Artist Profile: Alex Johnston
Images // Courtsey of Alex Johnston
Name:
Alex Johnston
Hometown:
West Bloomfield, Michigan
Current Neighborhood:
Bayside
Your Medium/Craft:
Music, Songwriting, and Production
Years doing your craft?
I first picked up a guitar 16 years ago, started writing and recording songs shortly after on a Tascam 8-track.
How did you first get started in your craft?
I like to journal a lot, and it naturally made sense as a musician to put those words to music. As a person without a band, there was a question of how to record/produce the music. Just me and an acoustic guitar? Go to a studio and find a band to do the whole band thing? As the songs began coming out I felt like there wasn't time to waste but I didn't want to be just an acoustic artist, and I didn't have the resources to do the band thing so I leaned into using percussion to craft a rhythm section and use anything and everything at my disposal to harness my imagination into soundscape.
There was a strange gift in being alone because it meant anything was possible to create, I didn't have to fit the mold of being a "band". I could just be me and experiment however I liked and make as much music as I'd like.
Favorite Artist(s) and/or Inspirations?
I get super inspired anytime I go on a walk, I've written a few songs that way actually. A big favorite artist of mine is Jonsi from Sigur Ros. Their music is so emotional, expressive, and beautiful. My favorite album by them is Valtari which is for the most part a really mellow and relaxing album that I often return to. They've been among the most influential to me, as well as Sleeping at Last for his lyrical delicacy, the amount of music he makes, and the thought/care that goes into it. My favorite Seattle musician right now is probably Tomo Nakayama. I really resonate with his vibe. And the most important answer is I am super inspired by the Everett arts community. I feel so spoiled to know and be around so many amazing artists. Let's keep making awesome things friends.
Favorite Piece You've Created?
This is a hard question to answer because I feel whatever is most recent to me is my favorite. "Colder Love" was made so quickly (like my Christmas album last year) which made the collection of songs super special. It is my thoughts exposed without overthinking. The process taught me a lot about myself and how I want to make music.
But earlier this year I wrote a song called "Wished Upon", the idea of which came to me on a walk and is about how we are connected to each other like all the cells in one body. I asked people through Instagram to send me an encouraging voice memo of something they'd tell a friend or themselves when they were having a hard time. I got about 27 voice memos that I sprinkled throughout the song and it was so beautifully special and touching to hear all my friends speaking love throughout this song. I want to do more of that because it felt like a gift that kept on giving. We need more of that in the world.
What’s the most challenging part of being an artist, or something you had to overcome?
Ego is a big one. Not in the "Oh I'm so cool" way but in the wanting something to be perfect kind of way. Letting yourself go and express who you are is such a big lesson as an artist but also as a person.
My latest album "Colder Love" was written in the course of a week and recorded over 2 weeks. I wanted to capture the beauty of the cold in that it encourages us to be warm, and what is warmth but to be held close, and what is being held close but intimacy and intimacy is being yourself to someone you love, being known and knowing that you're known and knowing that the other knows that you know that they know you! So it felt important and good to write these songs without thinking much of them, but to take these lyrical ideas and go with the first thing that came to mind and write the song however it happened close to the first try.
The song "Melt My Heart" is kind of a cliche love song but I wanted to write one of those because I'd never really done one like that. It was written at the Independent, and when I came home I put it to music and recorded a live take on the acoustic I was proud of, didn't add any atmosphere (which is hard) and then went to bed and woke up and went to work the next day. To make that I had to let go of my ego thinking if everything was good enough and, therefore, if I was good enough.
All that to say, even more than working alone and navigating the highs and lows of music production, the biggest challenge is getting over myself overthinking things that don't need to be thought. Arts are about following the feelings/the muse/what the art needs to be, not what I want it to be.
How can people be supportive of the arts?
Utilize the goodness of social media by interacting with artists! If you like an artist or appreciate their work, share it, comment on it, let them know they are doing a good thing. During these times, everyone needs that support. In the digital age, the comments and sharing is a huge way to show support.
If you use Spotify, put us on playlists so we can generate more plays and work our way into algorithms. We are alive in a fascinating time, so use technology for support and connection. Also, a direct way for people to be supportive of the arts is to support financially. If you have the means, buy art and show your artists some love!
Favorite place in Everett to eat?
I've been going to Tokyo Teriyaki since I went to school at Trinity (where Funko now is).
Favorite place in Everett to hang?
Grand Ave is a close walk from my house so I often do that rain or shine. How about that new bridge?! If not there, I am a huge fan of Narrative, Toggles, and the Independent.
Favorite quote and/or words to live by?
One of my friends said, "Life may feel short, but life is also long".
Before I released my first EP's in 2016, I had doubts about them. I wondered if I should scrap the whole thing and if it was worth releasing. My friend and musical mentor at the time told me that she wished she released more music when she was younger. She encouraged me to release them, and work on what's next.
This is something I am so grateful to have been told early on as a songwriter and producer. I pass this encouragement onto my other artist friends. Make lots of stuff! Make mistakes! Make things and celebrate it and then make some more things and dream about what you want to do after that! Life is long, so make lots of stuff and love the process of creating or whatever it is you do.
What's next for you?
After making my winter album "Colder Love" I am feeling inspired to make a spring album about how the heart breaks open to grow, and grows to break open again. I am really intrigued by circular ideas so that will be fun to explore and write those songs! Throughout 2020 I have released 7 singles for a 14 song album called "Upspiral" that I plan to release in full early next year. Also, in July, I released an ambient piano album and it was so fun to record so I hope to do that again in 2021. I just want to write, produce, and release lots of music and learn more along the way.
Where can people see more of your art?
Spotify is the big place. Throw me on a playlist with your favorite artists. If you want to show me some financial support, buy my music off Bandcamp where they've been doing Bandcamp Fridays where 100% of the proceeds go to the artist which is super cool. Or if you want a personal touch, you can follow me on Instagram where I post little musical things here and there along with pictures of my cats.
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