Johnny Aries

Johnny Aries launched his musical path as guitarist and vocalist for Margate, England-based Two Wounded Birds, whose sound blended revved-up surf, rockabilly, and punk elements with melodic hooks. Performing then under the name Johnny Danger, he supplied the band’s signature twangy guitar work and evocative vocals. The group issued a handful of singles plus its self-titled 2012 album before splitting. Around the same time he began touring as guitarist with like-minded indie pop outfit the Drums and briefly supplied live keyboards for ’90s revivalists Swim Deep. After crisscrossing the globe for Drums shows, Aries relocated to New York City to remain near the band’s home base while developing solo material. His first release, a cover of the Smiths’ “Back to the Old House,” appeared on new label Frenchkiss in early 2014. Later that summer the debut album Unbloomed arrived, revealing a shift away from some of his earlier ’60s influences toward a more ’80s-inspired sound.