THE HEART OF COUNTRY
Despite his meteoric rise to country music stardom, Australian singer-songwriter James Johnston has retained his down-to-earth charm and homegrown roots, qualities that infuse his irresistibly catchy sophomore album, Where You’ll Find Me.
WORDS RITA HORANYI
IF YOU’RE A fan of country music, or even if you’re not, the appeal of Johnston’s music lies in his honest, relatable depictions of life in rural Australia.
The staggering response to his debut album, Raised Like That – with 28 weeks at No. 1 on the ARIA Country Chart, two Golden Guitar Awards, and over 134 million global streams – shows that his heartfelt message and melodies resonate with listeners around the world.
His follow up album, Where You’ll Find Me, offers more of the toe-tapping blend of traditional country sounds, modern production values, and pop sensibilities that has garnered him many fans. While the album has similarities in themes and approach to his debut, it’s a development, rather than a repeat.
“It’s the next step for me. My first album was … very much reflecting on where I had come from. It was those stories of being a kid, growing up in the country and all the rest of it … Since then, there’s been a lot of change in my life. I’ve gotten older, I’m married now, and got two boys … This album is a lot more present. It’s a lot more about the moment that I’m living now,” says Johnston.
“My songs, I always pull from my life … And that’s what this record is. It’s just songs from the everyday and celebrating the simple things, the roof over your head, having family and that kind of stuff.”
To launch Where You’ll Find Me, Johnston embarks on a national tour, with Darwin on the hit list.
“I’ve never been to Darwin … I’m super excited about it, because I’ve always wanted to get up there and I’ve never even travelled up there … I’d love to jump in a chopper and go and see some crocs … hopefully I got a little bit of time!”
With his live shows known for their high energy and infectious sense of fun, Darwin audiences can expect to be scooting in their boots and completely transported.
“My concert is not a sit down concert at all. It’s full-on, we get the party started … I want people to come to my concert and forget about any of their worries. I want them to celebrate, I want them to feel part of a community … I want them to feel a joy in the room.”
James Johnston | Where You’ll Find Me
WHEN SUN 16 NOV | 6.30PM
AT AANT CENTRE
COST $79-$269
INFO yourcentre.com.au
Image: Josh Kelly
