RILEY JOHNSON – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW

Riley Johnson is a Ct. based singer/songwriter who has recently released his debut album entitled Running Behind. The full length, put out via Neurotronix Records, is full of passionate gems. Each song carries its own vibe and feel. Riley has crafted an unique sound that encompasses many different genres including folk, Americana, outlaw country and rock. He blends the best of the Laurel Canyon sound with modern nuances to create a singular entity. He is in a world of his own.

Riley’s carefully designed lyrics takes his listeners on a musical journey that pulls many emotion out of each person. He is a consummate poet who uses his words to forge amazing imagery. His music takes everyone on a transcendental trip full of honesty, warmth and fervor. Produced by veteran producer Richard Demko, Running Behind is a musical tour de force. A must listen.

Riley was kind enough to sit with AMP for this heartfelt interview.

AMP: Congrats on your new album, Running Behind. How stoked are you?

RILEY: I’m really excited. It came out a little later than I expected but in hindsight, it was released at the perfect time. When I listen to it now, I’m extremely proud of the accomplishment.

AMP: What first got you into music?

RILEY: My parents are deadheads. So, I grew up around a lot of music. Matt Miklus, from the band Hubinger St., taught me how to play guitar when I was around 10. Hubinger St. is pretty big around the Northeast. When I got a bit older, baseball took over a big chunk of my life. In my late teens, I started returning to playing guitar and I joined a couple of blues and jam bands.

Afterwards, I entered the singer/songwriter phase of my career. I began to experiment with different sounds and I started to venture toward a Laurel Canyon groove. A Neil Young and Joni Mitchell kind of vibe. I soon realized that was the direction I wanted to pursue. I like the fact that I’m doing my own thing. Trying to find like minded musicians to form a band is difficult.

AMP: Can you give us a glimpse into your creative process?

RILEY: It’s pretty sporadic. I really never know when the inspiration is going to come. Some people can sit down and decide to write a song. It comes easy to them. For me, that process never works. There has been a couple of songs on the album I tried to write in that manner. One in particular, “Pocket Full Of Holes”, I actually sat down to purposely write but I just couldn’t finish it. I had the idea in my head but it just wouldn’t come out the way I wanted to. I actually don’t remember when I had it finally down. That how it usually works with me.

The ancient Greeks believed that there was a spirit that visited you while you were writing a song. I’m not one for the mystical but that fits my style. Also, the lyrics are of the upmost importance in my songwriting. When you can express yourself in a novel and honest fashion, that’s what moves people. People want to hear fresh takes on life in the words and energy that the songwriter puts out. That’s what I strive for, originality and passion.

AMP: How would you describe your musical style?

RILEY: My musical style is pretty laid back but it’s really hard to pigeonhole. I believe it falls in the Americana arena but not like Jason Isbell. I think it’s more in the traditional country genre. There is also some folk and rock elements mashed in as well. I like a bit of truth in my music but more of a laid back truth. I want the listener to dig deep into the lyrics while enjoying the waves with a beer.

AMP: Who are some of your inspirations?

RILEY: Definitely Jackson Browne. His words and views on the human condition are the best. Of course, Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead. I’m also a big fan of Lowell George of Little Feat. Jimmy Buffett is another inspiration. His first few albums were amazing. He is the consummate songwriter. You can also add Neil Young to the mix.

AMP: If you could collaborate with anyone past or present who would it be and why?

RILEY: There are a lot of artists I would like to work with but the main one would be Dylan. He doesn’t collaborate much, so I feel it would be a big score. Besides his songwriting prowess, I think he would add some interesting philosophy and conversation to my music.

AMP: What’s your favorite track on the album and which song is the best live?

RILEY: That’s very very hard. I like the opener on the album, “A Handful Of Rain”. It’s my single. “Standing By The Shore” is also cool. I really like all the tracks on Running Behind. The best song to play live is “Pocket Full Of Holes” because it has a great chorus. It’s the type of song that the whole audience can sing with you. It brings out a ton of emotion from people.

AMP: Where have you performed and which gig has been your most memorable?

RILEY: When you mostly play bars they all tend to be nuts. I remember my first gig. It’s actually was the same place I had my record release party. It’s a small italian restaurant in Shelton, Ct. called Caloroso. It was during Covid and I was supposed to play outside on the patio but it was pouring. I ended up playing inside since there were so many reservations. It was mostly family and friends, so they felt it was a little bit safer. I will always remember that show. Everybody was singing along and safely having a good time.

AMP: You worked with Rick Demko in the studio. How was that experience and how did he enhance your sound?

RILEY: It was super cool. I didn’t know what to expect. I knew Rick was a really good keyboard player but I was still a little apprehensive. The best thing about Rick is the fact that he let me drive my creative vision. He only put in his input when he really thought it needed a change. I built the skeletons of all my songs, but Rick strengthened my music while still keeping it my voice and ideas. I played all the instruments on the album while Rick contributed the percussions and keyboards. He played a big part in shaping the record’s vibe. He definitely brought out the best in me.

AMP: Any tours on the horizon?

RILEY: I’m playing everywhere I can. I would love to venture out further but it’s difficult to string those dates together.

AMP: What’s next?

RILEY: I would love to release another album real soon. I’ve already written a ton of material. I would also like to pull together a national tour so people can hear my songs.

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