Artist Spotlight :: Johnny Cantu V

Bio

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas.

I started playing guitar at 12 years old and haven't stopped for 20 years now. I was taught at Wynn Seale Academy of Fine Arts. I learned how to read music and understand theory. Classical and flamenco style at the time.

I have been in and out of a lot of projects, and that was all a learning experience.

High school was a pivotal point in my musical journey. Every day after school, I would practice about 3-4 hours a day. Jamming songs and learning them. I played in a few high school bands and played gigs when I could. All that exposure just gave me more drive to become a musician.

I didn't have the best gear growing up. Started off with a Squier Strat guitar and a 2x12 combo amp from Behringer. As I got older and working, I could afford better gear. Over the years I have acquired 14 guitars and some amps & cabs.

My main band is Called The Southern Revival. I started in 2016 and have 2 full-length albums and currently working on album 3. We are a blend of Pantera, Clutch, Lamb of God, Every Time I die and Maylene and the Sons of Disaster.

I joined my other band, SLANDER361, in February 2023. We are a hardcore beatdown band with some Slam influence. The first 6 months were pure creativity and practice. During the rest of the year, we played nearly 40 shows to show our drive. This year, we had a few member changes and plan on doing a full-length EP.

I am very fortunate to be where I am now. Took a lot of hard work and dedication. It's no rockstar life, but I enjoy gear, writing music, playing shows, and just being a part of the music community. I was a fan first before anything. Now, being on the stage feels very surreal.

What/Who inspired you to pick up your instrument?

I started in the 7th grade at a fine arts school. After that, it just stuck with me for 20 years now.

What piece of musical advice would you give yourself if you could go back in time to the beginning of your musical journey?

Practice, practice, practice. Get into gear at an earlier age. Stick with audio engineering.

What keeps you excited about playing?

It's always the thrill of what I can up come with that day. Trying new things and experimenting.

Desert Island 3 pedal pedalboard (not including tuner)

Horizon devices precision drive
Dunlop CFH Wah
Looper pedal

When you find yourself in a musical rut, what techniques do you use to break out of it?

Listen to different genres. Watch instructional videos on theory. New bands can show different rhythms to try out.

Who is your favorite artist/band today? And who was your favorite artist/band 10 years ago?

As I Lay Dying

Still, to this day, it is my favorite band. If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be the guitar player I am today.

When you find yourself in a music store - what is your go-to riff when test drive gear?

I usually do some chugs or bluesy leads. Depends on what guitar I am trying out. Mainly mess with the EQ on the amp more than the guitar.

What is your most prized/cherished piece of gear? And why?

Charvel Phil Sgrosso signature guitar.

He plays in As I Lay Dying. The most influential band in my playing. I voice my tone around him.

What is the next big musical purchase you're hoping to save for?

Another 7 string and slowly building my studio piece by piece.

Gear Breakdown

Currently, I am using the Neural DSP Quad Cortex as my main amp source/tone. It goes into a Seymour Duncan Powerstage 200, then goes into an orange 4x12. On my pedalboard its simply the Quad Cortex>Fortin Zuul noise gate>Dunlop CFH Wah pedal>Horizon Devices Precision Drive.

I play guitar for two bands, and they are completely different on the metal spectrum.
In the Southern Revival, we use 6 strings and play in Drop C. I use a Dunable Gnarwhal, Fender Jim Root Telecaster and Jazzmaster, and a Charvel Phil Sgrosso Signature
For slander, we use 7 strings and play in Drop G. I use a Washburn Solar Parallax and an LTD AW7 signature model of Alex Wade of Whitechapel.

I do a lot of research when it comes to gear. Watch a lot of videos and home experiments. It's more that if it "looks cool" to play on stage. Sound, quality, and specs are what I mainly look for.

From Rattlesnake Cables I use the balanced studio XLR to 1/4". They sound immaculate not only with guitar tone but clarity on hearing some tunes through the monitors. I do plan on buying more cables. Hank is an amazing dude and cares for his customers. Thanks to him I am part of the Rattlesnake Artist roster now!

Bands / Projects

Social Links

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Do you have to be a famous musician to be featured? No. Do you have to be a professional musician to be featured? No. Do you have passion about playing and gear -- oh and a verified Rattlesnake Cable Company cable user. Yes!

All you need to do is contact us and we'll direct you to our submission form. If your submission is approved, it will be in the queue to be showcased!