Carissa Johnson is known for her straightforward lyrics, driving melodies, and her band’s inimitable live energy. Her musical career began in Boston, Massachusetts, and has taken her all across the United States, playing over 350 shows in 35+ states between 2017 and 2020. Johnson relocated to Brooklyn, NY in 2022 and is currently promoting her latest full-length album Blue Hour, out on A Diamond Heart Production (Nov. 2021).
Today Glide is premiering the music video for “You,” which captures Johnson delivering an intimate and moving performance. “You” begins with a sense of unease, as a low-res bass note enters the sonic landscape. As the acoustic guitar’s warmth comes into play, you breathe a sigh of relief as the bittersweet words croon:
“Feelin aimless even though I had it all planned out
Somehow I fell into a style I never picked out
I’m trying to keep my mind afloat”
Johnson has created a musical flower arrangement; the soul of The Ronettes, and their 60’s instrument riffs and beats, along with a refreshing vocal take, and the catchy strumming of Coldplays’ “Yellow.” Furthermore, the vocalist’s diction offers impeccably clear lyrics, which allows her poeticism to shine even brighter.
“Makin’ wishes under tunnels, over bridges
When it’s all said and done something will come of this all”
As “You” progresses, the sun floods out from behind the clouds. A syncopated, clean bass enters the chats at one minute in, bringing bubbling energy to the surface.
“Baby you, brought me back to myself
I don’t know how I ever got so…gone”
The next instrument to join in is a subtle acoustic drum set, which reiterates that vintage syncopated feel. “You” is a self-reflective doo-wop that crescendos from sorrow into sweet-hearted positivity.
“You” is an enigma; an unconventional love song, because it feels like one that’s being sung to not a lover, but a friend. It will single pull on your heartstrings in the most endearing and honest way, but, at the same time, makes you want to do the twist!
“This song is the last song off the album Blue Hour. It’s somewhat of the outcast of the album, being the only acoustic track since the rest is very upbeat and synth/rock-driven. I wanted to end Blue Hour on a positive note and I didn’t feel like this song needed much sonic backing. The original demo was just an acoustic guitar and vocal, and it was always very raw, so I wanted it to stay as true to the original as possible when it came time to record it. It started as a journal entry when I wrote it, and the song is really a thank you card to my friends who got me through that year of being locked down in our houses. I felt like my mind was all over the place, and I wasn’t acting like myself, and they really helped me re-assemble back into who I was. I wanted to thank the people who lent an ear during that time, made me feel at home and loved, and like everything was going to be okay. So this song is for them, they know who they are :)” -Carissa Johnson
Watch the video and read our chat with Carissa Johnson below…
What was the first instrument you ever learned, and what drew you to it?
Guitar was my first instrument. My dad always had guitars around the house and he got me into my favorite bands when I was younger, and took me to my first concert when I was in third grade. That was when I felt called to pick one up and start learning.
You mentioned that “You” was written about your experience during the lockdown and the friends who helped you through it. Did you find your musical creativity to be stoked during the pandemic, or do you feel you’re more artistic with friends around?
I found it hard to process a lot during that time, but I made it a point to get stuff down on paper as much as I could. My friends made me laugh a lot and really kept me sane throughout that time. I think the positivity they brought did wind up making me feel more inspired and gave me energy, but I usually create and feel most artistic when I’m alone.
What made you choose Belforge Arts Center Theater as the location for your music video? It’s such a beautiful yet empty and evocative space.
I played at an event called Rocktoberfest in October there outside and it was a blast. The owner of the grounds gave my band and I a tour of the theater and it just seemed like the most ideal spot for the vivo for this particular song! The wide open space and old, natural feel to it just felt right.
What kind of music inspires you? I feel like this one is infused with a bassline that could be from the ’60s hit tune, which I love.
Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of pop music, and songs that make me want to dance. I also love a lot of folk music and alt rock stuff. It’s really all over the place!
What was your favorite part of working with the producers at Mad Oaks studio?
Benny and I work so well together, and he really understands the direction I want to take each song. He’s one of the smartest people I know and I learn a lot from him every time we collaborate. We both love experimenting and trying things out that we didn’t plan and usually stumble on so many happy accidents that end up sticking.
Do most of your songs start out as lyrics or journal entries like this one, or do you ever begin your songwriting process with instruments first?
They have all up to this point started out as poems that I’ve put to melodies. I’ve never written chords before. I’ve tried and it never works!
What’s the meaning behind your 2021 album’s title, Blue Hour? Is it a photography reference?
It’s a photography term that means the time of day post-sunset and pre-sunrise, when the sky has that dark blue tint to it. That time of day has just always felt really nostalgic to me, and I get a lot of inspiration from looking at the sky. I was reading about the term and I found out that the blue shade comes from an excess of light scattering, when the sun is below the horizon. I thought it was a good metaphor for the year this album came about, when everyone was kinda going through a dark age of some sort and things were closing. I wanted to remind people that there was still light all around, and I think I wanted to remind myself that, too.
2 Responses
Awesome article interview and loved the video!
Grammy girl does it again????????????????