Getting to Know… Ellis Johnson | Interview 🎤

After many consecutive band interviews, for the 123^rd interview on The Musical Hype, we get the scoop on UK singer/songwriter Ellis Johnson.

“I  don’t allow socks at my gigs, to ensure that socks are pre-rocked off.” Fair enough, Ellis Johnson! The Manchester UK singer/songwriter is the subject – the esteemed interviewee – on the 123^rd interview on The Musical Hype! As the aforementioned excerpt from one of the solo musician responses suggests, he has a pretty good sense of humor. That said, he’s also very sensible when it comes to his aspirations and overall craft: “I’ve always wanted to be a musician… The idea is still the same as it was when I was a kid; to make a long and successful career in music as an artist.” So, without further spoiling the contents, let’s jump right into the colorful, incredibly entertaining Getting to Know… Ellis Johnson: Interview #123!

Let’s get this started off right. For those who may not be familiar with you, what would you say makes you distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

I wouldn’t really say I am unique, I write music, if people like it, then I am happy, if they love it, then I am even happier. I don’t allow socks at my gigs, to ensure that socks are pre-rocked off. 

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. What are some of the goals or the visions you had early on?

…I don’t really have any juicy stories about my back… I’ve always wanted to be a musician, as far back as I can remember, and what is so special about that, is that the dreams or goals I had as a kid, are the same still. Which I guess is a unique thing, because most kids don’t grow up to be cowboys, or Spider-Man. Luckily for me, I am a musician, and I’m currently writing a stage musical about Spider-Man in the Wild West. The idea is still the same as it was when I was a kid; to make a long and successful career in music as an artist.

Let’s talk more about goals. Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

My perspectives are always changing, I think! Because there’s no magic wand to get to your goals. I’m personally not very fond of the word ‘goals’ in music. To me that sounds like there’s an ending, a conclusion to your vision. I’d like to think it’s just an ongoing flow that’s determined by hard work, love and probably most importantly, luck. 

Sure. Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

Too big of a list. I was greatly influenced by my old man, as a kid. He’s crazy about music, and that craziness was inside the apple that didn’t fall from the tree. He got me into bands like Led Zep and I’d just be mesmerised. I started playing drums at a young age and music has been so important to me ever since. The grunge scene really influenced me and later the nu metal and punk scenes. I loved anything that was noisy and suggested a message. 

Ah, the fun stuff. What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance? Feel free to be creative.

I was doing a UK tour once, from Edinburgh down to London. One night, I forget where the gig was, I got a little intoxicated. I woke up in the early hours sprawled out in big, restaurant style sink. No idea where I was or why I was laying in a sink. 

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

My favourite song I’ve recorded and performed live is called “Something Criminal.” What makes the song special, is that it’s OUT NOW! Available on Spotify and all the rest! 

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you? Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

I don’t know if people “should” know these things about me, but… I can juggle, I know how to order 4 bottles of water in Arabic, and I fell out of a tree when I was a kid, resulting in a fracture at the base of my spine, that’s never fully healed. 

Wow! Closing thing out, what are you currently working on, promoting that you can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

I’m constantly writing and recording. I have a million and one 3/4 finished songs, and I’m working on getting back to live performances as soon as COVID fucks off. I don’t really have any secrets worth telling. Plus, don’t be nosey. 

Well, hopefully “COVID fucks off” soon and you and musicians ‘round the world can return to live performances which are such an integral part of the music.  This has definitely been a colorful interview, haha.  Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck moving forward.

Thank you for putting up with my answers! 

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Photo Credits: Ellis Johnson, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype; Icons made by https://www.flaticon.com/authors/freepik (Freepik)