We are honored to have a truly special guest on In Conversation, the San Diego punk legend John Reis. Known for being a member of countless influential bands like Drive Like Jehu, Rocket From the Crypt, and Hot Snakes, San Diego punk legend John Reis has remained tirelessly prolific for the past three decades.
This year is no different: he is set to release albums with two newly christened projects.
First, as guitarist of the San Diego supergroup PLOSIVS with Pinback’s Rob Crow, Rocket From the Crypt and Against Me! Drummer Atom Willard, and Jordan Clark of Mrs. Magician on bass.
His second project, “Ride the Wild Night” is his long-in-the-making debut solo release under his “Swami John Reis” moniker.
The album is everything you would hope for from Reis in singer-songwriter mode, as it borrows elements from punk and early rock and roll, with some unexpected influences thrown into the mix.
“Ride The Wild Night” and the self-titled PLOSIVS album are currently out on all streaming platforms with physical releases on the way. PLOSIVS are also starting their first tour Friday night at Brooklyn’s St. Vitus.
In this conversation, Reis discusses the origins of both of these new projects; a new album in the works from Hot Snakes; preserving the human aspect of recording music; writing with Rob Crow versus writing with Drive Like Jehu and Hot Snakes frontman Rick Froberg; bringing an element of confrontation to his performances; the legendary Rocket From the Crypt tattoo policy, and so much more.