Michael Johns Rocks The Rabbit

Michael Johns is one of 25 music artists participating the 2009 Playboy Rock The Rabbit initiative and is featured in their March issue of the magazine which hit the newsstand on February 13th.

He posted news of the upcoming interview done with Playboy in a MySpace bulletin. Here's what he had to say in the Valentine's Day bulletin from his Official MySpace Music page.

Feb 14, 2009 8:11 PM
Subject: Michael Johns Playboy interview


Hi everyone well what a crazy time i've been having lately. Just in the last 3 weeks i went the Superbowl, The Grammy's then Disney for the opening if the American Idol Experience.

It was so awesome to meet and hang with all the past idols. I really made some new friends. I gotta say Jordin Sparks is one hell of a dancer haha as is Brooke White. We all got along so well and it will probably never happen again. Simon Fuller and all the folks at 19, Fox and Fremantle are just the best.

I also wanted to let everyone know that the newest edition of Playboy features an interview with me for Rock the Rabbit. Other bands include MGMT and the Kooks. I also designed a TShirt for it which will be sold in Bloomingdales across the country. Part proceeds will be going to charity of which will be ALS again.

My new single will be coming out very soon. We are just waiting to hear what the date will be. I hope all you guys will dig it. It's a very soulful song called Heart on my sleeve.
I'll update you all soon and let you know more details.
Cheers,

MJ

In the following article first published at Pop Rock Candy Mountain, the Rock The Rabbit project is explained for those of us who didn't know what it was.

NEW YORK, NY – In 2007, Playboy launched a new initiative called Rock The Rabbit: a dynamic program that fused rock, hip-hop, art and fashion in conjunction with Playboy’s annual March Music issue. Rock the Rabbit will soon return for the third year in a row with a fresh batch of artists set to be unveiled from February 10th on RocktheRabbit.com and featured in the March issue of the magazine, available on newsstands and at http://www.playboydigital.com/ on Friday, February 13th.

Photos by Mick Rock for Rock the Rabbit

Participating artists were invited to design a graphic inspired by the iconic Playboy Rabbit Head logo, which will be featured on limited edition t-shirts. The shirts will be available for purchase at http://www.shopthebunny.com/ with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Other retail partners will be announced in the near future.

T-shirt designs by various artists. (Editor's note: Michael Johns design is top row, 3rd pic)

Additionally, artists will also be showcased in a fashion spread shot for Playboy’s March issue by legendary rock photographer Mick Rock. Online, RocktheRabbit.com will feature exclusive content including artist interviews, MP3s and behind-the-scenes video footage, as well as the t-shirt designs.

Since its inception, some of the music industry’s hottest artists have participated in Playboy’s Rock the Rabbit program, including Iggy Pop, Duran Duran, T.I., Daft Punk, the Flaming Lips, The Killers, The Shins, Gogol Bordello, Ghostland Observatory, Hot Chip and many others. Playboy is also planning a series of events, including a party at SXSW, which promises to be another can’t-miss affair.

Rock the Rabbit 2009 Artist Lineup:

A-Trak
Chromeo
Diplo
Dragonette
Eulogies
Harlem
Shakes
Jackson Swinton
Jay Reatard
Kenan Bell
Lady Sovereign
MGMT
Michael Johns
Midnight
Juggernauts
Motley Crue
Perry Farrell
Pharrell Williams
Q-Tip
Royksopp
Saving Abel
The Kooks
The Gay Blades
the morning
benders
The Wedding Present
The White Tie Affair
Yelle

Stay tuned for more info on Rock the Rabbit.

Now, if I can just keep hubby from fainting when I ask him to buy me the March issue of Playboy magazine. Wish me luck.