Brian Johannesen – photo by Kyle Wolff
- Artist Name: Brian Johannesen
- Hometown: Iowa City, IA
What project(s) are you currently working on?
I am really excited about the release of my new album, Holster Your Silver, available everywhere on January 31st. It’s a record that is very personal to me about the challenges of adulthood and getting older.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I have always loved music, but I started playing music because someone in freshman year gym class in high school asked me if I play bass, and I lied and said yes. I then had to learn how to play bass (kinda) and play a show with his band later that week. I fell in love with performing that day. I didn’t take it seriously until my senior year in college, and I only did so because my roommates had been in a locally successful band and I was so inspired by their ability to just do it that I had to get in on the action.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I’d probably be a National Park Ranger. I love National Parks very much.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I spend a lot of time with my wife and my cats watching movies. I love hiking as well.
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. I have a feeling next year will be rough.
What is the last movie that you watched?
“Jojo Rabbit” – It was so good!
What is the last album you listened to?
Robbie Fulks – Upland Stories
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think I’d rather die than listen to just one record for the rest of my life, but if I had to pick, I’d say John Prine – Sweet Revenge.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
George Jones – “If Drinkin’ Don’t Kill Me (Her Memory Will).” It’s so freakin’ sad.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Knight’s Ferry, CA – just a magical little 1850s river town in the Central Valley. About an hour and a half from Yosemite.
What is your favorite meal?
My mother’s spinach lasagna
Who is your dream duet partner?
Loretta Lynn, duh.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
John Prine would be the dream, but I like touring with my friends a lot.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
To be able to play shows to small, attentive audiences all over the world and not go broke along the way.