Close to the completion of his sophomore release rapper and comic enthusiast Johnny Utah chatted to Ripe Community about penguins, life on tour and his upcoming album.
Why Johnny Utah?
During High School my friends are I were massive Point Break nerds, and watched it more times than I can count, and I, for some unknown reason, changed my myspace name or something to Johnny Utah and it just stuck.
Favourite three rappers of all time?
P.O.S, Brother Ali, and the third changes constantly!
What are your main influences, musically or otherwise?
Musically the above two are artists have really left a mark on me, They’re just two musicians that no matter how many songs or albums they make, don’t seem to lose that passion and intensity that drew me in. My friends and crew IFS are also major players in the way I make music in a million and one ways.
You have recently returned from Mind Over Matter’s “Just Like Fireworks” tour. Any highlights?
Aside from the ballistic crowds and the countless people showing up with M.O.M tattoos, My personal highlight reel includes; freezing Smiles Agains boxer shorts in a motel freezer and having to leave without them, Willow nuggeting my bag (turning it inside out, zipping all of my shit up inside it, and coating it in toothpaste), and I went missing for 3-4 hours in Melbourne, so I assume I had a good time.
If you could be any superhero within the Marvel universe who would it be?
I’ve taken countless minutes to think about this, and I feel like I’d choose Wolverine. He looks like he could grow a great beard, has adamantium claws, and once got hurled into the Sun, and still managed to claw his way back. Boss.
The Welcoming Party EP has just sold out until repress. How does that feel?
Really weird. It’s strange to think that I don’t have any copies of it sitting in a box in my room.. The last few shows I’ve played I’ve had nothing to hustle, so it’s been a bit odd just playing and not trying to convince someone to buy my CD, haha.
Your rapping style has a distinctly Minneapolis vibe. If you could collaborate with anyone from Doomtree or Rhymesayers who would it be and why?
P.O.S in a heartbeat. The guy is actually just a freak in every sense of the word. Incredible rapper, Incredible producer, and over-all just strikes a chord with me.
Some common misconceptions about Johnny Utah include that you are a penguin training space consultant from Maitland. Would you like to clear up any of these observations?
I cannot confirm nor deny that I’ve trained penguins in the past or am a recognised consultant for NASA, But I am not from Maitland.
Tell us a little bit about the song writing process. How do you begin?
Um.. I’d like to give you a big, deep explanation.. But basically, I get a beat, and I just write if the vibe hits me. I don’t ever really set out to write a topic, It’s generally just whatever I’m feeling when I hear the beat.
Your influences are obviously more varied than just hip hop. Can you tell us about some of your favourite non hip hop albums?
I change my answer to this question so much. So I’ll just tell you what albums are getting rotation at the moment - Gaslight Anthem - American Slang, Paul Dempsey - Everything Is True, Against Me! - New Wave, and I’m also really keen to check out the new City and Colour album that just dropped, haha.
Best hangover cure?
Avocado, Mayo, Cheese and Tomato Relish on sour dough toast. Thanks, Gina!
The Welcoming Party EP sampled a mixed bag of artists from Coco Rosie to The Eels to Sum 41. Can we expect the same sort of variety production wise on the new album?
Indeed you should. I’m a massive fan of sampling that sort of stuff, and again Elgen is handling the production, and he’s got a great handle on sampling less than conventional songs, so we ran with that formula again, and we’re both really happy with it.
Any gigs coming up?
I’m taking a little break from the live show to put the finishing touches on my album before the rest of IFS choke me to death, but check http://www.facebook.com/OfficialJohnnyUtah and you’ll get any updates as they come in.
Thanks for your time JU! Cannot wait to hear the new album. Any last words or shout outs?
Any time! Last words… Handful of Gravel, 2011. Cop that. Shout outs to the IFS family, The NGC, Elgen, Black Magic, Prem Bedlam, DJ Ntaprize and DJ DNL! Thanks for having me Gina!
