New Artist Profile

Craig Johnston

The song-writing talents of Craig Johnston came to light one day when he was given praise by industry newsletter, Record of the Day, who in fact made Craig's song 'Made of Stone', 'Record of the Day', that day. The day in question was very recent, so the other day (shortly after the day he got 'Record of the Day') we got in touch with Craig with some questions. A day later he got back with some answers. Today you can read them, and I'll go get a thesaurus.



A) The facts:

A1) What material did you record here at Miloco?

Craig Johnston: I recorded 4 songs with my band which all went up for download this month, two of which also went on my debut EP, 'Burning Time'.

A2) How would you describe the music you're making at this moment in time?

CJ: The one connection that all my songs have is that they're very emotive. Each song hopefully has it's own personality in sound, be it folky, Indie or groove based. The lyrics I'm writing hopefully strike the same chord to the listener as they did with me writing them. When I get the melodies right too, it helps get my voice and message across in the right way.

A3) 'Made of Stone' seems to have got the most recognition out of all the album's tracks. Do you have a personal favourite?

CJ: 'Made of Stone' seems to have made the strongest connection with people. I can understand that as it also means the most to me from all my songs. There is sadness to it but it represents resilience and strength, which I think everyone has to go through to reach happiness. Playing live with the band though, I enjoy 'Two Words' the most - one of the songs we recorded at Miloco, which got featured on Record of the Day and Indiestore choice this month.

A4) Are there any guest artists on this project/are you collaborating with anyone?

CJ: No just my band and myself. Wesley Gibbons on drums, Alex McElhinney on bass and Jessica Cox on Cello/Keys

A5) How long did you spend here at Miloco?

CJ: We spent 4 days recording at The Square studio in Hoxton, and 2 days mixing in the SSL room.

A6) What do you like about Miloco and what do they seem to offer differently from other studios ?

CJ: The professionalism brought me to Miloco initially. Such as the website, the promo packs that they send out and being very knowledgeable and helpful. The thing that Miloco are sitting on top with is simply the quality of studio options, equipment and in-house team. There is also a family type feel to the whole studio team which makes you feel more relaxed, which as a recording artist going into record is invaluable.

A7) Please describe Miloco in 12 words (or less)...

CJ: Completion, relaxed, spacious, comfortable, slick, enjoyable, reputable, value, helpful, colourful, quality, delivers

A8) Would you call yourself a multi-instrumentalist or is there one particular instrument you feel considerably more skilled with?

CJ: I first learnt to play piano, but I feel more comfortable singing with my guitar. It's pretty handy though when I'm writing/recording to be able to add keys to the equation, giving it more of an option in texture. I was given a banjo as a gift once, but at the moment it's still making a very good ornament!

B) Favourite album section:

B1) What was your favourite album when you were:

a) 5-12 yrs old?
CJ: Any Police albums

b) 13-16?
CJ: Prodigy - 'Experience' / Nirvana - 'In Utero' / Enigma - 'MCMXC A.D'

c) 17-25?
CJ: Clapton - 'Unplugged' / Jamiroquai - 'Space Cowboy' / LTJ Bukem - 'Logical Progression' / David Gray - 'White Ladder' / Underworld - 'Beacoup Fish' / Kathryn Williams - 'Little Black Numbers'

B2) If you could have been involved in the writing or recording of any one album, which one would it have been?

CJ: Ryan Adams 'Gold'. 17 songs - truly song-writing at it's best!

B3) Choose 5 desert island discs...

CJ: The Verve - 'Urban Hymns'
Zero 7 - 'Simple Things'
Wheat - 'Hope and Adams'
The Chill Out Album
Clapton - 'Unplugged'


B4) Which band or solo-artist has made the biggest impression (good or bad) on you over the last 12 months?

CJ: Sade - beautiful voice, beautiful songs. I especially learnt that you don't have to force your singing to emulate emotion. Very smooth production on their music, which leaves a lovely albeit melancholic taste in your mouth.

C) Another question:

C1) What's the last book you read/what are reading now?

CJ: Last book was 'The Celestine Prophecy'. It's a slightly factual book with a fiction chase story incorporated. A Little like the 'Da Vinci Code' but less religiously and more spiritually and socially based. Makes you pay close attention to coincidences happening in your life. Excellent reading.

C2) Any ideas for what your tombstone might read?

CJ: 'Leave your number and I'll get back to you'

C3)What's you current tipple?

CJ: Guinness all the way

D) All-comers title fight:

D1) Who would win a fight between... Godzilla and King Kong? And why?

CJ: King Kong. As opposed to destroying his surroundings like his counterpart Godzilla does, he uses them to his advantage.

E) Final music section:

E1) Which is the best gig you've ever been to?

CJ: Ian brown at V Festival 2000, dance stage. He came onstage 15 minutes late on his moped! Cursed at the crowd about 20 times, didn't do an encore and everyone who was there still loved him. It was ridiculous, so good.

E2) What's the worst behavior ever witnessed at a gig (your own, someone else's, on/off/back stage)?

CJ: No doubt, same as above!

F) The end bit:

Thank you very much for submitting yourself to the Miloco Magazine inquisition; your time, effort and patience is much appreciated.

F1) Before signing off, is there anything else you'd like us to know?

CJ: My eye colour changes randomly between brown and green.

F2) Please tell us your website, Myspace and general contact details, etc.

Web: www.myspace.com/craigjohnstonmusic
Press: paul@zestpr.com

Craig Johnston was talking to MILC in February 2007.
© MILC@Miloco2007