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Exclusive Interview with Carrie Johnson

About Carrie Johnson

Why country music ?
~ About 4 years ago I was invited to participate in a publishing seminar/showcase in Nashville. I was very humbled to discover that writing a great country song is very different than a pop/rock song – especially lyrically – it was a real challenge. My mother and father are from "the south" and I grew up with bluegrass and traditional country music so I think this has been a natural progression in my music. That’s not to say that I won’t or don’t love and still write pop/rock songs, but lately my focus has been more in the vein of contemporary country – and I feel comfortable there.

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Well, first of all I want to acknowledge and thank you for the lyrical nod to 22 Brides! "waking the dead" was from my 22 Brides song, "No Enemies"!
If everything is possible (and why not?) then I think the ultimate country duet should be sung by Carrie Johnson and Keith Urban! I am a big fan of Keith’s, I think he’s a great songwriter and guitar player – and I think our styles and voices would compliment each other in the best way! Plus, we dress similarly – biker boots, jeans and t-shirts – so we’d look great togther in the video. Naturally, this amazing song would be a co-write between us too!

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ There are many songs I’ve written that have meant a lot to me, but I think that "Strength To Move" is probably my favorite right now. I wrote it for two very special people in my life – they both struggle from time to time with depression and loss. I set out to write an "I’m by your side" song to let them know that no matter what, I would always be there to help lift their spirits. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t need a friend to stand by their side, and so, although the song is personal to me, I think anyone can relate to it.

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Tom Petty.

Whisky wine beer or water?
~ COFFEE!! Lots of coffee – in an I.V. drip…

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)?

If you could turn back time to make only one change, what would you change?
~ I could answer this question off the cuff and say that I would like to change the night that my 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with cancer…but I can’t do that. All points lead to here. My life is so blessed and I am so deeply grateful that if I changed anything at all I wouldn’t be sitting here answering this question. I love my life and I live with no regrets.

What is the question interviewers never asked you while you were always hoping they would. (and give us your answer)?
~ Q: If you could write your own ticket and realize your dreams how would you define success in your musical career?
A: To be acclaimed among my peers; to be recognized as a gifted songwriter and musician; to touch someone’s soul with one of my songs. Oh, and to have a number one hit song on the country music charts!!

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ A studio needs to have all the modern equipment – the best computers, the best mics, the best wires, amps, outboard gear – all the bells and whistles. But a great studio can be in someones basement for all I care – I don’t need "chic". I have had the luxury of recording in some of the finest studios in the country and some of the finest home studios too. What really matters is the people who are helping to shape the song. The producer, the engineer and most of all the very gifted musicians – THAT is what the ultimate recording studio has – a whole lot of talent.

Johnny or June ?
~ Wow – well I loved them both. But I have to say…June. I am a huge Johnny Cash fan, but without June’s love and strength I believe that Johnny would have been long gone from a drug overdose. I think June was Johnny’s backbone and I bet he would be the first to agree with me. "Ring of Fire" – one of my favorite songs – was written by June Carter. That is a tough question though…

What is the one thing that readers/fans would be surprised to know about you?
~ I have a big voice and people are always surprised to find out that I’m very petite – 98lbs
and 5′ 1"!

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ When I finished my 2nd solo album, "Move The Sun" and my latest, "Strength To Move"; the first time I heard my song on the radio; fainting on stage at the Lilith Fair in Arizona ’cause it was 120 degrees in the shade; and anytime I finish a new song is a memorable day in my musical career!

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