Interview: Ghosts of Sunset (Written)

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you an interview with rock and roll band, Ghosts of Sunset.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

My name is John Merchant, I’m the singer, guitarist, co-writer and co-founder of the band Ghosts of Sunset. I’ve been playing music professionally for over 30 years. Writing, recording, performing and touring. I’ve always had a guitar in my hand since I can remember. My father was a musician and it’s really all I’ve known. The Beatles made me want to be in a band.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

I say it’s rock n roll. I usually touch on the 1980’s hair metal influence but also cite the fact that we always appreciate a good song regardless of where it comes from.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

Currently we’re in the promotion cycle for our latest full-length album on Deko Entertainment called “Breathe”. Currently our active single is called “Afterthought”.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

All the connections and experiences. I’ve met people and been places that I would’ve never been able to do without music serving as the access point.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

I’ve missed a good portion of my son’s younger years and I’ve been stunted in many other areas of my life because I was so hyper-focused on music. I really didn’t have a choice, music “called” me.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

It’s kind of odd. The instant gratification of someone “liking” your music is always nice, but people can also be cold and callus online. I don’t have super thick skin, but the environment we live in has made it thicker. The downside to the instant stuff and constant news loop is a lot of the mystery around rock n roll is gone now. I miss that.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I think it’s the idea that “influencers” TELL people what’s cool now. I mean we shared records and tapes with our friends back in the day, but we were able to tell them WHY we loved them, not just “you have to love them too”. We let the music win them over.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Make purchases. Streams are great and if you don’t have any money, or very little, get the music any way you can. If you can afford to buy the download or the album? That’s how we survive to keep doing this.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I run a little bit, spend time with my family and friends, but truthfully, it’s pretty much music all the time. Like I said above, I’m totally stunted in most other areas of my life. I’m sort of one-dimensional with the music stuff.

10. Where can people find you?

Literally everywhere in cyber space. Search “Ghosts of Sunset” and we’ll be there!

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