John Dissed A little chat with singer and multi-instrumentalist John Dissed. Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself, and your band. John: My main gig for the past few years has been as guitarist for LA's female-fronted punks Bull Lee. My solo acoustic music is a big departure in sound, but I approach the guitar playing with the same intensity as the band. I call them "songs to stir your senses". I've been writing and recording solo acoustic songs since the end of 2007. In 2008 I posted a new song every week on Myspace, alternating between originals and covers. The originals comprise 5 EPs and the covers are posted online for free download for anyone who signs my email list at www.johndissed.com. LB: How did you start out making music? John: I was dancing to my father's jazz albums before I could talk. My favorite was the opening song of The 2nd John Handy Album. To keep me out of my dad's records, my parents got me a little toy record player and tons of classic rock and Motown 45s. I used to play those records non-stop. A few years later I discovered KISS and knew from that day forward I knew I had to play rock n' roll forever. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you're doing now? John: I went through various phases that all contribute to my current style. Classic rock, metal, punk, new wave, goth, alternative, soul, jazz, pop, classical. My dad made me learn classical guitar before he'd let me get an electric so I spent over two years studying as a kid, then went to college for guitar performance. I got sidetracked there, got a masters, then eventually made it back to where I originally started, playing the music I love. LB: Tell us about your latest release. John: The latest album to appear online is my third EP from last year's Song a Week project, called Devil By My Side. The songs range in subject matter from the deeply personal to political. The tone of the record is pretty negative I guess, but there is humor in there too, especially in the title track. The only song on the album with positive overtones is sort of a tribute to someone I dated back in the day who inspired me to better myself. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? John: I have done some short performances here and there locally but have not embarked on the non-stop tour that I have planned. The band has done over 80 shows since we started in '05. With the solo music, I'm just getting started. One of the main reasons I went solo was because it's more affordable to travel and play alone than with a band, which is my life's dream. I have wanted to travel and play music all my life. LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? John: I love songs: writing, arranging, recording, performing. Songs are a great mystery. They aren't like paintings or sculptures that you can wrap your hands around. They are invisibly mysterious and powerful. I'm not a religious person but songs are the most supernatural aspect of our life experience. With only 12 notes there are infinite possibilities, and where they come from I don't know. I am chasing that mystery and will until the day I die. LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? John: You can find me at http://johndissed.com. There you will see links to everything I have for sale. If you sign my email list I will send you a link to a page where you can download the 26 covers for free. Songs by Rancid, Tom Petty, Springsteen, Ginger Wildheart, KISS, The Clash and much more. http://www.myspace.com/johndissed http://johndissed.blogspot.com/ http://www.johndissed.com/