FREESTLE INTERVIEW 2003: JOHNNY O - UPDATE
So Johnny, the last time Freestylemania talked to you was on our last interview with you prior to the release of your album, Sounds of My Heart, in early 2002. Tell us what you have been doing?
 Well at this very moment my career is making people rethink their opinions about me! In Europe they have embraced me with open arms, the shock of seeing my performance and charisma that I project, has captivated their hearts. Back home in America my main purpose is to break the shackles off my feet, and to reveal to my homeland I am more than what meets the eye? And with this album I am achieving that goal. I have and will continue to promote “The Sounds of My Heart,” my latest new album as my master piece, musical art.

You recently finished up a performance at Parti Gras in Exit NYC. How was the experience for you? With the success of that concert, do you feel freestyle still burns in the hearts of many?
 it was incredible it reminded me of the glory days of Freestyle, to see all those screaming fans and knowing that they consist of all ages is a realty that I am so appreciative of. The night it self was a dream, the energy, excitement, support, fans, friends and performers it was fabulous. Louie, that night opened my eyes to the possibility that it is going to all start all over again, but this time it going to be very different. I’m going to do it right!

 

To The Fans: Johnny O Message

Its my understanding that you have been touring in Germany at various venues......how has that been and what do the Europeans think of your new music?
There is a total acceptance and an enthusiastic atmosphere about my return and future. To my understanding I am looking forward to an exciting and adventurous career in Europe. They know and love my music very well. And so far the reports regarding the reviews about my new album have been awesome! So it’s going to take time but I am confident about the future, you must understand that it is easier to present new material out in Europe because they are very open and supportive with regards to my musical career because they haven’t experience my presentation and performance.

The new song "Take Me through the Night" is being released now in the US. Tell us what we can expect from this new single?
A lot of noise, positive reviews, huge support, surprising radio ads, and just an over all shock from the industry. I love this song because it speaks about more than just love; it speaks about hope after a tragedy, I keep the message clear and present because in today’s world we need support and guidance and that is what this record reveals. Recorded and mixed at Mabu’s Tonstudio in Germany, vocals by the one and only (me), written by Kisitu, David / Spirakos, Thomas / Boulaghmal, Ismail, plus special mixes by Robbie (Rave mix)/ and Tanassi Koulids / Theo “T.C.” Chalkias (Freestyle mix), this one is sending a message of hope to world in need and with us being at war a positive message will be accepted quicker than just any other message.

Now in our last interview, you stated that you would be doing tours promoting your Sounds of My Heart LP and that you would be doing European and US tours. Since you are now back from your recent European Tour will you be now concentrating on doing a US national tour promoting the new single and album?
Presently I am touring and promoting in Germany, Canada and America my latest single “Take Me through the Night,” found in his latest album “The Sounds of My Heart.” This new single is making people sit up and listen; the future looks bright for my career. The album is promoting its self in the respect that; the more fans get to hear the material found on the album they are spreading the word out to other fans and industry leaders! Of course there is a huge campaign for my latest album, but the word out on the street is “Look out for this album it looks like a platinum winner.”

Now Johnny, I know that your single, "So in Love," which I have to say is a very awesome song was produced by Tanassi Koulids. Is he behind "Take Me Through the Night?" Or do you have a different production team? Who is behind this single (writers, producers, engineers, etc)?
 Tanassi did have the opportunity to create a great Freestyle mix for the new single “Take Me through the Night.” But the funny thing is that everyone that has heard the album or has seen me perform “I’m so in Love,” have commented that the moment that song is pressed of sale and promotions that this particular song is going to be a number one chart buster. Cynthia my dream girl has commented that she loves when I perform that song. She loves that song? The heavy hits behind “Take Me through the night” are…recorded and mixed at Mabu’s Tonstudio in Germany, vocals by the one and only (me), written by Kisitu, David / Spirakos, Thomas / Boulaghmal, Ismail, plus special mixes by Robbie (Rave mix)/ and Tanassi Koulids / Theo “T.C.” Chalkias (Freestyle mix)

I know your album was available on various online stores including Tower Records.com and LawTown Music. Will your new single be nationally distributed and picked up by major retailers like Tower Records? Where can we pick up a copy of your new single?
For an autograph copy send your name and address to johnnyOfanclub@aol.com then I will send you information on what is the cost and how long for shipping. For purchasing go to www.ZYX.de for Album and single information, according to ZYX Records Europe is selling it in their local Music stores but America their still working with Tower, HMV and a few others just ask for the single and Album “The Sounds of My Heart,” by Johnny O.

Since our last interview in Feb of 2002, you were in the process of seeking new management with the help of your wife. Tell us who have you recruited to help you with promotions and management? And how can a venue contact them wishing to inquire information on Johnny O, bookings and the new single?
Well on the Management side we have the undefeated, undisputable tag team champions of Sal Bonaventura and Sal Abbatiello; formally of Panic Productions and Fever Management. Two wonderful people who are walking libraries at heart about this industry of music, for bookings email Sal B. at SALBMUSIC@AOL.COM this is a direct email for information.My web site is up and running? Just log onto WWW.johnnyO.biz for the latest information on tours and events with regards to my career?

Johnny, you have been in this business now since August of 1988. What direction do you see Johnny O heading in 2003 and on. Will it be freestyle or more a target into the POP market with some freestyle and dance influence?
Let me set it up for you, it was agreed in Germany that because of my talented ability to expand my horizons to venture into different styles of music say like, House, Pop, R&B and many other formats. This allowed me the freedom with permission by the label to produce different style’s of music on the album, yet at the same time not forgetting his original fans which had faithfully supported my career and would continue that same support till today. Thus was born my latest master piece “The Sounds of My Heart.” This unique album speaks to the heart on issues and expresses the love of purity. There are many wonderful people behind this master piece and support for this album, but its inception has spark a renew sense of confidence and hope for an industry that was once believed to be dead. It has Freestyle, Pop, R&B, Dance and this is just to name a few, each track complements each other and speaks of different issues. Everyone who has received my album agrees that this is a well produced and sensational musical art piece.

Well having that said, is there anything you wantto say or express to the FM readers and to your fans?
I would like to ask for all your support FM, because it takes team work to make this happen. And I need your help call your local Radio Stations and request the New single by Johnny O “Take Me Through the Night” found on the new album “The Sounds of My heart” by Johnny O on ZYX Records. Please I need you help collectively if we join forces we can make a difference in this new opportunity being presented today. But with all our help we can make a difference. Please call your local Radio Stations and request “Take Me through the Night” thank you for all your support, with love always Johnny O.

Thank you Johnny for doing this interview with FREESTYLEMANIA.COM and know that we wish you the best and will always have our support.
Louie, thank you and thank you FM. Please one last thing is pray for our troops out in the Middle East. They all need our prayers and support. God Bless you all. With love Johnny O

INTERVIEW ARCHIVE: [ Johnny O Interview - 2/23/2002 ]