Jon Huertas—From Big Screen to Recording Studio

Most people know Jon Huertas from his big screen roles on HBO’s Generation Kill and ABC’s Castle. What they might not know is that he is a U.S. Military Air Force Special Ops veteran who served eight years in three different conflicts, is on the board of directors of a popular non-profit, and is also a talented singer. He also recently finished a new album, Sex Tape.

In an interview with Patch, Huertas discusses how he holds an ornery Catholic school nun personally responsible for his transition into the singing world. He also talks about Puppies Behind Bars, a charity known for placing puppies with prison inmates to be trained to be service animals - an organization very near and dear to Huerta’s heart, as well as the message behind the album and his plans to perform an upcoming show at West Hollywood’s .

West Hollywood Patch: You're background is in acting. Is this new album your first venture into singing?

Jon Huertas: I started singing in elementary school, as well as acting. They went hand in hand. I have studied and done musical theatre and have never been able to separate the two worlds in my head. I'm just finally giving that side of me a try since I've been so focused on an acting career.

Patch: What made you want to become a singer?

Huertas: A crazy mean nun at my Catholic school. I thought I was in trouble when she made me take part in the school Xmas program, but when I sang my first solo and saw her wiping tears in the wings, I knew I had to do this. To have that kind of an affect on someone so mean - I was hooked!

Patch: So what's with the sex tape scandal/album debut?

Huertas: I released it under the guise that a scorned one-night stand was releasing a sex tape of the two of us. The album is called Sex Tape, so I thought it would be a fun way to turn the tables. Gossip blog sites usually get attention and notoriety by using what celebrities do. I thought I'd get attention by using them, so I took to Twitter with an alter ego named "Joanie Williams" - screen name Southbelle and started arguing with myself on Twitter. People latched on and work did itself. 

Patch: What is the inspiration behind the songs on the album?

Huertas: Sex - the most natural way of enjoying pleasure. You don't need anything but your body, or even better another body too, to feel amazing. Most other ways of experiencing a pleasure even close to sex, you need outside source materials.

Patch: So what kind of message are you trying to convey? 

Huertas: That sex isn't dirty, it isn't wrong and it's nothing to be ashamed of. It. We should celebrate it!  It's an amazing gift!
 

Patch: Can you give us a little bit of a background on your eight years in the air force?

Huertas: The Air Force was an amazing place to grow up. You go in as a kid and in no time, you're a man because of the level of responsibility you're entrusted with. I went in initially as a way to finish college, but once in I wanted to be the best and so I tried to excel and ultimately I think that level of discipline and initiative is what helped me deal with getting started in this business. You have to have a never quit mentality, because a lot of people tell you, "No, you're not right for it."

Patch: You are a member of the board of directors for Puppies Behind Bars. Tell us more about this organization and what it means to you.

Huertas: We are constantly planning ways to raise awareness, raise money and raise the best dogs possible for these wounded veterans. I'm a vet and I have the means to give back to someone that gave the ultimate sacrifice and is now wounded. I feel it's my duty as a veteran. I'm also a dog lover and have witnessed the healing power of these amazing creatures. 

Patch: Are you planning on touring or performing any shows when this releases?

Huertas: I plan on doing spot dates while I'm filming Castle, as well as small shows around town. As a matter of fact, since you asked, I'm going do a show at the Troubadour.

Patch: What are some of your favorite places to hit up when you are in West Hollywood?

Huertas: CB2—I love that place. Their furniture is great. My partner Seamus Dever's house. Chateau Marmont and Bar Marmont too. But for food, I dig Boa. I’m a steak guy and they serve cotton candy for dessert.

Patch: Aside from your work with the album and Castle, what else do you have in the works for the rest of 2011?

Huertas: I'm writing a feature film that I'm going to attempt to direct next hiatus, as well as developing some comedy content for an online distribution company. And I'm gonna relax on weekends in my pool and hopefully do what my album talks about doing.