Johnny & The Mongrels

Creole Skies – Johnny Ryan/Scott Sharrard - Leaving one's environment and situations that are safe and comfortable for the chance at grasping something bigger and possibly more fulfilling, is a scary proposition. The song Creole Skies describes Johnny's own continual internal struggle to decide to move to New Orleans away from his native home of Colorado. The pursuit of glory is a risky endeavor but there's never been anything worth achieving that didn't involve dealing with change and being a little uncomfortable at times. Great lessons were learned in making the choice to immerse himself in that world.



- During a recording session at Dockside Studio in Maurice, LA, you have the invaluable opportunity to spend some time just hanging out on the back patio of the pool-house where you can sit and watch the slow muddy water of the Vermilion Bayou go by. It's an inspirational place and I can honestly say, it's was a major influence on this record. For example, one night while still in the midst of recording the song Creole Skies, Scott Sharrard and I were sitting out by the bayou at the pool-house writing more lyrics for the song, when all of a sudden, we heard a loud “splash!” Typically, the combo of pitch dark and splashes while sitting near the bayou is not usually a calming sensation but we both agreed it was just the spirits of the bayou and Dockside coming together to show their approval to the Mongrels and their endeavor.”