Johnny Melrose (Project 25) A few words with Johnny Melrose, who records under the moniker Project 25. Johnny plays guitars, drums, keys, sax, percussion and, on occasion, some vocals too. Leicester Bangs: Tell us a little about yourself. Johnny: I come from Dearborn (Detroit), Michigan.  My current day job is being a full time student at the university.  After 9 years driving a forklift for Home Depot, I’m back in school.  When I get out, I should have a degree in finance and accounting (odd for a musician, I know!), and hope to run the finances for one or more charities or non-profit organizations.  I want my work to do something, other than climb me up the corporate ladder. Project 25 has been my band since 1995, and aside of some occasional guests on the albums, I’m the only member.  The first 11 years, I just made cheap CD-R albums for my friends and family.  In 2006, I attempted to go semi-professional and have real discs made up.  I did the same with my latest, “Black Chapel”, and am hoping this will be the first album I sell publicly. LB: How did you start out making music? Johnny: Literally one-step at a time.  I was all excited about the drums as a kid, so Dad bought me drum lessons.  Then in high school, I was jealous of how much fun my guitar friends were having, so I learned guitar.  Later I learned how to convert guitar chords to piano chords, thus opening up organ, piano and all the other keys.  My latest endeavor is attempting to learn a little saxophone. LB: Who did you grow up listening to and how do they influence what you’re doing now? Johnny: I grew up listening to all the classic rock my Dad had on the radio. But growing up in the 90s, I also had the music of the day as an influence... everything from Snoop Dogg to Nirvana and the grunge stuff.  My favorites will always be the old rockers though... Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dylan, Petty, Steely Dan… As with most artists, everything I’ve liked over the years has a little claim to the sound of my music today.  These days I try to have the laid back soulful rock of the Stones and Dylan, while balancing it out with the precision jazz of Steely Dan. LB: Tell us about your latest release. Johnny: Brand new from this August is “Black Chapel”.  There’s a reason I’ve waited past my first 15 albums before using “Black Chapel” as my introduction to the general public.  It’s a good, solid album and I’m proud of it. The sound is as crisp as it’s ever been.  The vocals are decent.  It just radiates and showcases that old school, laid back, classic Project 25 feel. LB: Do you get out and play your music live, and if so, what can an audience expect at one of your shows? Johnny: For now, I’m just a studio guy.  Despite how easy Blues Brothers Jake and Ellwood make it look to put a soul band together, they don’t come cheap.  I don’t want to go out and play live with a half-ass band.  My music doesn’t fit in with a power trio, or a lone guy and acoustic at the coffee shop. My live performances (which will eventually happen) need horns, keys, backup singers, etc.  You get the picture.  Don’t fear though, Project 25 will play your town someday! LB: What aspects of playing and recording music do you most enjoy? Johnny: I can’t give you a fresh new answer for this.  The artists throughout history have said it right on each time; the best part of playing and recording music is getting to express myself the best way I know how.  Self-expression is very self-fulfilling.  I also love putting the tracks together like a puzzle.  All the tweaking through the recording process is a bunch of fun.  Lastly, I love delivering a new album to my faithful fans that actually await them.  It honestly makes my day! LB: Where can people find (and buy) your music? Johnny: Check out CD Baby and iTunes (links below). www.cdbaby.com/project25 www.myspace.com/project25usa