Today we’d like to introduce you to John DeMena.
Hi John, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a rock artist originally born and raised in Andalusia (Spain) who is proud to call Los Angeles home. I started playing guitar in my teens and joined a couple of bands in my high school years that led to my first musical experiences and performances. We recorded a few albums and played shows, festivals, and small tours all over the country. I then spent some time on the East Coast and the U.K. before relocating to the United States in 2008.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Well, let’s just say it hasn’t been a walk in the park [laughs]. I got off to a very rocky start during my first couple of years in Los Angeles because, in addition to how challenging moving to a new country already is per se, the global recession had just hit, which sent me on a spiral of intermittent jobs, layoffs, losing health coverage, and uncertainty. Those were very lonely and challenging years, but I don’t look back at them with remorse. Those times were quite formative, taught me a lot about myself, and helped me develop a military-like discipline that separated the boy from the man. Then, as my social circle expanded and I started playing with more people, I landed more musical opportunities, shows, collaborations, etc. However, my search for like-minded musical spirits with whom I could start a new band never manifested due to the unique idiosyncrasies of the L.A. music scene and coupled with the fact that I never found anyone artistically or financially aligned with my vision, which led to the inception and development of the current chapter of my music career as a solo artist.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Hmm. I’m terrible at describing myself [laughs]. Well, I am a rock singer and guitarist with several award wins and nominations, features on distinguished rock media, work with renowned musicians, and partnerships with some iconic music industry brands.
I’m very proud of my roots, journey, despite how rocky the road has been, and my recent debut album ‘Dreams and Lies’, which has been very well received by both music fans and media and closes a chapter of my life, artistically speaking. I’d say that what sets me apart from others is my concept, lyricist, and songwriting style; all which stem from staying true to myself and my artistic voice.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely! Here are some of the ones I’ve devoured over the last couple of years and some recent ones too.
Books: The Odyssey, One Hundred Years of Solitude, Brave New World, 1984
Podcasts: Wong Notes, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, The Wild Project
Blogs: Loudwire, Pitchfork, Consequence, Sonic Perspectives, BraveWords, Metal Injection
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.johndemena.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndemena
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johndemenamusic
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/johndemena
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/johndemena
Image Credits
Photo John DeMena 1 (Credit: Ezra Spurrier) Photo John DeMena 3 (Credit: Mike Kindel) Photo John DeMena 5 (Credit: Ezra Spurrier) Photo John DeMena 6 (Credit: Ezra Spurrier) Photo John DeMena 7 (Credit: Ezra Spurrier) Photo John DeMena 9 (Credit: Mike Kindel) Photo John DeMena 11 (Credit: Hector Perez)
