Russell Johnson – First and Canal

By starrymag | January 11, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I always wanted to imagine myself as this punk rocker, but I think I turned into a punk rock kid that fell in love with country songwriters. Indie doesn’t quite describe it, nor does alternative, nor does Americana, but I would imagine it’s somewhere in there.

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) Narrowing it down to three is really hard. Obviously when I was younger, I got hit hard with the greats from everything from Bob Dylan, The Smiths and Led Zeppelin. As I got older it became harder to narrow it down. Every year when Spotify does the “wrapped” I’m always in the top listeners of the Gaslight Anthem. I’m a huge Brian Fallon fan. The songwriting of Jason Isbell truly inspired me to focus more on my lyrics. He’s a genius. Lately, I’ve been on a huge Dawes kick as well.

 

Q) Tell us the story behind your single “First and Canal.”

 

A) “First and Canal” is the sentiment that your past is still there with you. As in, your first love, the first heartache – as we get older we get over them. We probably have even deeper wounds that need healing or other people we love much more. Looking back, you may have thought that person was everything- and maybe they were at the time- but now it’s a ghost of a memory. If you really think about it though, it’s easy to take yourself back there to that first love. that person that you loved still lives in those memories and you can still feel the pain from them.

 

Q) You also did a music video for “First and Canal.” What was the inspiration behind the video?

 

A) The video was inspired by my love of old films and motorcycles. That’s what I think of when I think of my hometown. How I’d drive around and gather all my friends together just for one girl I adored.

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from the song?

 

A) I just hope they look back on their past, think of someone they used to love and send them love – wherever they are in their relationship.

 

Q) With the release of “First and Canal” and “LA,” is there a full length album in the works?

 

A) Yes. I’ve been working with wonderful, wonderful musicians. Rupert Stansall from The Ruen Brothers and Chase Potter, who has played with me for years, really believe in my music and have helped me get these songs is a sonic direction that I really love.

 

Q) You have some dates in the U.S. and UK in November after cancelling prior dates due to COVID-19. What are you most looking forward to with getting to perform live again?

 

A) I think just being able to share these songs with people in a room again is going to be magic. The last two years they have been sitting in binders on my desk. Watching them come to life and (hopefully) resonate with people will be amazing. Plus hugs.

 

Q) Which song would you consider a fan favorite at shows?

 

A) “Put Me Out” has landed really well, but LA has surprised me with how well it’s received. It was a very personal song for me. I basically said everything but her name and my friends all knew what it was about and one friend in particular thought it may be too personal to be a popular song. I was surprised when fans started resonating with my experience so much and singing along with it.

 

Q) You got into music at a young age, utilizing your gift when you dealt with some rough times in your childhood. In your opinion, why does music have such healing power?

 

A) I got into music after my father passed away in a plane crash. In my opinion, it became so healing because I could say and do whatever I wanted. It gave me space to process what happened and an outlet to say whatever I wanted about it. Music expresses what words cannot and then I had the power to add the words on top of it. There’s nothing cooler than that.

 

Q) If you could collaborate with anyone, who would you love to work with?

 

A) That’s such a hard one and probably changes all the time. I’d love to write with Phoebe Bridgers or Connor Oberst I think, but Jason Isbell would be a dream.

 

Q) You have had the opportunity to work with such greats as Chuck Leavell, (Allman Brothers, Rolling Stones), John Oates of Hall & Oates, and jazz-pop singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum. What was the biggest takeaway from working with such big names in the industry that you have applied to your career?

 

A) Honestly, anyone can do it. I just saw Chuck on stage in Vegas playing with The Stones. We’re all just people writing and expressing what we feel. At the end of the day, everyone goes through the same things. Not taking myself so seriously has been the best thing I’ve ever done. Just find the sound you like and run towards it.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music?

 

A) Thank you. From the bottom of my heart. I literally wouldn’t have anything without them. I’m honored even if one person Identifies with my songs. Thank you.