5 minute read
Shimmer Johnson
Multi-Genre Artist
We caught up with a indie artist by the name of SHIMMER JOHNSON...
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How long have you been doing music?
I have been doing music all my life. I started writing songs at the age of 21 when I met my co - writer Corey Johnson. I call myself a “multigenre artist.” I love to sing and write pop, rock and country music. I have been releasing music since 2017 with over 500K streams on Spotify. I am starting to slowly get interest from college radio and media base stations.
What was the name of your first single?
My first single I ever released was, “IN A BOX” back in 2011. Country Pop Crossover single. The first song I ever wrote was called, “WAITING” and I plan to re-do this song and release in 2022.
What got you into the music industry?
Music is all I have ever wanted to do all my life. My father used to sing in a country band and as a family we used to sing together and record on the weekends. I think entertaining has always been in my blood.
Are you a multi-genre artist?
I sing and write in all different genres, Pop, Rock, Country, Adult Contemporary, RNB and More. This is what makes me a multi-genre artist. I am currently working on a second Hot AC Pop album for 2022. I am also working on a Country album I want to release in 2021. I am also working on a 2nd Rock album with my group DeBenedetta. I love being able to have different fan bases with different styles of music.
Do you feel it’s a competitive market for Indie artists right now and if so, why?
It’s very competitive. There are over 40,000 new songs daily being uploaded to the world. So, you need to find ways to stand out. It’s also really hard to find “real” companies that are good at promoting people to playlists, blogs and radio stations. So many scam artists out there asking for so much money and not providing valid promotion. Playlists and social media are full of bots and fake promotion companies. You really need to ask for references when you are dealing with these companies. This will save you money in the long run. I currently have been doing my own promotion and spending hours and hours daily to get my music out there. It’s a lot of work, but I love doing it.
Who are some of your mentors when it comes to music and why do you choose?
Mentors, this is a hard one. My main mentor is my co-writer Corey Johnson. He has believed in me and my voice and our music since the beginning. It’s good to have someone on your side that truly believes in your music. As for artists that I idolize, I grew up listening to some of the biggest pop stars out there; Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette and so many more. I have finally found my true niche for my voice and my music in 2020. I am truly excited to get my music style out to the world.
What was the name of your first single and how did you come up with the name?
My 1st single from my album “Inner Me” was my song, “Priceless.” This album has been the album I have always wanted to release since I was a little kid. Priceless I wrote right from the heart. It’s about self love and learning to grow through low self esteem and to get where I am now. I am truly proud of the emotional rollercoaster ride I put everyone through; that listens to the “Inner Me” album.
So if you can do a collaboration with any artist who would it be and why?
If I could do any collaboration with anyone in the entire world I would love to do one with Celine Dion. She is an artist I still listen to in 2021. I respect her voice and to be able to sing with her would be a dream come true. I know she doesn’t write a lot of her songs, so I’d love to write one for her to sing. Maybe even duet a song with me.
But if I had to pick someone I could actually write a song with I would pick Sia. I think her songwriting is exceptional, commercial and she has the most amazing natural voices out there. I’d love to do a collaboration song with Sia. It’s on my todo list at some point in my career.
When is your next project coming out?
I am in the process of writing a new rock album for DeBenedetta. I am also working on an album for my country group “Aurora’s Lights”. I am also in the process of writing a second Hot AC Pop album to follow up “Inner Me”.
Do you write your own music?
Yes I write all my own music lyrics and melodies and some piano. My main co-writer is Corey Johnson. But I collaborate with writers all over the world.
Do you produce your own beats?
I don’t do beats but all my music is produced from scratch. Corey Johnson is an amazing music producer that brings the music to a finished state.
How did COVID-19 effect you and you music career?
It gave me time to work on my music and get my albums done. Financially it has affected my well being. Touring has been impossible due to the covid 19 restrictions worldwide. I also had my production company garage robbed during covid. So trying to rebuild my finances has been hard. Music is the only thing that has kept me going. I have had so much success music wise in 2020-2021 with my Inner Me album.
Where can our readers find your music?
You can find my music on all music platforms, but you can also go to my official website http://www.shimmerjohnson.com My social Media link: https://lynxinbio.com/shimmer
What advice can you give other artist starting out?
Ask The Hard Questions!!!! If people you are wanting to work with can’t give you references or want upfront fees make sure to double check how legit they are. Lots of scammers out there! Don’t be scammed! Be Smart!
Only Release Your Best Music! Make sure it’s 100% Your Best! Do not release vocals that are off key. Don’t release music that isn’t in time. Make sure it’s THE BEST it can be. Take constructive criticism! Be Open To Change! The music industry is amazing if you let it take you as far as you can go!!