John Reis (born 1969) and also known by the pseudonyms
Speedo,
Slasher, and
The Swami is an American musician, singer, guitarist, record label owner, and disc jockey. He is best known as the singer and guitarist for the rock band
Rocket from the Crypt, which he formed and fronted (as Speedo) for the entirety of its career from 1990 to 2005. Prior to this he was the guitarist in the
post-hardcore band
Pitchfork, and also played in
Drive Like Jehu during the early 1990s. In 1999 he formed the
Hot Snakes, and in 2000 also formed the
Sultans, in which (as Slasher) he sang and originally played bass before switching to rhythm guitar. He played in both these bands until their breakups in 2005 and 2007 respectively. He also released a solo recording under the name
Back Off Cupids, which was recorded in 1994 but not released until 1999. Over the years he has performed in many other musical acts including Conservative Itch, Stacatto Reads,
Custom Floor, and Beehive & the Barracudas. He is the owner of
Swami Records, a label he founded in 1999 (he uses the title The Swami in this capacity). He frequently works with bands in a studio capacity and releases albums by many southern California groups through his label. He also hosts the "Swami Sound System" program (previously on
San Diego radio station 94.9 (
KBZT), and now available on
Slacker Radio). Reis remains an influential figure in the San Diego underground music community and is currently performing with a new band named
The Night Marchers.