Welcome back to our Independent Interviews appointment.
Today I am very happy to be able to have a chat with an artist who deserves absolutely attention and who will soon be released with his new album: Addison Johnson.
Hi Addison and thank you for giving me the opportunity to interview you here for my independent blog Trex Roads. Tell us a little about yourself: where you were born and raised and when you decided that music would be your life.
I was born in Greensboro, NC.
I was connected to music from a very early age, which was strange because no one else in my family, past or present, really had any interest in it.
I started writing songs when I was probably ten, but I never picked up a guitar until I was fifteen.
I decided to move to Nashville when I was nineteen, and it’s been my life ever since.
What were your main influences? Have you always listened to country music or loved artists of different genres?
I love all different kinds of music.
From Frank Sinatra to Lightnin’ Hopkins, country has always been the number one.
George Jones probably influenced more than anyone else, along with Jim Croce, Merle Haggard, and Tom T. Hall.
The life of the independent musician is hard we know: how many concerts do you do a year? Which venues impressed you the most where you played and where would you like to play? Have you ever thought of a European tour?
I usually average between 70 and 120 shows a year in 20+ states, and I always try to do some shows in Europe if possible.
I love playing at old venues.
There are several places that I play that are over a hundred years old.
I’m always fascinated by the history because, most of the time, they did not start out as music venues.
It’s definitely my goal to play across the pond more.
The few shows I’ve been able to play in Europe were incredible, and I’m hoping to do more.
You have a new album coming out: “Dangerous Men” on March 1. Tell us about the process that led you to this new album and what kind of music your fans will find. Where can you buy and listen to the record?
My new album “Dangerous Men” is most definitely a story album.
Every song on the album highlights a different dangerous man.
A dangerous man doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the law.
It could just mean someone who speaks their mind or doesn’t go along with what society wants them to do.
I feel like there is a lot of variety on this record.
No one song sounds the same, and that’s something I always strive for.
You’ll be able to pick up the new album anywhere you stream music online.
CDs and vinyl will also be available at AddisonJohnsonMusic.com.
Do you always play with the same band both in the studio and live?
I do use studio musicians on the album, but I’ve used the same group for over ten years.
I do use a band, but the majority of my shows are just centered around storytelling and an acoustic guitar.
Today independent music is experiencing a golden moment: are there artists you like and admire the most?
It really is a special time in the independent music scene.
I love folks like Hayes Carll, Jason Eady, Todd Snider, Pony Bradshaw, Adam Hood, Alex Williams, Courtney Patton, and so many more.
What is your favorite and most connected song? And what is your favorite song of another modern artist or of the past?
There are so many great songs out there.
I think “Chances Are” by Hayes Carll is an all time tune.
Probably my favorite song of all time is “Misery & Gin” by Merle Haggard.
It has the greatest opening line “Memories and drinks don’t mix too well / And jukebox records don’t play those wedding bells / Looking at the world through the bottom of a glass / All I see is a man who’s fadin’ fast.”
I thank Addison Johnson with my heart for his availability and I wish him the best of luck for his new album: I recommend you to buy and listen to “Dangerous Men” on March 1st!
web site: https://addisonjohnsonmusic.com/
Trex
