Standish913.com has been blessed to do an exclusive interview with...
"JOHN MASSARI"!
Let's get into some exclusive questions...
STANDISH: Your band, JM, released a cover of The Dickies' theme song "Killer Klowns From Outer Space" in May 2025 — can you tell us more?
JOHN MASSARI: Absolutely! From the very beginning, The Dickies’ theme defined the Killer Klowns experience — Pure Punk energy. To initiate our creative process, JM reinterpreted the song through our own alt-metal lens. Heavier, darker, but still a celebration of that mischievous, bizarre energy that the Chiodo Brothers created back in the day.
STANDISH: What's your personal favorite track from Killer Klowns From Outer Space?
JOHN MASSARI: That's like asking me to pick a favorite child! But if I had to choose, "Escape from the Klownship" Is one. The Killer Klown March most of all! I wrote it many years ago when I was a teenager.
STANDISH: Were there any specific scenes in Killer Klowns From Outer Space that pushed you to experiment musically in new ways?
JOHN MASSARI: When they all ventured into the spaceship and discussed ancient astronauts. Weaving the music in and out of their dialogue while musically painting a picture of their wonder, curiosity and fear.
STANDISH: The fans want to know, what's the biggest challenge of scoring a film as intense and graphic as Killer Klowns From Outer Space?
JOHN MASSARI: Help to tell the story. Not taking it too seriously, but not poking fun of it either. The music served as a contrast to treat the Klowns as if they were truly from another dimension. At the same time, the visuals did the heavy lifting on the humor. It's a dance between horror and parody, and that approach draws in the audience.
STANDISH: If you had to describe the Killer Klowns From Outer Space score in three words, what would they be?
JOHN MASSARI: Fun. Imaginative. Fascinating.
STANDISH: Any word on a Killer Klowns From Outer Space sequel?
JOHN MASSARI: No comment
STANDISH: What's your process for overcoming creative blocks when composing?
JOHN MASSARI: Creativity flows when you trust your instincts. The best musical ideas come when you let your subconscious do the heavy lifting.
STANDISH: Do you have a favorite project you've worked on that really pushed you creatively?
JOHN MASSARI: The Killer Klowns Live-to-Film concert project has been one of those creative milestones with Killer Klowns. Translating my original score into a full symphonic performance was quite an experience for the audience. The live Orchestra adds a new dimension to the Killer Klowns experience, bringing the Killer Klowns to life!
STANDISH: When composing, what usually sparks your first idea?
JOHN MASSARI: It's emotional. Projecting a parallel emotional subtext to the scene and bringing it into the film's experience.
STANDISH: How do you know when a piece of music is truly finished?
JOHN MASSARI: When you can hear it back in your mind, sing it to yourself and just let it flow without thinking about it.
STANDISH: If you could collaborate with any artist or filmmaker, living or dead, who would it be and why?
JOHN MASSARI: George Pal. His films have inspired me since I was a young boy!
STANDISH: Any upcoming work we can look forward to from you?
JOHN MASSARI: I'm releasing new music with my band, JM. We can be heard on all music streaming outlets.
STANDISH: What are your social links?
JOHN MASSARI: You can find me on Instagram: @john.massari YouTube: John Massari, John Massari Topic, and JM Topic. That's where I share music and the occasional synth obsession.
STANDISH: Anything else you'd like to include here?
JOHN MASSARI: Just a huge thank-you to the fans — their love has kept Killer Klowns alive for decades. They have turned a wild little cult film into something truly timeless. Stay spooky, stay cosmic, and keep listening for the unexpected.
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