The soundtrack for the upcoming Red Hill Movies LLC horror thriller Johnny Gruesome, featuring a score composed by Armand John Petri and Joe Rozler, will include an original theme song performed by Robby Takac, co-founder of the bestselling rock act the Goo Goo Dolls. Takac, Petri, and Rozler co-wrote “Dyin’ Tonight,” which was recorded at Takac’s Buffalo, New York studio, GCR Audio.
Johnny Gruesome was written and directed by Gregory Lamberon (Slime City, Killer Rack), based on his award-winning novel of the same title.
Johnny Gruesome tells the story of a murdered high school student who returns from the grave as a vengeful monster. Petri and Rozler signed on to compose the score following their work in the same capacity on Killer Rack, and enlisted Takac to collaborate on “Dyin’ Tonight.”
“Johnny Gruesome is a rock ‘n roll monster, and we needed a score that reflected that vibe,” says Lamberson. “Armand, Joe and Robby are among the most talented music pros in Western New York, and since Johnny Gruesome is a Buffalo production, it’s fantastic to have them involved in such instrumental roles. Horror fans are going to love this score, it’s full and lush, not just synth.
An independent record producer and manager, Petri has worked with the Goo Goo Dolls, 10,000 Maniacs, and Sixpense None the Richer. Rozler is a renowned keyboardist and studio musician who has written string arrangements for Manowar and 10,000 Maniacs.
In addition to his Goo Goo Dolls role, bassist and vocalist Takac owns the record label Good Charamel Records and serves as president of the nonprofit Music Is Art Festival. All three have been inducted into the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame.
Mary Ramsey of both 10,000 Maniacs and John & Mary fame played viola and violin on the score, accomplished conductor Bryan Eckenrode played cello, and Virginia Croft, honored by Miramax Films with their “Music of the Heart” award, plays violin.
The soundtrack for the film also includes songs created by Dean Italiano and Giasone Italiano for the “Gruesome” rock CD released 10 years ago to promote the novel. The film’s co-star, Aprilann, performs the song “Not You.”
Johnny Gruesome is now wrapping post-production, and Lamberson is shopping the film for distribution. “Dyin’ Tonight” will be available on iTunes before the film is released. The “Gruesome” CD by the Italianos is currently available on Amazon and iTunes.
Johnny Gruesome Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/johnnygruesomezombie/
Robby Takac/GCR Audio
https://www.gcraudio.com/
Robby Takac/Good Charamel Records
https://www.goodcharamel.com/
Robby Takac/Music Is Art Festival
https://www.musicisart.org/
Armand John Petri:
https://armandjohnpetri.com/
P.I.C Publishing/Dean Italiano and Giasone Italiano:
https://www.picpublishing.ca/index.htm
Aprilann:
https://aprilannmusic.com/
