By BRUCE DENNILL
Future Radio recently exploded onto the scene with debut single and music video Fire And Fire. In a time of global disillusionment as social unrest, protest and lockdowns weigh heavy on humanity this timeous track makes its clamant arrival, warning of the dangers of authoritarianism and blind patriotism.
“The original idea behind the song was to reflect on the growing divide between the right- and left-wing politics, but I never thought that this song would become even more relevant considering what’s happening in the world,” says frontman Johnny Future. “Fire with Fire is social commentary directed at political leaders that encourages hate and violence on both sides of the political spectrum.”
Fire With Fire is taken from Future Radio’s debut album, Freedom. The band calls their genre “Future Rock”. Johnny Future is the musical force and frontman, writing, arranging and producing the song as well as playing guitar and singing.
“Influence” is a loaded, often misunderstood concept. An artist may sound similar to another but have no knowledge of them, or be a super-fan of someone whose output is completely different to their own. Who or what was the artist, album, song, era or scene that initially mapped out the road to you becoming a musician?
I grew up with music playing around the house, but I think the first artist who really grabbed me was Elvis. I clearly remember listening and miming along with his records.
Has that changed over the years? If so, how and why, and what are you currently exploring?
As a lover of music, I think my musical tastes are quite broad and it really depends on what I’m in the mood for. I love classical music, jazz, country, rock, blues – really a mixed bag that changes often.
Name one song you wish you’d written or one you’d like to be known as the definitive interpreter of. What makes that song so important?
It would probably be Don’t Look Back In Anger by Oasis. I’m currently in a Noel Gallagher phase and that is just a great song. I believe a good song should be able to translate across genres and eras, and that song does both.
In production and arrangement terms, what are facets of your music and the music you love most by others that you feel are crucially important in terms of creating the mood you’re after or supporting the message of your song?
This is a tough one because a great song is a combination of various things. When I write for Future Radio, I make sure that the song has a strong and memorable riff, thought-provoking lyrics and dynamics between tension and release and light and shade.
What’s your favourite piece of gear?
Must be my Fender Strat, which I’ve customised slightly. I’ve taken out the middle tone knob and moved the pickup selector in its place, mainly because I keep hitting when I really get into it. I’ve also replaced the tuners with locking tuners and replaced the bridge.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”default_sidebar”][/vc_column][/vc_row]