A chat with Johnny Blackouts

Whiskey Pickle returns with another excavation from the archives of label boss Adam Warped, reviving a long-lost Johnny Blackouts cut originally produced in 2016. This time, the woozy original comes paired with a swirling, psychedelic rework by the late Zack Highwire—delivered posthumously under his Triptíque Musíque alias. 

Following on from his latest offering we sat down with Johnny for a chat. Here’s how it went down…

‍Hey Johnny Blackouts, great to meet you! What's happening in your world at the minute?

Hello Nightclubber! At the moment I’ve just sat down at a nice café con leche and am slowly waking up.

‍Congratulations on releasing ‘Tell Me Lies’ on 'Whiskey Pickle Records’. Talk us through the release… 

Thank you! “Tell Me Lies” is an older disco track that’s been a work in progress for many years. The original demo was recorded in my good friend Zack Kryzmarzick’s studio sometime around 2010 or 2011. In 2016, Zack began sending me revisions and remixes of the track.

It’s a bittersweet project for me—unfortunately, Zack passed away in 2020, and we never had the chance to finalize the versions together. After spending a few years processing the loss, I revisited the sessions and decided to share what I have. Zack’s remix, released under his Triptique moniker, is truly stellar, and I felt it deserved to be heard.

Johnny Blackouts is another one of your aliases… What is the meaning behind the name and difference between your other production name ‘Adam Warped’?

Initially, Johnny Blackouts was a name I used as a “mystery promoter” for some DJ gigs I was doing around Brooklyn and NYC in the early 2000s. The idea was one I borrowed—gratefully—from the Metro Area guys. Much love and thanks to Darshan and Morgan for the inspiration!

Over time, I began using the name for my sleazier, darker-sounding music productions. I thought it paired perfectly with the Whiskey Pickle label name—and with my destiny as a spirited musical sommelier.

Adam Warped was my rave name in the 1990s. During that time, I ran the Warped infoline and promotions, and organized several events under Warped Productions. The name eventually stuck as my DJ alias. While I’ve released a few remixes and productions as Adam Warped, most of my work is under the Johnny Blackouts pseudonym.

Where did you grow up, and how did your environment shape your relationship with music?

I was born in a suburb of Detroit, Michigan, and moved around quite a bit. However, I’d say the extensive time I spent in the New York City and New England club and rave scenes during the ’90s was truly pivotal in shaping my musical development.

Can you share some insight into your creative process when producing music? Do you have any particular rituals or methods that help you stay inspired?‍ 

My creative process is typically based on mood, the creative inspiration is not always there so you have to catch the special moments when the time is just right. I usually start by playing around with sounds—whether it’s a groove, melody, or some field recordings—and use Ableton Live to capture ideas on the fly. I switch between analog synths, drum machines, and digital gear to keep things hands-on and fresh.

To stay inspired, I listen to all kinds of music and like to take breaks outside to record sounds or just clear my head. That helps me come back with new energy and ideas.

Can you describe the connection between your music and your US roots, and how they continue to influence your music today?‍ 

Absolutely. Being born in the U.S. at the start of the disco era and growing up through the ’80s, I experienced the birth of hip hop, house, and techno firsthand. Living through the rise and fall of New York City clubbing and the ’90s rave scene, along with traveling coast to coast and everywhere in between, has played a major role in shaping my sound. The past few years spent here in the Southwest are starting to influence it as well—ha!

As someone deeply rooted in the scene, what state is it in right now? What notable artists are emerging?

I’m really enjoying the return of the underground warehouse parties, rave breaks and cascading pianos, seminal epic uplifting anthems, dark rooms, hidden dj booths, and secret lineups.

Artists currently on my radar are Shak Jackson, Jordan Passmore, Jason Merle, and Always Friends! 

‍What's been the highlight of your career so far? 

My whole career has been a highlight—it's truly been a blessing to share my music, and I hope to keep going for many moons to come. One moment that really stands out was an impromptu three-DJ tag-team set at Phonobar in San Francisco a few years ago with Steve Cobby (Fila Brazillia), Mike Bee (Vinyl Dreams), and myself. It was the perfect combo: an intimate room, great sound, an up-for-it crowd, and three seasoned selectors. Big shoutout to Duserock and Gavin Hardkiss for bringing that magical night together.

‍If you could play B2B with any DJ, who would it be and why? 

Mark E Quark. He is one of the deepest and smoothest selectors out there—a great friend and a constant source of inspiration.

When you are not busy with music, what might we find you doing?

I really enjoy visiting art galleries, collecting vintage hi-fi audio equipment, snowboarding, playing golf, and exploring new restaurants.

Finally, what do you have coming up in the next few months? Feel free to mention anything! 

I have a remix coming out soon for a new track by Russian duo The Cruising on my label, Whiskey Pickle. I’ve also just been tapped for another remix by Houston-based label Shiny Clean Records. A Best of Whiskey Pickle compilation and DJ mix is in the works, along with a chillout EP under my Adam Warped alias for our sister label, Cala Tarida Musica. I’m also finalizing some surprise guest DJ appearances for this summer—and planning a September visit to Ibiza. It’s shaping up to be a fun and busy season!

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