We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaMar Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaMar below.

LaMar, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Am I happy as an Artist? Yes! Through my artistry, I have the ability and calling to heal & inspire others through my music. Music is frequencies. It has the power to control emotions. I do not desire to put out negative vibes – there’s enough of that happening currently. I’m all for spreading positivity. So being an artist is my Superpower and I intend to use it to the best of my ability. For many years I never considered having a “regular job” a thing because I have always conducted my business like it was a full-time 9-5.
I arrive (clock in) on time which is usually 30-60 minutes early. If I know I have a gig, show, or tour scheduled, I inform my sub-contractors well in advance or at least a 2 week notice. Good business or professionalism will always keep you working.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Greetings everyone. Thank you for reading my story. A little about me? I’m just a cool brother who enjoys achieving goals and traveling the world spreading good vibrations through music. I have been a professional drummer for 31 years working for artists from Chico DeBarge to Arrested Development and now currently my own band, Smoktagous77 Band.

I started playing drums in church at a very young age. While growing up in Detroit, MI my mother & grandmother made sure I was at church every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and the entire day and night on Sunday.

Church was my second home and I enjoyed being there if it meant I could sit behind some drums. From birth until I graduated high school that was my life. Traveling with local gospel choirs and groups until I was old enough to start playing in clubs.

Immediately after graduation, I started touring with the Floaters, then stage plays, Motown acts, etc. Life as I know it in the secular world took off and I enjoyed it. It was fun!! My life became a paid vacation with perks. My reality was most people’s dreams. To this day I continue to complete bucket lists thanks to 2 pieces of wood formed in drumsticks.

One of the main things I am most proud of maintaining a good representation of myself in this industry; that and being a family man. Everything I do, I do it for my family – my legacy! It also keeps me grounded along with my integrity and character intact.
Music & Family – Welcome to my World!

I am also the proud owner of Smok’s Woodshed Drum School & Tis I…Entertainment LLC.
My drum school is my way of giving back to the youth through the drumming. We teach individuals of all ages how to play drums, & make beats using studio software. Tis I…Entertainment LLC handles it all. From managing, booking, promotions, etc!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is seeing the response I get from those who listen to the music I created and/or co-create worldwide – because I know I’m not putting out anything negative yet it’s still relevant, I’m doing my part in keeping the world a better place. I’m still new at being an artist and for me, I want to make sure I continue to make music that is loved by all ages. As I mentioned earlier – Music is a frequency that is used to control emotions and other times your health. So I want to always respect the gift the Creator has placed in me. What better reward is that of spreading positivity and inspiration!

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The best thing society can do is Support. Not only the major artists but also the independent artists. We have many platforms today to help support the cause. Platforms like this interview are also a great way to support independent artists. I am grateful for all the support I receive. You can find my artistry on all streaming and digital platforms under, “Smoktagous77”. Some links are provided under the Contact Info section. As always, I am grateful for this opportunity to share my story, goals & achievements. Lastly, I am in the studio working on my EP. Follow me for more details @Smoktagous77

Contact Info:

• Website: https://smoktagousweb.wixsite.com/smoktagous77
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smoktagous77/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@smoktagous77
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/73T95xgnOcPIsFWRpSAzYb?si=zuNs-HNjSyWRVGoCBwmTmA
• https://music.apple.com/us/artist/smoktagous77/1527156611
• https://music.amazon.com/artists/B08FTH5GWY/smoktagous77?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_gYGZnRSLzv25tClx3K2iQdBjl

Image Credits
Tis I…Entertainment LLC