Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Johnny Stimson

Taking a leap of faith isn’t easy, but it can lead to incredible opportunities: just ask Johnny Stimson. The talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist had a feeling in his gut that he needed to be in London, so he urged a European booking agent to get him a show across the pond. What resulted was a phone call that would change his life forever. Keep reading to learn who was on the other end as well as how he discovered his passion for music, his creative process, and how Crazy Rich Asians inspired his new single, “Flower”.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Johnny: Growing up, music was always in my house. My dad would play the piano and sing songs to us when I was a kid. I fell in love with The Beatles and my dad took me through their whole catalogue to help me understand the music theory in the songs. At a certain point when I was in school, I felt like my ears clicked and started to open up. Then, music became the ONLY thing I could think about. Once I started hearing chords and melodies, I started writing nonstop and haven’t looked back.

PC: Tell us about getting your big break and why you’re such a huge advocate for taking risks.
Johnny: A few years ago, I took a big chance bringing my band to London. I’ve always dreamed of playing overseas. I started to notice new fans in the U.K. on social media and I decided that we needed to go to them. I connected with an agency and convinced them to book us for a gig. My hope was that they would love us so much that they would get us a tour the next time.

The gig was on a Wednesday night and it was raining. Not a lot of people came out, which wasn’t the greatest feeling. We played well, but I was discouraged. The next morning, we were sound checking for a video session in an old English church, and I got a call from Sir Elton John. Someone from the gig had sent my music to his team and he heard it and called me. I ended up signing with Rocket Records after that, and Elton has been very supportive of my career since. It definitely reminded me that sometimes the amazing happenstance stuff like that doesn’t happen if you don’t take big risks.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career/sound?
Johnny: Honestly, my dad. All those memories with him at the piano are precious, and he continues to give me the best business and life advice. I love that guy.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Flower”. What inspired the track?
Johnny: I wrote “Flower” while I was on tour. I had just seen Crazy Rich Asians and I really liked the part where they all celebrated this one flower blooming for just a short while. It reminded me of my sometimes too—short stops at home and how beautiful it is to get time with the people you love. I wrote it for my wife because she is that beautiful flower to me and I try to make every moment count when I’m with her.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? How has it changed throughout the years?
Johnny: That’s an awesome question! I like that the process is different almost every time. This song started off like most of mine do, with some melodies and chords. I had the line, “You’re my little flower,” in my head for a while and I fleshed most of the rest of it out on my guitar in a hotel room somewhere. They usually all start like that. This one was different though, because I have been working to become a better producer. I wrote the rest of the song as I started translating different sounds from my imagination into my computer. It was such a rewarding process to take this one all the way from start to finish.

PC: As you embark on the next chapter in your career, what are some of your aspirations?
Johnny: It would be incredible to be able to tour on my own. I’ve done a few opening slots and I love winning over crowds. I’ve had a little taste of headlining shows in Asia, and that feeling when the crowd sings back with you is really special. I’d like to play Madison Square Garden someday and hear people singing along. I also have a lot of life that I’m living right now, and I have a lot that I want to say with my songs. I’m hoping an album will be part of the immediate future.

PC: You’ve already had huge success worldwide. Is there one particular moment that stands out to you?
Johnny: Last September, I played a gig in an arena in Jakarta. It was the biggest crowd that I’ve ever sang for, and there were pyrotechnics and everything. It was a really special feeling, and my cousin (who’s also my best buddy) got to come with me and be a part of everything. It was truly incredible, and I have a good feeling it isn’t the last big show like that.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Johnny: I have quite a few new songs ready to go. I’m doing everything I can as a self-managed artist to share it with as many people as I can. It looks like there will be shows here and abroad over the summer (including one in my hometown, Dallas, on May 17), and I’m also hoping to tour quite a bit in the fall. I’ve been connecting with some awesome new writers and producers in L.A., so my wife and I plan to spend some time out there while I work on new stuff.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Johnny: [laughs] The Bachelor for sure!

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Johnny: Heavyweights is still one of the best movies ever to me.

PC: Favorite book?
Johnny: Shantaram, which is just such a crazy adventure book. I learned a lot about myself reading this one.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Johnny: Les Misérables—used to listen to this growing up a ton.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Johnny: Probably Chicago! My dad’s influence wins again. [laughs]

PC: First album you bought?
Johnny: It was either The Newsboys’ Take Me to Your Leader or Creed’s Human Clay.

PC: First concert you attended?
Johnny: The Eagles

PC: An album that you changed your life and why?
Johnny: Revolver. I was exhausting every Beatles song ever and just learning all about the theory. Somehow along the line, I guess I never even heard of Revolver until my friend down the hall in college asked me about it. I was so shocked and it was like the gift of a golden new Beatles album to me. I love it so much to this day!

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Johnny: Madison Square Garden

To keep up with Johnny, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Flower” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.