touring and a new album coming out in the near future?
Johnny: Most definitely. It's going to be a good one and I put a lot of work into it. I also can't wait to get out there on the road for a little bit either. I enjoy playing small clubs for acoustical gigs because they're just more fun and you can connect with the audience more. So I'll see you and everybody else when I get out there! Keep an eye out for my new album. Also I thank everybody that gave us a great reaction at Total Annihlation! It was one of the highlights of the band's career and mine.
GW: Thanks man. I always love coming out here to get away and interview you. It's always a pleasure.
Johnny: No problem my friend.
After the interview with Johnny he and I shared a joint then bullshitted about some things that will stay off the record for this interview. I took a hike with him through the forest trails behind his home then spent an evening with him and his band jamming in the studio having a great time with him as always. I took the long trip home feeling pretty satisfied with my visit as usual. Knowing that Johnny was obviously gearing up for another damn good album and was sure he'd put on another great series of shows when he went out on the road. The unique talent that this man possesses as a musician, song writer, and story teller never ceases to amaze me. I feel this is still just the beginning of a great career that he's going to have.Edited by user 27 June 2012 05:11:28(UTC)
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