“You’re a psychopath – and it takes one to know one”  Studio rat JOHNNY NAILS prepares to ‘Savor The Blood’

SEATLLE studio rat, road warrior and psych-shredder JOHNNY NAILS releases latest album ‘Savor The Blood,’ via Killroom Records.

It’s loud, loose, prime prog rock mischief, swinging violently between heavyweight instrumental workouts and personal vignettes, all delivered with an admirable, raw, first-take energy.

A Gibson-endorsed multi-instrumentalist, Johnny Nails [Ryan Leyva] grew up absorbing everything he laid his ears on before cutting his teeth with Michael Shrieve’s Tangletown.

“The album was a long time in the making so I’m happy to see it coming out to the world,” he said. “It was built and recorded during the middle of the pandemic. The songs, sounds, and vibes were influenced by anxiety and insanity, but I hope the love pours through to you. 

“I am an artist that thrives on studio energy. Did it feel good? Keep it. Was it perfect? Who cares?! But when you have a crew like I do, first takes are the takes sometimes. ‘Taking Tea with Mr Crowley’ take one. Much to some of our chagrin at first, but I think we are happy with it in the end. I knew it at the last note, and I can’t imagine it any different now.

“The album is full of these energies, the subject matter is all over the place: Light and dark. Fuck you. I love you. Goodbye. Hello. You’re a psychopath, and it takes one to know one.” 

“Thank you to the amazing Andy King on drums, Aldo Galatioto on guitars, Mike Sparks on bass, Billy Stover on keys, Matt Bayles on engineering and mixing, and mastering by Ed Brooks. We all had our part in making this record what it is, and I am super proud of the noises we ended up now sharing with the world. Truly one of my happiest times in the studio with this group of people.”

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(Photos © Monique Robert)