What is your full name?
John Scarlata
Do you have any aliases?
No
If you had an alias what might it be?
Rockyn John
What bands are you actively involved with?
Currently involved with independent solo artist work. For the sake of time efficiency, at this time I feel it is the most efficient way for me to produce and release music. I also enjoy the creative freedom that being a solo artist allows…
What was the first instrument that you played?
It all started with the trombone in the 3rd grade..My parents said no to percussion.
Tell me about one of your first musical memories?
I have to award my first musical memories to Dee Snider and Twisted Sister. Those MTV videos definitely planted some seeds.
What was the name of the first band you were in?
Technically we never came up with an official name. I started a band with a few buddies and we just jammed until a few songs took shape. One of the songs is titled Mighty Savior….in which has been considered as a band name. Perhaps those few songs will resurface into the current times, something on the back burner anyway…
Tell me about the genesis of Scarlata.
It literally spawned from frustrations with various band participations. Whether it was a band dissolution, creative differences, or classic “waste of time ego” battles, or learning other’s songs and not being able to express my own creativity, I said to myself..”nevermind I will go and create something myself.” Now in 2022 (5-7 years later) here it is.
What inspired the name Scarlata?
Being my surname and being a solo artist, to me it seems like a good fit. When people learn of my last name it often sparks an interest of either ethinic origin or just to differentiate me from other individuals with the name John.
A few of the songs go back to about 2017. Started but not completed, as the few years passed by (and an EP release in 2020), I was just creating songs out of simple inspiration and fun. By about mid 2021, I realized I had enough material for a full length album. The recording process has been an ongoing learning process since 2016, several of these songs have been recorded and improved upon countless times over. Fortunately, the redundant process of going back and re-recording over the years has allowed me space to discover and develop some studio production skills...which has become something very enjoyable in addition to the songwriting and guitar playing.
If you could insert yourself into any one band what band would it be and why?
Perhaps the most epic band I would have loved to be a part of is Dio. I’ve always been attracted to great guitar playing and Dio has always been a major force of inspiration for me. I’ve only had one opportunity to witness RJD on stage and it was one of the most emotional rock concerts I have ever attended to this day.
Have you ever heard a song and immediately wished you had written it? If so… What was the song and artist?
I am also heavily influenced by Iron Maiden. When Brave New World was released, the song Blood Brothers shook me to the core. I have witnessed Blood Brothers performed live several times and the feeling of that song only becomes more prevalent for me. Iron Maiden music is the primary band that inspired me to pick up the guitar and practice!
Do you have any non-metal musical inspirations?
Yes absolutely, I am deeply interested in classical guitar and have an intuitive inspiration from Spanish/Latin guitar…I just love its elegance and technical expressions.
Is there a non-metal song that you'd like to do a cover of?
I do have a small repertoire of well known classical songs I intend to release as a collection in the near future.
What band have you played with that has really impressed you with their live show?
To this date, there really isn’t one. Of course I love live music, and as I mentioned before, it was a few unpleasant band experiences that led me to doing things on my own. Therefore I don’t have very much live performance experience…but that is currently changing.
Do you have a favorite venue to play at?
No but it’s really fun playing outdoors where the sound can travel!
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Not at the moment
What is your favorite thing about touring?
I have yet to initiate a tour…
What is your least favorite thing about touring?
I imagine the waiting aspect would be the least appealing thing about touring.
Is there a city that you love to hit while on tour?
Gosh anywhere in Europe would just be just amazing for me. Perhaps Hamburg, Germany is a place I would be humbly honored to perform in.
I will certainly document the experience when it happens…
The year is 2002. Where are you at and what are you listening to?
It was around that time where my interest in German Metal took root. Primarily with Gamma Ray (No World Order) and Blind Guardian (Nightfall in Middle-Earth). A friend lended me both CDs to listen to and I recall the dilemma of choosing which one to soak in the fastest…both bands have become very influential to me.
What advice would you give young musicians that are just starting out in the music business?
The one piece that I always receive from my metal heroes that keeps me going is to be true to your craft, and never give up!
What is an absolute band killer?
Inflated ego
Have you ever recorded a song that you really didn’t like, but somebody else in the band really did?
There is one song on the EP that didn’t turn out very well although I do like the message of the lyrics. The interesting twist is that I basically revamped part of the song and combined it with a newer musical idea, which appears on the Power Through album about to be released. The lyrical portion of the original song may well resurface in the coming creations of new music.
If you were to start your own music festival what would be the name of that festival and who would be the three headlining bands?
Titans of Metal with Iron Maiden, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian
What’s the longest time you’ve gone without bathing?
Anytime camping
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been studying kung fu for the past 15yrs
Is the Fistful of DOOM show in the top 10 of your favorite music podcasts?
I don’t usually listen to podcasts but I am certainly willing to check this out!
Do unicorns sleep standing up?
I don’t know anything about unicorns..only Ch’i Lings
You’re driving cross-country and you can only listen to one album the whole time. What album will it be?
Powerslave
You are writing a book about your life thus far. What is the title of that book?
I would call it, A Late Bloomer
What is your favorite song by NIN?
I’ve always like Head like a Hole
Korn or Limp Bizkit (if you had to choose)?
Ugh if I have to choose, I’ve had to see Korn before…it wasn't terrible. That really isn’t my flavor of metal but it is what it is.
Man that’s a tough one, but I would have to say both!
Waffles or Pancakes (if you had to pick one)?
Waffles
Star Wars or Star Trek (if you had to choose)?
Star Wars
Favorite band t-shirt you own?
Iron Maiden
Favorite meal?
The next one…
Favorite book?
The Art of War
Favorite movie?
“I’m Gonna Git You Sucka”
Favorite album?
Heaven and Hell
Big thanks to John for taking the time to answer my questions. I appreciate it. Scarlata’s debut full-length Power Through will be available for your listening pleasure on April 22nd, so mark that date on your calendar.
~El Pedo Caliente (aka Uncle Jameson from the Fistful of DOOM show)
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