After releasing his reloaded version of the Papa Roach classic 'Last Resort' earlier this week, emerging artist Jeris Johnson has now delivered his long-awaited debut EP 'My Sword'.
Including the new Papa Roach-featuring rework of 'Last Resort' as well as gust appearance from Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger on the remix of his single 'damn!', 'My Sword' makes for a bold and impressive introduction to the artist's sound. Filled with anthemic cuts and blistering take on the alt-rock sound, it feels as though we are only just seeing the beginning to this star in the making.
So with the new EP available now, we sat him down to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
DRUMS! I'm one of those kids that has pictures of me beating the hell out of some drums at like 2 years old. It's still probably the instrument I'm best at. I just love making fucking noise.
What was the first song that inspired you to make your own music?
I know this is a timely answer but I genuinely have a very strong memory of hearing Last Resort and at one of my pop warner football games when I was like 8. And that shit changed my life.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
Mostly metal. Every kind of shape, sound, genre, or aethstetic of metal I was a fan of. Later in my teens started fucking with rap and went down that rabbit hole.
What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?
I always like a perfect mixture of locking myself in a dark room and gluing myself to the fucking computer, then taking a break going hiking or something. Something about the contrast really gets me.
Who are your favorite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I really fuck with all hyperpop shit thats out there. It's just so boundary pushing and futuristic sounding I love it. Music that breaks all the rules is what gets me going. Rock used to do that but doesn't anymore. I'm gonna change that.
How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?
Not that many tbh. I don't take myself too seriously. I just like have fun and get really creative and say whatever the fuck I want.
What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?
Basically teleporting from my bedroom to sharing the stage with Papa Roach in like a month. I still can't even grasp it.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I'd resurrect xxxtentacion and put him on a show with Slipknot. Then I'd open.
If you weren't a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?
Oh I'd be a gamer for sure. Big fucking nerd. And I'd be a millionaire doing it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
This is most cliche sounding bullshit in the whole world but BE YOURSELF. Like literally never copy anyone. Figure out what it is you wanna do with your music and have fun doing it. That's what makes art that pushes the world forward. We could all sit around and try to make a "hit" but then we'd all sound the same. Everyone's got a unique voice and sound they can bring to the table so find what it is and fuckin DO IT.
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Jeris Johnson's debut EP 'My Sword' is available to stream and download now. Check out the new video for 'Last Resort Reloaded' in the player below.