Johnny Stimson – Flower

By starrymag | June 25, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) That’s an awesome question that I’ve been trying to figure out for quite a long time. I think my sound changes like my life changes. My voice is a little raspy and I try to keep the soul in whatever song I’m writing. Sometimes the sound is a little melancholier and more organic and sometimes I’m in an analog synth mood and want to dance. I’ve often been told to hone my sound to be a little more consistent, but I like the surprises and variety of life so I try to keep my music close to how I feel in the moment.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) A few off the top of my head – The Beatles, JT, Discovery era Daft Punk, Death Cab, Fleetwood Mac

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Flower.”

 

A) “Flower” is the first of a new era for me. It’s the first time I’ve ever written and produced and mixed everything myself. I’ve been learning a lot about production and just decided to try it this time! I wrote it while I was on tour and had just been able to visit my wife at home for a couple days. It reminded me of those flowers that only bloom for a couple hours and then they’re gone. I tried to take the beauty of that image in nature and relate it back to those beautiful moments in life and love.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) On a production level, I think people like that it’s fairly raw. I wanted the song to be minimal and have the image of me just singing and playing my guitar all the way through. I think lyrically it works well because it was a raw emotion I really felt and it just came out quickly. Sometimes those are the most honest songs for me.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I just wanted to show some beautiful footage of the life cycles of different flowers. There’s so much beauty in a bloom, but there’s something beautiful when the flowers go away too. It just matched what was in my imagination. [smiles]

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) For me, it always depends on the song. I find that I’m usually quick to come up with melodies and sometimes words pop in here and there. Once I’ve got a melody that’s sticking in my head, I shape the chords around it and start to think about a theme or a title or one word that can get me moving in the right direction.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) I coproduce, PR, produce pretty much everything I release. I’m so thankful to have some awesome producer friends (Michael Cheever, Dan Stringer, Daniel Pashman, Hero Delano to name a few) who have helped me create some awesome music. Lots of times I’ll fully write a song and maybe make a demo at home and then bring in a lot of notes of how I want it to sound. Then, it’s usually a collaborative tone quest to find the right soundscape to fit my imagination. Sometimes I cowrite with people and we produce it right there in the room too! Usually, I like to play most of the instruments just because that part is so much fun for me. I’m trying to just study the production process and learn from my friends so I can have more flexibility when I’m producing on my own at home.

 

Q) You were discovered by legendary singer Elton John. What advice has he given over the years that you’ve taken to heart?

 

A) I remember one story he told me that meant a lot. He told me that the night before he had woken up in the night to use the bathroom. On the way back to bed, he had a little melody in his head so he stopped at the piano, as you do if you’re Sir Elton John. But he looked at me and said, “I make music because it’s in my heart. I think you do that too. I hope that when you’re an old man and wake up in the night, you’ll stop and play the piano on the way back to bed just because you love it.” I’ll never forget that moment. He was a real encouragement boost to me.

 

Q) Your music has been featured in shows like The Vampire Diaries and Trophy Wife. What did that mean to you?

 

A) That is so special to me! I always wanted to get something on TV and I’ve been really blessed to have that happen quite a few times. It’s a crazy feeling to know so many people get to hear my songs.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Johnny Stimson performance?

 

A) I think they will be surprised!! I love traveling with a band because I try to play with players who are way better than me! Hah it keeps me on my toes and helps me to be a better musician. I like to hit those high notes and a few shredding guitar solos, too. This year I might also do some solo shows and I’m working on an exciting set for that. I hope the fans will come and see!!

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes!! Right now, I’m just releasing one song at a time that will eventually add up to a full album. I’m trying to only put out my best songs so I think each one is special and I’ll give them each some attention.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Well, last year I performed in Indonesia several times and that was incredible. I’ve had a song take off over there and I’ve been able to play their “Tonight Show” and even did a performance in an arena for 8,000 people. It was definitely the biggest crowd I’ve ever played for and it was amazing to hear them singing the words along with me. I dream about moments like those.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oooh what a great question! My two dream collaborators right now are probably Kacey Musgraves or Maren Morris. I love how they bring the artful storytelling of country music to this beautiful pop and sometimes R&B world. I just love their music!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I’ve been listening to this guy Mac Ayres a lot lately. I love his downtempo feel and raw sense for melody and chords. Definitely got a vibe. Also, super into the new Loyle Carner album.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) You know, social media isn’t so natural for me. I sort of resisted it for a long time and hoped that the music would speak for itself. However, since I had this amazing little moment in Indonesia where my song suddenly found its way onto pop radio, I saw how valuable it was to be able to connect with fans all around the world. I enjoy sharing my life now and I am so thankful for the interactions I get to have with people I might not otherwise get to meet. It’s been so awesome to spread the music to even more ears. [smile]

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I just want to give them a mega internet hug and say a sincere thank you. I know I’m not this big famous star right now, but I am so blessed to get to sit with my guitar or piano every day and create music. It’s my favorite thing to do. I’m blown away by the encouragement and support from people who listen to my music and I’m really grateful.

 

 

Watch The Lyric Video for “Flower”

 

Listen To Johnny Stimson on Spotify: