Greg Johnson Interview July 2010
by Paul Rose

Tell us a bit about the new album, what can fans expect upon hearing it?

GJ: The new album is going to be a little different than previous ones in the sense that I’m aiming at using drums a little more sparingly, probably on only 5 of the 10-11 tracks. I’ve written about 5 of the tunes and some have been around for a couple of years in the live set, for example “The Maori King” but the rest I’ll be writing and documenting during the making which is quite exciting.

How do you think the recording industry has changed since you first set out?

GJ: I remember an industry that was structured in the old way and while it had it’s problems it also came with things like strategy, marketing, long-term vision for artists and a degree of Label pride. I was proud to be on the same label as the Beatles , Stones, Radiohead, Coldplay and countless other greats. It’s all different now, for many reasons, mostly economic and as a result of new technologies etc. so those big labels are really a shadow of what they were and there’s no incentive for an artist to sign away everything to them.  

So what made you decide to release the new album on your own?

GJ: The good news is that the same new technologies that have arse-ended the old industry have also made it possible to record cheaply and to connect with your fanbase if you’re lucky enough to have one already. I’m really excited to try the new model for music, deal direct with my hardcore fans and use some of the good faith from those folks to help reach new fans. It’s early days for these methods but I think combined with touring and old media like radio, press, advertising etc. it could work. I’m optimistic and very sure that the fans will get a better deal as well.

Tell us a bit about the pre order campaign, why not just release the album when it’s ready?

GJ: If I can respectfully solicit the help of those that already like my music by getting them to pre-buy the new album in exchange for an instant download of a special acoustic album I’ve spent the last few months recording, I will be able to record and master a world-class studio album, pay my musicians like they deserve, but then also employ the very best independent people to help with marketing and radio etc. The kicker from a listener point of view is that you’ll get to be involved in the process far more than the traditional way. I know a lot of people are interested in the songwriting and the technical side of making music and we’ll be giving them a window into that world as well, whilst still telling a few tall tales and getting a few laughs in. I hope people will give it a go!

What are some of your biggest influences as a recording artist and musician?

I’m a real magpie when it comes to collecting bits and influences from all over. I guess I’m like everyone else these days in that sense, there’s no really dominant force in sound right now so a mash up is what you get. The music I love most has that magic combo of groove melody and lyric that has always been rare and remains so. I think the whole Manchester sound of the nineties was wonderful and ahead of it’s time, visiting the classic studios like Motown and Stax has been a great reminder of those wonderful pop recordings and I quite like some of new neo-eighties stuff like Phoenix, Arcade Fire, MGMT… maybe I’ll use some synths on this record, the first version of the Greg Johnson Set came with sequencers and drum machines, does anyone remember that!??

Do you prefer working in the studio or playing live?

GJ: Oh that’s a like a beer or wine question! They’re both great, I love tinkering away in the studio and producing is a new love for me. Live is exciting, you never know what might happen, the power might blow and you’ll end up singing to a drunken Friday night crowd with an acoustic guitar. That happened in Queenstown once. The sheriff might come in and stop the show to give a tornado warning! That happened in Virginia. I’ve got loads of live stories, maybe I should start a monthly “Live Stories From The Hazy Vaults” column on the new site!!

When can we expect to see you live again?

GJ: NZ fans can expect something a bit special and kicked up toward the end of the year, hopefully the largest band I’ve put on a stage for many years. US fans (and UK etc) have to be a little patient, there’ll be shows but not this year I’m afraid, the country is too big, you can’t rent a Previa and be there in 3 hours! This year it’s an album year!, 2011 more shows…