Johnny Gioeli

Hardline

It took them seven years to release something new and, yes, we are dealing with a very good comeback album here. So, with the upcoming release of their third album, Leaving The End Open, I had the chance to speak with HARDLINE's voice Johnny Gioeli and kinda retrieve more info. Johnny, in a happy mood, was eager to answer to my questions and here is everything in detail...

By Maria Kallinikou

• April 17, 2009

Interview with: Johnny Gioeli from HARDLINE

Hello, Johnny, glad to have you in Metal Temple. First of all, congratulations on your new album.

Thank you! Glad to speak with you!

So, it's been seven years since the release of II; Leaving The End Open is the third album of HARDLINE. What are the band's expectations for this one? Have you already had some feedback?

7 years! Are you sure???!!! Haaaa...I know, a very long time...This album is already getting great reviews worldwide and I couldn't be happier. I don't really measure the music I make, I just make it...so I really don't have any expectations other than I hope you enjoy it.

Listening to the new album I admit that your voice kinda took me back. In your opinion what are the attributes this release has?

Where did it take you? Haaa...This CD for me is a mixture of old and new...it has the essence of the old days of melodic Rock and the new flavors of today's confused music. I dig it...

Are you planning to shoot any videos for Leaving The End Open? If yes, which song's do you have in mind?

There has been discussions, but it's so new, I'm really not sure yet.

Can you give us some information about this album? The production, the musicians (there are a couple of changes that occurred). Who is responsible for the lyrics for this one? I confess that as far as the lyrics are concerned, an excellent job has been done.

The changes are Jamie Browne in bass and Atma Anur in drums...my brother Joe is not on it as well. I wrote the lyrics and hey thanks!!! Ya know, music is a feeling...and sometimes the feelings can come right out and other times it takes a bit of provoking...that's why it should take some time to make a CD. Otherwise I think you end up with a continuation rather than something new.

What was the mood while you were writing/recording for this album? Did you have something specific in mind that affected/influenced the final outcome?

Well, I was in a great place in my life, that's why there are a lot of positive feel good tunes...my kids are growing, all are healthy...just a really good place.

During these years you have worked with Axel Rudi Pell and co-operated with Jun Senoue (CRUSH 40). So we assume that Johnny Gioeli is not a man that is sitting around doing nothing. What was the motive for releasing a new album with HARDLINE? Does here apply what people say, that desires are nourished by delays?

I'm not one to stand still...most people would explode with what I have going on in my life...it's just me, I do a lot of shit...keep it coming! With this latest CD, I know live on both coasts, East and West. And about every 2-3 weeks I go back to LA to my home and always end up on my piano...I wrote some cool stuff that just got me thinking what a waste it would be if I don't get this out there...that's how it ultimately happened.

The first title for this album was planned to be Just Add Water. What led you in changing it to Leaving The End Open? Is there a meaning behind this title?

Just Add Water was just a working title...Leaving The End Open means that I really am a free spirit...I don't have any intense plans for the future and for HARDLINE...I just take it as it comes and I leave the end open...

The HARDLINE covers of the first two albums were relatively simple. Who took over the arrangements for this great cover artwork?

I work with my label Frontiers on this; they did a great job with my vision.

You have been around music for years. Tell me how do you see music nowadays? What is the difference with the past? And is there anything that you feel nostalgic about?

Music is music...some awesome...some shit. I see music today as confused and un-settled...a lost direction. The decline of radio and the wide spectrum of the Internet has had added a great deal of confusion...but it has also opened a great means for old guys like me and the new punks to either re-live or re-vive.

Let's leave HARDLINE for a while. You started working with Jun Senoua back in 1998, how did a co-operation like that started? I mean being involved, as a band, with SEGA must be something really different. Would you like to tell us about this experience?

Jun was a big fan of HARDLINE...he found me from Doug Aldrich (WHITESNAKE). He explained a concept that he had for SEGA and I loved the idea...CRUSH 40 has had some amazing success among gamers worldwide...quite amazing actually.

With all the things that you are doing, plus the company that you have with your brother Joey, what would you say that is a priority for you?

The priority is my children. They come first...and whatever I have to do for them to keep them happy and healthy is what I do.

Are there already some tour plans in the HARDLINE schedule? Is there any chance of visiting European countries as well?

Nothing yet...but I hope so; would be a shame not to play these tunes live.

Johnny thank you very much for your time. I wish you all the best with this new release. Is there anything that you would like to add?

Thank YOU for everything Maria! Hope to see ya soon!

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