Rock John
5 Questions To

INTRODUCTION:

For those who still don't know him, Rock John is a musician born from the streets who is gaining recognition thanks to an enormous tour that sees him engaged with very frequent dates in many Italian villages and small towns (no cities) for many months now. It is not easy to fully appreciate his music, to which fine palates might turn up their noses (indeed, the only record I own I also found hard to digest, and I also reviewed it), but live, he does have a charisma. He knows how to deal with the audience.

I took advantage of his email on the back of the CD to send him the 5 questions for DeBaser, I knew he would reply!

5 QUESTIONS TO ROCK JOHN

1) Hi Rock, you were artistically born on the street and you still continue to produce music there, mainly for a non-paying audience... What do you think about the situation of street musicians today? And why do you only perform in small towns and not in major provinces?

"I am happy to answer the questionnaire, I hope it's a way to get to know me, since it will go on the internet, even if I don’t know this site, on the other hand, technology and I are like milk and lemon, better that we stay apart.

Look, street music is there, it’s alive, it still breathes. I actually consider it the most authentic musical expression. The most authentic way to come into direct contact with an audience. Street musicians don't have a good life, except for rare exceptions (including myself who is doing quite well this past year).

I only perform in small towns because it is very hard to get permission in big municipalities, and I must tell you that real people today in 2000 are mostly in small villages, where life is simpler, and simple songs are applauded, and they don't turn up their noses at strangers. In cities, they are more demanding and let me say many are a bit full of themselves if you’ll excuse the term."

2) Have you ever participated in the 'Ferrara Buskers Festival' (one of the most important street artist music festivals in the world)?

"No, never had the pleasure."

3) Yours is clearly a stage name that refers to certain American myths. Since you constantly mention America, talking about the Vietnam War (a theme now abandoned by most), and New York. Can you tell us why such a predilection for the American continent?

“Simple, I was born in New York. I still feel closely tied to America. I was in Vietnam, and 'Vietnam, Bitter Vietnam' is absolutely autobiographical. You know, dear interviewer, when you see your comrades dying face down in the mud, you don’t easily forget it. Many accuse me of inventing lyrics: False! I have never invented a lyric, I am as real as the street. I have America in my heart, just like Italy, my heart is divided as my album says."

4) Will you ever release a record with a music label or will you continue to sell them exclusively at your concerts?

“It’s not easy to find a contract with those damn record labels. I’ve had a lot of doors slammed in my face, but lately, I’ve had the satisfaction of slamming some myself, and saying no to some lousy contract... I hate the world of record companies and the music business, of course, a nice secure long-term contract would be tempting, in this world of uncertainties who doesn’t love stability? I might even make a song about it 'Beloved Permanent Job' haha, all joking aside... Sorry, I’ve always been a joker and I always try to make people laugh, I always have a joke loaded and ready to fire, even in Vietnam, I didn't lack one."

5) Before saying goodbye and thanking you for giving us your time, I’ll ask you one last question. What is your dream for the future of your music?

“Obviously, to have a billion-dollar contract with Virgin... hahaha obviously joking, I’m not interested in becoming rich. I worked in a factory for 20 years, I stopped only 8 months ago, that is, since I've made a decent nest egg with street music. A dream? Well, who can say? I don’t know, well making a beautiful record would be nice, one of those records talked about by everyone, even ten years after I’m gone. Thank you for your willingness and the visibility you have given me. A big good luck to all those who start from nothing to undertake my career. Yeah LOVE THE ROCK FOREVER AND EVER!"