HHM would like to introduce you to Johnny Crome, a singer/rapper/songwriter from New Haven, Connecticut by way of Brooklyn, New York. His upcoming project "Life In 3D" is lead by "Porn Star", a catchy and melodic single that is sure to peak your interest.
Check out our interview to learn more about this intriguing artist that you need to know.
HHM: Tell us about your project Life In 3D.
JOHNNY: The one question that I've pondered since I was born is, "what is the meaning of life?" It's really a question and theme that fascinates me. So, when I set out to record this project I wanted to touch on a plethora of topics. I wanted to do so by utilizing an array of genres and sounds to express my vision. At the end of the day Life In 3D is not only something that is entertaining, but it's thought provoking as well. In my opinion I think that's what art should be.
HHM: What are some of the challenges you've faced as an independent artist?
JOHNNY: I could run off a laundry list of "challenges", but they wouldn't be anything that you haven't heard before. Ultimately, I don't feel like I face any challenges. My intentions as an artist is to have my art received positively. That's really all I can ask for. Anything more than that is just a cherry on top. If you want to create music or any other art form just to get paid or be famous, then you're doing it for all the wrong reasons. The more people who embrace my music reassure me that I'm doing things the right way and adding positive energy to the world.
HHM: You have a very futuristic sound befitting of the moniker Johnny Crome. What made you decide to take on that name and how did you develop your sound?
JOHNNY: My name is based after a character from a book I read years ago called Come Home Johnny. The book was about the life and times of a futuristic rock star. I became enthralled with the character and I thought the name had a nice ring to it so it just stuck.
My sound is something that I’ve been developing over years. I’ve had the privilege to work with a lot of great producers and artists. So I just tried to learn as much as I can from them.
I have never been afraid to step outside of the boundaries of what people think a "Black" artist should be. I listen to a lot of different genres outside of hip hop. Honestly, I don't consistently listen to a lot of hip hop anymore. Don't get me wrong, everything new that drops I listen to it. And sometimes I find a rare gem, but I do that just to be aware of what’s fresh and what trends are emerging. I am inspired by The Beatles just as much as I'm inspired by Jay-Z. Right now Adele and Florence and The Machine are currently my favorite artists. Hip Hop still sells, but artistically it needs to step its game up.
My music is extremely visual so I draw heavily from films and paintings. I’m a huge fan of directors Ridley Scott and Stanley Kubrick. I love the work of Salvador Dali and Picasso just to name a few. I love architecture as well. I find the structure and design of cathedrals and mausoleums to be very fascinating. My inspiration comes from the extraordinary and the mundane. Therefore, my sound is something that continues to develop and evolve as we speak.
HHM: Do you prefer rapping over singing?
JOHNNY: I honestly don't have a preference. I deliver the record in whatever form it sounds the best. I don't really consider myself a rapper or a singer. I just create visions sonically. I never really know how I'm going to deliver it. I have a very awkward writing style.
I may go in with an idea or concept, but I'm never attached to it. Most of the songs for Life In 3D were written as I was standing in the booth recording. Once I get in front of the mic and I really start vibing to the music, it always changes. I compare my songs to paintings. The music is like a canvas, and it's my job to provide the proper paint to make the picture come together beautifully.
CONNECT
http://www.johnnycromenow.com/
Tweet @KingCrome
Facebook
Media Contact: Laurena Marrone, Grit PR & Promotion
I may go in with an idea or concept, but I'm never attached to it. Most of the songs for Life In 3D were written as I was standing in the booth recording. Once I get in front of the mic and I really start vibing to the music, it always changes. I compare my songs to paintings. The music is like a canvas, and it's my job to provide the proper paint to make the picture come together beautifully.
HHM: What would you like for people to know about you? Why should they follow and become a part of the Johnny Crome experience?
JOHNNY: I speak truth in my lyrics. I have lived a life that a lot of people would die for. However, the topics I write about in my songs are things that truly matter to me. Life, death, love, hate, pain, anger, joy, glory, heaven, hell, religion, sex, money, and politics; these are topics that are important to me. I don't necessarily need people to follow me. I believe the universe attracts like-minded individuals to one another. So if you think in the same lane as I do and you enjoy my music, then that bridge will help us form some type of bond together.
CONNECT
http://www.johnnycromenow.com/
Tweet @KingCrome
Media Contact: Laurena Marrone, Grit PR & Promotion
