John Massari is a veteran film composer and producer best known for creating music for cult classic movies and building immersive, atmospheric soundscapes. Over the years, he’s developed a reputation for blending cinematic storytelling with bold, experimental sound.
Today, Massari isn’t just revisiting his past—he’s reinventing it. He’s taking unreleased music from forgotten films and transforming it into something new, giving those sounds a second life for modern listeners.
Massari is currently in the midst of a massive creative pivot, one that bridges the gap between the flickering frames of "lost" cinema and the modern streaming era. With a workflow that favors relentless momentum and an aesthetic that refuses to play it safe, he is proving that in the digital age, a true artist’s work is never truly finished—it’s just waiting for the right remix.
The Sound & Vision: 70s Grit Meets Modern Groove
If you’re trying to pin down the Massari sound, prepare for a stylistic collision. We aren’t just talking about orchestral sweeps or synth-wave tropes. This is a deliberate, high-energy fusion that targets the soul of Gen X while pulling in the new guard of audiophiles. Imagine the raw, overdriven guitar swagger of 70s rock colliding head-on with the gravelly, rhythmic punch of Tone Loc.
It’s a "stress-swinging" sound—heavy on the pocket, rich in texture, and unapologetically bold. This isn't background music; it's a visceral experience designed to be felt as much as heard.
Top Influences & Sonic Pillars
Classic Arena Rock: The foundation of his grit and melodic hooks.
Old School Hip-Hop Phrasing: For that rhythmic, "Tone Loc" vocal urgency.
Cinematic Textures: A nod to his roots in film scoring (notably Killer Klowns from Outer Space and Gwar).
Collaborative Fusion: Working with rising talents like Phoenix Rose to add contemporary layers to his foundation.
The Journey: Reclaiming the "Lost" Reels
The "turning point" for Massari didn't come from a new discovery, but from a realization about his own archives. Over the years, John composed scores for "obscure little movies" that, for one reason or another, never saw the light of a theater screen. Instead of letting those masters gather dust in a vault, Massari realized he held the keys to his own kingdom.
"I did [music] for obscure little movies that never got released and I still own the rights. So I'm releasing them as my own, you know, remixing them and releasing them."
This act of sonic resurrection is the heartbeat of his current output. By pulling these melodies out of the cinematic graveyard and retooling them for the JM Project, he’s effectively collaborating with his younger self, armed with the technical prowess and wisdom of a veteran producer.
Behind the Tracks: An Audio-Visual Manifesto
For Massari, the music is only half the battle. In a world of digital thumbnails, he is championing the return of the physical artifact. His songwriting process is intrinsically tied to the visual identity of the track. He isn’t just dropping singles; he’s building an art gallery.
Through the JM Project, Massari is releasing new music at a breakneck pace—roughly one song every month. But the true "North Star" of this project is the year-end physical release: Volume One.
"I want an album that opens up as an art book as well. It has all the large 12 by 12s of all the song art in it. And that will be on vinyl, obviously, you know, the CD and cassette as well."
This commitment to the "12x12" experience is a love letter to the era of gatefold vinyl. Whether he’s working with his wife or external artists like Phoenix Rose—who helped craft the visual and sonic world of the single "Missiles of October"—the goal is a cohesive, immersive universe where the marketing guy and the artist within him live in perfect harmony.
The Road Ahead: Volume One and Beyond
The momentum is building toward a massive crescendo at the end of the year. While the singles keep the digital algorithms fed, the physical release of Volume One is where the "gorgeous" vision truly comes together. Massari is adamant about giving his fans something they can hold—a tangible piece of his legacy.
Upcoming Milestones
Monthly Single Drops: New tracks from the JM Project hitting all streaming platforms every 30 days.
"Missiles of October" Campaign: Continued promotion of the hit single featuring Phoenix Rose.
Volume One Pre-Orders: The 12x12 Art Book/Vinyl combo, set for a late-year debut.
Archival Remixes: Ongoing releases of restored and remixed film scores from his private collection.
"I want all my art in one place, whether it's Gwar or a movie like Killer Klowns... I'm just imagining the fold-out with the artwork... that's going to be gorgeous."
Join the Project
John Massari isn't just making music; he’s building a community based on a very simple, albeit profound, philosophy: "Please have fun, be nice to each other, because if you're not, there's no fucking point."
If you’re ready to dive into a world where 70s rock meets cinematic lore, follow the journey below.
STREAM: Find the JM Project on Spotify and Apple Music.
FOLLOW: Check out John’s latest art-pieces and updates on Instagram and YouTube.
SUPPORT: Like, subscribe, and share—your feedback is the fuel that keeps the JM Project moving.
