John West

The sexy crooner spills a little on the inspiration for his tunes, what gets him in the mood, and his wild cat tendencies.

After moving from his hometown of Baton Rouge, La. to Chicago, it was either New York or sunny California for singer-songwriter, John West. Lucky for music lovers on the Westside he found a steady rhythm to the beat of his new home in Los Angeles in late 2005. With only a few street performances and shows at local clubs, the 26-year-old indie talent quickly gained buzz in the LA music scene and managed to reach top artist on the MySpace unsigned jazz list. John West’s acoustic sets of sexy and sophisticated soul have produced an ever-expanding and diverse following. “I love the way my music can bring people together,” says West over breakfast at the Brite Spot Restaurant in Echo Park. “It feels like a real calling.”

You have called yourself a romantic lover and we can definitely see that in your lyrics. How do you describe your music?

My music can be laid back, soulful, soothing, sexy, romantic, whimsical. I think whimsical describes it, though it sounds sort of silly but I think it’s almost what romantic can mean in a way.

What inspires you to write these sexy and romantic songs?

Sometimes it’s a girl or sometimes it’s someone else’s situation. Like “Loved You Tonight” was very much inspired by someone else’s circumstance of MySpace crushes. A lot of songs came from moments of struggle and pain and then getting through it. My life inspires me and the people I meet in my life.

Which one of your songs would be perfect for love making?
Nice…my favorite question. Well personally I don’t like listening to my own music while I’m doing anything cause it’s sort of weird in my ear. It’ll be like a girl trying to lick my ear, but they’re doing it bad, so you’re like ‘ew stop that!’ I like “Change If I Can.” It has a nice little snap, sort of neo-soul groove, duet. [Sings] “Change if I can for you…” and you and the girl are going at it and you’re singing it to each other [laughs timidly].

If you had to compare yourself to an animal, who would you most resemble in bed?
a- ferocious tiger b- cuddly bear c- sexy wild cat

I’ll probably go with the cat. The lion would be too aggressive. I think a good lovemaking situation is when both people are attentive to each other and also are able to know what makes themselves feel good. Cats are not quick, they’re sooth. Maybe like a leopard or something. Yeah, a wild sexy cat cause I bite on occasions [laughs].

How do you get in the mood? (to make music, for sex)

Musically, it’s random— a conversation, or a beautiful moment, or a painful moment. Sometimes you just sit down with the guitar and bang at it for a while until you hear two chords and they feel good and you sneak in that way….I’m talking sexually of course [breaks into laughter]. For sex…I don’t think it’s rocket science, you know. In a more intimate setting….massages are nice, little but not no clothing is nice and uh, yeah all the classics.

Pretty traditional?

Yeah I’m not trying to tie anybody up…I like kissing.

What about kissing?

I like kissing somebody all over…head to toes [laughs]. I always like to think that some places people have never been kissed, one little square inch on their back. Not like you mark your territory but you’re on new terrain and it’s a special new spot and it sort of pays respect to the female form.

What do you value as your most enchanting quality?

I’ve always been very sincere. I think that could be very sexy. I mean the things I say.

Does it get the girls?

I don’t use sincerity to get with girls. Being a musician you don’t have to necessarily approach girls, girls approach you to say they enjoy your music. I say ‘thank you, what’s your name?’ I want to know who I’m talking to but I don’t want it all to revolve around sex. I like that my music can bring people together and that’s more important to me than whether my music can get me some.

Any one-night stands lately?

I can honestly say I’ve never had a one-night stand with a random fan. Yes, things that are random or sort of forbidden are sexy. Unfortunately that’s not the healthiest way to live I think— Especially when you have something established…I haven’t had any of that recently. I like to be in a meaningful relationship. And how many songs have been written about one-night stands? Oh, wait…what about [sings in a high pitch] “Girls, Girls Girls” by Motley Crew? [laughs].

Top three sexiest songs?

D’Angelo’s “Shit, Damn, Motherfucker,” Erykah Badu’s “Next Lifetime,” Otis Redding’s “These Arms of Mine.”