Meet Joe Johnson | Songwriter, Touring and recording artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Joe Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
I define my success as a musician based on a few simple factors –

Am I making the kinds of music I want to make and in the way I want to make it, does it make me happy, and am I able to enjoy a life that is satisfactory for me and my family. Most musicians base their view of success on things like money, crowd sizes, or recording deals. All of those things are nice but bring with them various levels of control that can be stifling to an artist. I enjoy my place as an independent or “cult” artist because it allows me the freedom to express myself in any way I choose, which brings great satisfaction to my life and my career. I have worked hard to make a living and provide for my family. While I have of course experienced many difficulties and lean times, I have managed to provide for my children pretty well as a working musician. With all of these factors, I feel very successful.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I think what sets me apart from others are my dashing good looks and my sense of humor..in that order. Seriously though, it’s my realness and my demeanor. I can’t stand the attitude some artists have that they are somehow different or removed from their audience. I’m just a dude with a guitar who likes to write songs and sing them. There’s nothing particularly special or unique about that or about me so the idea that I am anything greater than the audience member in the back row is laughable to me. Of course I believe in myself and what I do. There is a thin line between egotism and confidence but if you aren’t sure of yourself and believe in what you do, nobody else ever will. The story of my career is full of ups and downs. Coming from a family steeped in musical tradition, I was always encouraged to follow my talents and pursue my dreams. It’s a luxury I was afforded by parents and family who knew I had the potential to succeed in music. While living in Mississippi it was surprisingly difficult to secure my footing but since moving to Colorado I have found my voice and audience, which I have managed to grow across the country through countless hours and miles of touring. I began my life and career in Colorado as a homeless street musician, playing street corners in the Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs area. I was told to leave numerous times before finally being told to “come back tomorrow and play some more” by a man named Todd Shogren who owned The Hemp Store in Manitou. From there I began meeting and networking with other musicians, first participating in open mics at The Ancient Mariner before forming the band Creating a Newsense with guys I met there. We would enjoy a dramatic and exciting seven year run that established a large crowd of avid fans, most of whom continue to support my solo efforts to this day. Building this career has been far from easy. It took a lot to make the move from band to solo performer and then from local to touring artist. I was helped in the early going by my association with Blank Tape Records, but most of what I got was through blood, sweat, and a great many tears. Countless nights alone on the highway, sleeping at ruck stops, eating dry roasted peanuts for breakfast and lunch with a free cheeseburger at almost every gig stop serving as my only dinner. As I look back, I believe I am most proud of that time of my career. It was an unforgiving test of my metal and I was never broken by it. In fact, I believe it helped shape me as an artist and as the person I am today. Along the way I learned what it means to truly follow your dreams. It really does involve waking up from that dream and understanding that making it a reality involves a complete dedication of yourself to your craft and a lot of hard work. Whether anyone is listening or not, a true working musician brings it every night. I have also learned that the only person who’s belief in your work really matters is your own.
As far as what I want the world to know about me and my brand, I would like the world to know that I’m trying to make it a better place.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well obviously the penny arcade in Manitou Springs is high on the to-do list. I would also make sure anyone visiting southern Colorado knows about and experiences Bishop’s Castle in Rye. A more impressive show of personal accomplishment is difficult to name. A road trip to the Arkansas River valley would be next, with a long pit stop in Salida before hitting St. Elmo then the hot spring.. take your pick as to which one. We would certainly hit Front Range BBQ for the best dinner in town then I would look to see if Grant Sabin, Tejon Street Corner Thieves, or any other of my local compadres were playing music anywhere so my guest could experience a bit of our amazingly deep music scene. In addition to these, I really enjoy a hike through Garden of the Gods so that would make the list. Plus, it’s FREE! If the season is right, I would take them out in my canoe in Pueblo and see if we could scare a fish or two into the boat.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So many people have leant a hand along the way that it’s hard to pin down just one. Ian Bourgal has been with me since way before anyone was really listening and has guided me through almost all of my solo recording efforts. So I would almost certainly owe him a shoutout. As cliche’ as it may be though, my biggest shoutout would be to my fans and listeners. As an independent artist, I depend on word of mouth advertising and promotion a lot and their support in that department has been crucial to my success so far. I wouldn’t be anything without them.

Website: www.joejohnsonsongs.com

Instagram: @joejohnsonsongwriter

Twitter: @joeplaysmusic

Facebook: Joe Johnson Music

Other: joejohnson.bandcamp.com