The
SL Enquirer has reported on Johnathan Hiess last in 2012 in the story ‘When
Second Life Impacts Real Life’. The
Hiess Experience is moving strongly as we check back with the founder,
Johnathan, to see what they are doing now.
We started his interview while he was having his hair cut by a very
patient stylist, Elizabeth, at Lady Jane’s in Peoria Arizona. Moving to his exotic
beach themed SIM Johnathan answers my questions to catch us up on the Johnathan
Hiess Experience.
Seersha Heart: Remind me what brought you to Second Life to
pursue your love of music.
Johnathan Hiess: What brought me to SL was my company
CIGNA. I was watching medical and news
reports on internet addiction. I saw how
heavy Second Life during that era was being trafficked so I wrote a proposal
which got approved and CIGNA set up shop in Teen SL. That's when I created Johnathan Hiess. I didn't really know what to do with myself
in SL until I heard the music scene. I
was a DJ in my teens in the 1980s so I felt a lot of in world DJs were doing it
wrong. I had been around music and live
performances since I was 6 years old. So
I had a good understanding of the music scene.
Seersha Heart: In some ways it
seems that SL saved your life at one point, correct me if I am wrong....what
would you tell others looking for a creative outlet?
Johnathan Hiess: SL gave to me an outlet with the music to
create. Most veterans like me Diagnosed
with PTSD sometimes depend on being medicated. Music for me is my stress reliever. When it comes to the Tributes I actually let
others take the stage and I just do the music.
I like giving a person who's healthy or with a Terminal Illness a chance
at being that one fantasy of being that artist on stage. I even had one pass away after her
performance. But she lived her fantasy.
Seersha Heart: You suffered through some very traumatic life
events and have PTSD from them...how has pursuing your music changed or not the
way you deal with PTSD?
Johnathan Hiess: As I mentioned about putting people on stage
this is what brings me happiness. If I
can put you in a good mood from my Djing, Tributes or Singing and you feel good
then I feel good. SL is what you make of
it. But it doesn't always have to be you
at the center of your Universe. Share it
with others and they will do more than put their faith in you.
Seersha Heart: In 2012, SL
Enquirer did an article on you and at the time you had a regular presence in SL
and your career IRL with music was taking off.
What projects do you have on the horizon IRL?
Johnathan Hiess: Since the 2012 article I had the pleasure of
working with Freddie Cruz. That led to
three RL gigs and several other events.
Eventually I partnered with Gaby Rivera of Lola Entertainment. I also moved on to State Farm and been very
happy. I have a balance of SL, Music and
RL
Note
to reader: Some of the RL groups he has worked with include: Cheap Trick, Poison and Def Leppard, Slash, Myles
Kennedy, Ozzy Osbourne. See ‘When
Second Life Impacts Real Life’ for the complete story of his
work with these artists.
Seersha Heart: What presence does the Hiess Project have
currently in SL? Are you collaborating
with Kittie Blessed to bring it to a more regular presence again?
Johnathan Hiess: The Johnathan Hiess Experience has
maintained a steady Presence at Franks Jazz and Franks Elite Jazz. Often at times branching out to other venues
like Playboy SL, Roissy, T&S Speedway/Finish Line, Club Hatsune and OD
Designs for concerts that cannot be done at Franks. And yes there is now a permanent presence of
Kittie Blessed with The Hiess Experience.
With Kittie I have launched a new Division called Rusty Violence. She will handle all the
Rock/Metal/Alternative concerts. Carmen
Cardone has taken on the other division now called Center Stage were musicals
like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
From this a new Experimental division has also been launched named City
Park. That part has already acquired
music from Artists like Keith Sweat, RUN-DMC, EMINEM
Seersha Heart: Your tribute band is outstanding and even
has an endorsement as well, true? Which
bands do you do the music from? I
heard Chris Issak and HIM when I
attended the Thursday October 27, 2016 event.
Johnathan Hiess: What you heard was the band HIM doing their
cover of Chris Isaac. Yes the Johnathan Hiess Experience does acquire music
from major labels. That's why the music
sounds so good. Plus I get full
concerts. I do not like that pieced
together concerts my competition does.
Plus they use the same music over and over. There is only so many AC/DC & Nickelback
concerts a persons senses can take.
Seersha Heart: You are extremely
dedicated to your music and your children are also very musically
oriented. You work at State Farm and
didn't you do something for State Farm too?
Johnathan Hiess: Yes I did.
Twice State Farm had me DJ in the work place for Cinco De Mayo
events. Many of my coworkers do enjoy
listening to me DJ from Franks Jazz.
Ladies say my voice in seductive lol
Seersha Heart: I can say that you do have a very seductive
voice. *fans self* Tell me what your
children are doing now?
Johnathan Hiess: Four daughters and one son:
daughters; Amber (Resides in Utah
and works for a Software Company); Rosaliz (Resides in Massachusetts and has
completed both Medical School and Residency.
She is engaged and already planning a family of her own); Michelle
(Resides in California and recently resigned from Disney. She is in the process of moving back to
Arizona.) ,Justine (Just moved to Texas and is looking to restart her DJ Career
there in both worlds)
son: Hiro - Currently on Tour in
Japan. He will not pursue music after he
returns. Hiro plans on going to the Air
Force Academy to become a Doctor.
Seersha Heart: Your group, The Hiess Experience, is open to
anyone to join so they may be alerted to upcoming events. Are there any special events I should tell
our readers about now?
Johnathan Hiess: Yes, Les Miserables on Black Friday [November
25, 2016]. I figured after a day of
crazy shopping and visiting relatives, and kitchen cleaning. You will be looking forward to a break.
By
joining The Hiess Experience group, you will be alerted to the tribute band
productions and any other musical event he organizes in world. Johnathan is living the dream of success in
both worlds finding that perfect RL to SL balance. I hope you each have the opportunity to see
and to listen to one of his productions.
The sound is exceptional and the quality is top notch.
Homepage: http://www.johnathanhiess.com/
Contact: In world N.C.; email: 6025742025@vtext.com
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