Introducing Johnny Law and The Pistol Packin Daddies!

During one of my many random web browsing sessions, I decided I would browse some music at several online music shops. On this particular day I came across a band from Perth, Western Australia by the name of Johnny Law and The Pistol Packin Daddies and I was immediately drawn to their sound. They had a very raw, real, traditional rockabilly sound. To me, they have a mix between Johnny Carroll, The Johnny Burnette Trio, and early Elvis Sun Records stuff and throw in a bit of a modern sound as well. Lead singer, Johnny Law, shows a great deal of flexibility by doing some wild, raw rockabilly numbers like “When It Comes To Love” and “Doggone Girl” and then hitting some nice ballad type songs like “I’ll Always Love You” and my personal favorite, “Right or Wrong” complete with a palm muted driven rhythm reminiscent of Johnny Cash’s (Luther Perkins) famous boom-chicka-boom sound and great back up vocals.

To my surprise, they just happened to be living in my local area for the time being and doing some gigs. I went out to check out one of their shows and the sound was even better live. Their performance had a lot of energy and got everybody in a rockin mood and was just really great overall.

Long story short, frontman of the band Johnny Law is a real down to earth person and really mingles with his fans. I caught a few of their shows in the last month or two and I became friends with him. He was kind enough to take time and answer a few questions for me, so with out further ado, here it is. My first “Featured Artist” and rightfully so. Enjoy!

The Opening Set: Introduce yourself and band members and what instrument you each play?

Johnny Law: Well, I’m Johnny Law and I am the sing/songwriter and acoustic guitarist. The Pistol Packin’ Daddies consist of whoever is with me at the time. ha ha! I have a band here in Perth, a band in Germany and a band in America all of whom fall under the name of the Pistol Packin’ Daddies.

TOS: How did you form your band?

JL: Well back in 2001 some friends and I were all talking about music and eventually the idea came up that we should form our own band. From there we decided on the style we’d play and a name for the band which started out as Johnny Law & the Hellfire Trio. About a year later we scrapped that idea.

TOS: What made you decide to come visit the United States?

JL: Well, I’d been there 9 times before and 10 is a better number than 9. he he

TOS: How long were you here in the states this time around?

JL: I spent 9 months in the States.

TOS: Did you enjoy it?

JL: Um….of course! I wouldn’t have been there 10 times if I didn’t love it. But the 10th time was the best. I met so many fantastic people including some great musicians who I got a chance to play and record with.

TOS: What or who are your musical inspirations?

JL: Oooh well, I love all the old favorites of course (Elvis and Joe Clay etc) and I love some Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys and Marty Robbins, but the band I listen to the most lately is Carlos and the Bandidos from the UK. Also another favorite of mine is my good mates from here in Perth, Rusty and the Dragstrip Trio, or as they’re now called, Rusty Pinto Combo.

TOS: For those that aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe it?

JL: Mostly traditional rockabilly. I like to mix it up a little so I throw in a few different chords to change it up from the standard 12 bar.

Johnny Law and The Pistol Packin Daddies, December 2008
Continental Room - Fullerton, CA. Photo by Roobie

TOS: What audience are you trying to attract with your music?

JL: I don’t really try and attract any type of audience. If you like my music, great! You don’t need to look a certain way, I don’t care who turns up (image orientated people I mean), I’m just happy to see people enjoying themselves while they’re listening to our stuff.

TOS: How does the rockabilly scene or music scene in general in Australia differ from the scene here in the USA?

JL: The biggest difference is of course the size. The population is so much smaller here so of course there’s usually a smaller audience to play to.

TOS: Do you prefer playing large shows or do you like the club/bar scene?

JL: I really enjoy the larger shows. This band seems to play better to a bigger crowd where they can feed off the audience’s energy. Our live shows are all about giving the audience a visual experience as well as some great tunes to dance and drink to.

TOS: What are some bands that you have performed or toured with?

JL: Well, we’ve played with Amber Foxx, Rusty and the Dragstrip Trio, and a couple of others that I can’t really think of at the moment.

TOS: What bothers you about the music industry today?

JL: Well, the fickleness of audiences I guess.

TOS: If you had a chance, would you sign a record deal with a big commercial record label? Why or why not?

JL:Yeah I reckon I would. If I could get rockabilly exposed to a larger world wide audience, then why not…right? And make a little money on the side, then shit yeah! Count me in!

TOS: For some of the tech junkies out there, how is your music recorded? Digital? Analog? Full band session or one track at a time?

JL: Usually we record analog straight to tape. If one guy makes a mistake, we’re all doing it from the top again. It’s a pain in the ass, but it captures the energy of the band.

TOS: What music gear (brand and model names) do you and your band mates use?

JL: Well, I use a Martin and Co which I bought about a week after I arrived in the States. I sold my Maton (Australian hand made acoustic) because it was time to upgrade. I’d had it for about 6 years or so. 2 out of the three guitarist I use use a Fender Telecaster. I don’t know what sort of Bass the guys use or drums so I can’t really answer this question too well. Sorry.

TOS: What’s your thoughts on illegal downloading of music?

JL: Sucks! Don’t do it!

TOS: Other than music, what hobbies do you and your band mates enjoy?

JL: Well, I can’t talk for the other guys but I surf, work on vintage cars, snowboard whenever I can get to the snow, which is hardly ever since it doesn’t snow here in Western Australia. And I do a lot of traveling.

TOS: When can your fans expect a new CD?

JL: This year (2009) I plan to record another one. Don’t know where or when I’m going to record it but I have songs ready and ideas. I’m torn between a couple of ideas at the moment so we’ll just have to wait and see how it all pans out. And how will this differ from previous releases? Can’t really say at this moment. It depends if I go for a full on rockabilly album or mix it with some Marty Robbins inspired tunes I’ve written. One of which I’ve already recorded. I just need to work it all out.

TOS: What are your future plans for the band?

JL: European tour in August/Sept including a show at High Rockabilly. Followed by another trip to the US with show in the South and North of California and elsewhere, hopefully to Austin etc.

TOS: And finally, where can our readers find out about your upcoming shows or news?

JL: Myspace!!

Again, many thanks to Johnny Law and please visit the band’s Myspace page for sound samples and info on purchasing one of their 3 full length CD’s!


Photo by Roobie