We recently connected with Johnny Saffire and have shared our conversation below.

Johnny, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Being misunderstood. I sometimes feel like this is the story of my life. In the kaleidoscopic realm of music and artistic self-discovery, it’s an all too familiar shade that resonates deeply with both Reign and I. It’s a sentiment that often shadows the footsteps of artists who tread the road less traveled as they grapple with the elusive quest to forge an identity that truly connects with people. Our quest for an identity that resonates deeply with the masses has proven to be an elusive pursuit, shrouded in a mystique we’re still trying to decipher. The question that Lingers: is this disconnect due to a lack of exposure or some enigmatic facet of our image that keeps us veiled in obscurity?

Let’s start by examining the genesis of our band, “Love Lyzardz,” a name that bears the weight of our admiration for rock legend Jim Morrison and his iconic band, The Doors. In a stroke of artistic alchemy, we fused Morrison’s legendary moniker, “The Lizard King,” with the ethereal allure of the Doors song “Love Street” to birth our musical identity. It was a nod to an era when Laurel Canyon pulsated with creative energy and free-spirited artists, unfettered by convention, channeled their dreams of stardom into timeless melodies. Such was the crucible of creativity we longed to inhabit—a bohemian oasis where the pursuit of art was synonymous with life itself.

So, to the record straight – we are not “Illuminati worshipping reptilians” and Love Lyzardz is not an innuendo-laden reference.

Our sound has evolved considerably since our inception. Our sonic voyage has transmuted into something altogether grittier, fiercer, and resolutely contemporary. If you’re considering becoming a fan, the time is nigh, for our creative forge is ablaze with unreleased melodies that are poised to unleash their raw power upon your auditory senses in the not-so-distant future.

Peering through the kaleidoscope of my own existence, I’ve adopted stage names with the fluidity most reserve for changing automobiles. As a multifaceted musician, entertainer, and writer, each chapter of my life unfurls as a self-contained narrative. Haji Hollyrock, Dez Del Rio, and Johnny Saffire are all facets of the same prism—characters I embody to transcend the boundaries of my own existence. And while this shape-shifting is an artistic odyssey and a source of fun for me, I’m sure it has confounded many and likely contributed to our enduring enigma and the echoes of being perpetually misunderstood.

For Reign, her formative years unfolded in the shadow of Wall Street, in a tranquil New Jersey enclave within hear shot of New York City. Here, her life diverged from the Wall Street-centric pursuits of her neighbors. Her values were rooted in free-spirited rebellion, a devotion to rock ‘n’ roll, poetry, and art—a milieu that couldn’t find a more hospitable home than the lush landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, and laid-back ethos of California. Here, she discovered a sense of belonging in a state whose musical heritage is etched into the annals of rock history

And so, dear friends, as our musical odyssey continues to chart uncharted territories, we extend an open invitation to join us on this enthralling voyage, where art, music, and personal transformation coalesce into a symphony of self-expression. In this realm, the shadows of misunderstanding are but fleeting interludes, eclipsed by the enduring brilliance of our creative vision.”

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I began playing music at a very young age. Although I enjoyed playing sports, I identified with music and in return, music gave me both a purpose and an identity. Being a musician was romantic, mysterious and exciting. I imagined it taking me to far away places where beautiful exotic women pinned for my company and longed for my love. So I did what every boy my age in the seventies did. I bought a guitar and grew my hair long.

I think what sets me apart as a musician is my inability to sound like other musicians. And while I envy guitar players who can sound just like their hero’s, I would never trade that for my ability to write original music. Although I grew up listening to hard rock and heavy metal, I was blessed to emerge as a musician during the punk rock/new wave eighties. Which kind of meant you could start playing professionally before you really knew how to play your instrument. I wrote my first song when I was seventeen years old. I was sitting under a huge Oak tree in the back of my Uncle Sam’s pasture and wrote the whole song in under an hour. Songwriting was always something that just came naturally to me. I could write great songs right out the gate. They were often simple but always catchy, memorable and rocked hard. I refuse to apologize for the fact that my songs always have a pop sensibility to them. They just do.

