While the mainstream musical media in the USA is showing wear and tear, the people decided that enough was enough. The response is to find artists that are down to earth in their music and personality.

Anna Johnson is one of these artists who is beginning her career and is down to earth. I heard her music and invited her to be interviewed which she accepted. The rest is history.

 

1. What inspired you to start a career in music?

 

 

My whole family is musical, so I grew up surrounded by it in various ways; I took piano lessons for 8 years, my sister Julia has studied classical violin from the age of 6 until today, my dad sings and plays guitar with his brother and uncle in a Gospel trio, my mother plays piano beautifully, and more. It was in my blood, really, and even though I didn’t begin to play guitar and write songs until I was 16, it was inevitable I’d find my musical niche.

 

 

 

2. Who were your idols and mentors and how were you able to learn from them to form a style that is Anna Johnson?

 

 

I never had any idols or mentors like many kids do; I didn’t listen closely or study the lives and stories of famous musicians. Instead, I heard and appreciated music of many kinds thanks to my parents’ good taste! If I had to credit a few people for inspiring me most and having the biggest obvious influence on my style, I’d say Alison Krauss, my father and his trio, Norah Jones, and a little bit of Avril Lavigne.

 

 

 

3. What inspired you to record «Ready To Go» and how long did it take you to record it?

 

 

The recording process took longer than some because my producer lives in AZ and the studio is in TN. He came to town a few times between October 2009 and April 2010, and each time we recorded as much as we could in a short period of time. What inspired me, though? Hmm. So many things! I had been writing music and playing for a couple of years and even studied songwriting at McNally Smith for a year, but it was time to move on and do something bigger. When I was invited to Nashville to record with Billy Smiley and Bill Whittington, I knew it was what I was supposed to do. I wanted to take that next step and learn as much as I could, so I made the album, had lots of adventures, and somehow ended up here!

 

 

 

4. You talk about God in your music and conversation. What is the importance of God in your life and music?

 

 

The Lord gave me the gift of music and has opened doors I never knew existed. I credit Him for my talents and abilities, and I hope to give Him glory and recognition by using my abilities to bring joy to other people. I don’t really know where I’m heading or how I’m going to get there, but I strive to live well and serve Him and others in all I do.  

 

 

5. What is the music scene in Tennessee like?

 

 

There is music all over the place in TN! I love how many ways there are to learn and grow! Musicians are everywhere and opportunities are endless, so it’s a great place for someone like me to get ideas and take from it what I can.

 

 

 

6. Where have you performed and how has been the reception in the places you perform?

 

 

I’ve performed a countless number of venues from capacity-20 coffee cafes to summer festivals hosting 2,500 or more. Each and every place is different and every experience is a chance to grow. Fortunately the reception has been great overall, but there have been times I booked shows in venues that weren’t suited for my kind of music, in which case it just doesn’t work. Like I said, though, a learning experience.

 

 

 

7. How many albums have you recorded and what were the inspiration behind the albums?

 

 

I have 3 albums and 1 Christmas single available on iTunes. Unlike albums in the past, mine aren’t written with one theme in mind. I write songs about life, love and friendship, so at this point each of them is a snapshot into my life at the point during which they were recorded.

 

 

 

8. What is your advice to those who want to be singers and musicians?

 

 

The best advice I can give is to work hard, be confident in who you are and what you do, and strive to be the best you can be. Think of others before yourself and realize that every opportunity is a chance to become better.

 

 

Ultimately, follow your heart and make your dreams reality!

 

 

 

9. What is your message to the world?

 

 

What is my message? Honestly, just what I said in the previous question. I hope people will learn to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. I hope people will listen to and enjoy my music, but more importantly I hope they find what it is they’re made to do and that they’ll do it with passion and excitement!

 

 I would like to thank Anna Johnson for accepting my invitation. My best wishes for her in her musical career.