It’s been almost three years since Orange County singer-songwriter Barrett Johnson released a follow-up to his charming album In Case I Went Missing. In anticipation for the next release, we are finally graced with his sophomore record New Jerusalem. Just like songs “Portraits” and “Small Hands” remain as lovely ballads that linger on the mind, Johnson’s new tracks will do the same. From the country twang in “4am Blues” and the poppy notes in “New Jerusalem,” the 10-track album is filled with a refreshing energy of diverse sounds and voices, including some sweet harmonies by Doll Knight (of Canvas) accompanying Johnson on the record.
Listen to a of the new songs by going to http://www.myspace.com/barrettjohnson
This Sunday, Johnson performs with a full band at Hotel Cafe to celebrate the release of New Jerusalem. Show starts at 9 p.m. and get there on time to also check out Jameson performing with a full band as well.
Here’s what he had to say about the new record:
Ash: What are your reasons for the album name?
Barrett: Hope is central to the songs that were written for this album. And New Jerusalem is hope to me.
Ash: How do you think this record differs from your previous one In Case I Went Missing?
Barrett: I was still trying to figure out what direction I was going with my first record. A few of the songs I will continue playing, but I won’t play some of the songs live anymore. I feel that with this record I know what direction I’m going with the writing and will play a lot of these songs for the rest of my life. That’s what I’m aiming for now. Songs that I will still relate to when I’m older and hopefully so will other people. The songs on this record are also very vulnerable. That’s what I relate to in other songwriters, and that’s the difficult place that I’m trying to write from. Also the production is entirely different from the first album. Working with Dallas Kruse has been a blessing in my life. I can’t say enough about his music ability. He is responsible for so much of the sound on the record. Also all of the arrangements.
Ash: Doll Knight of Canvas sings on most of the record. Any other collaborations we should know about?
Barret: I think Doll Knight’s voice is intoxicating. We have another band together called The Ultimate Bearhug. Check it out on YouTube. Sometimes when we’re writing together I’m literally just giggling. She always asks if I’m laughing at her, but I’m laughing at how good her voice is. We should be recording a full-length album soon with Dallas Kruse at Zion Studios. Hopefully starting before summer.
Ash: What do you want listeners to take from the record?
Barrett: I would love if listeners took some hope from the record. I would also love if at least once, everyone could listen to it alone with headphones and no one else around.
Ash: And since I know your fetish with the word “boner.” What musicians give you a boner?
Barrett: Aside from my many friends that are awesome songwriters, lately it’s been Jesca Hoop. God, she’s good. And Richard Swift. They’re both examples of musicians that should be more well known.
