by Editor, Jake Kot
 
Doug came onto the scene with his new solo debut "Doug Johns", and has caught a lot of attention. His building tour schedule keeps him busy, as well as his emerging role as a clinician. He's jumped right into events such as Bassquake and Bassbash, and is already working on his next CD. We've also brought him onboard as one of our new staff writers, a testament to his unique voice. This man has something to say.
 
Jake: Let's talk about your debut CD. What inspired you to take the direction that you did as far as material goes?
 
Doug: Quite honestly, a lot of it is material we've recorded over the years. Sessions where we would come in, finish a track, and then one of the players would say, I've got an idea, lets go for it, and keep right on recording. After we started putting this together and editing it all down, it turned out to be quite diverse, and I know people say this a lot, but it's really just the tip of the iceberg.
 
Jake: So this is an ongoing process.
 
Doug: Yes it is. Actually, I try to get a recording every month if possible, either doing a duo with my drummer, or some type of group effort. I'm always recording in that kind of "Zappa" way.
 
Jake: How involved were you in the writing for this CD?
 
Doug: I hate to use numbers, but probably 60-70% of the music is my material. But a great part of this writing is more of a collaborative effort with my drummer Chris, and keyboard player Mark. That's kind of the core band, and we work off of each other in the writing process. This I believe allows the focus of the music to be on the song, and not a heavily "bass" centered cut. Just give me something I can whistle when I leave, you know.
 
Jake: Best that you can answer this, what do you think was the primary motivation for you to debut a solo CD, and put Doug Johns up front?
 
Doug: Wow---the first thing that came up in my mind was, shit or get off the pot. I feel it's time to give it a go, and let people hear what I've got to offer. I believe it viable, and really, in my opinion, it's nothing but soul music, and I think there's room for that out there. If something is real, if it's truthful, I think it will come across, and that became the driving force to do this project, and its got me excited, and I'm already working on the next CD.
 
Jake: I know you feel strongly about your role as a bassist within an ensemble—care to elaborate on that.