I am most proud of my daughter. She is everything I would want to be if I was a girl, beautiful and dangerous. Just kidding. She is smart and fiercely independent but was always the sweetest, loving little girl. I know it’s cliché to say so but having a child because you want to is just the greatest gift. However, if you don’t want kids that’s ok too. It’s probably for the best. In my opinion, being a man, having children when your older prepares you to be a better father.

My band Love Lyzardz just released a new single called “Bedroom Eyes” a love song that speaks to the idea that true love is reflected in the eyes not in the words we speak. The song mixes edgy post-punk, mod-pop and old school rock anthems to captivate audiences looking for a fresh sound. Bedroom Eyes is available on all streaming platforms and on our website www.lovelyzardz.com. You can listen to all our music on our Spotify Playlist “Love Lyzardz”.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

The goal or mission driving my creative journey has been compelled to evolve, enabling my creative spirit to thrive and my creativity to flourish. Age has a significant influence on the goals that propel one’s creative path. In my youth, my ambition and challenge revolved around becoming a musician, a testament to my inherent talent. The subsequent phase of my journey was marked by a deep-seated need to be part of a successful band—one that resonated with people and garnered their affection.

After achieving this milestone, my aspirations transcended mere membership; I now sought recognition from both my peers and the industry. It was no longer about just being in a band; I hungered for success, I wanted fame, fortune, and everything that goes with it. My dreams extended to providing my mother with the house of her dreams, caring for my family, throwing lavish parties for my friends, and treating my father and uncles to a Super Bowl experience. In short, I wanted to be a rock star.

However, one year, I refer to it now as the dark time, tragedy struck, as my best friend and the lead singer of our band passed away, followed shortly by the loss of my mother. The driving force behind my ambitions died alongside them. I didn’t touch my guitar for an entire year after those devastating losses. Yet, slowly but surely, music became my confidant and only friend once more, reminiscent of those solitary days in my room, practicing.

This time, however, my motivation was different. What fueled me now was a desperate need to create. The act of composing and crafting music became my lifeline, granting me purpose and a reason to continue living. I fell in love with music all over again.

As I continue to age, my focus has shifted towards leaving a lasting legacy, a testament to the sacrifices I’ve made. Writing and recording new songs, playing music in the park with Reign—these simple pleasures are good enough for me. Some dreams come true, some don’t. It’s only when your dreams are all you have left that you realize you’re finally living your dream.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe that society can offer its most profound support to artists, especially those whose path to success remains elusive, by recognizing the tremendous sacrifices required to produce genuine art. Whether it involves mastering an instrument, the arduous process of composing and recording music, or dedicating years to mastering traditional art forms like painting or sculpture, it all entails embracing the old-fashioned, less technology-dependent approach.

Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall my youthful enthusiasm as I took my allowance and rushed to Newberry’s. There, I sifted through the top 40 and carefully chose 45 RPM records, investing my hard-earned cash. Each purchase cost me just one dollar, plus tax. I willingly parted with my money because I understood that within the grooves of those records lay enchantment. They held promises of excitement, joy, understanding, and solace. Moreover, you could dance to it if you so desired.

Imagine a world where all we had was news and politics – it would be a dreary existence indeed. Art liberates the imagination and nurtures the spirit. When we engage in the act of creation, we pay homage to God, the ultimate source of all creation. My aspiration is to reside in a society that values artists in the same vein as it treasures technology. A society that not only recognizes but also rewards artists for the sacrifices they make in order to infuse a world desperately in need of love with more love, understanding and/or simply fun.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lovelyzardz.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/love_lyzardz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lovelyzardz/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lovelyzardz
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPbw44ricdoVpaKOYD05JNg
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lovelyzardz

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