We were lucky to catch up with Joe T. Johnson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Joe T., thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I took in my music career happened when I was just sixteen. I was already writing my own songs and performing regularly at local gigs, but the opportunity to perform at the ‘Hall for Cornwall’ came up, and it was a big leap for me. It was a 1200-seat venue, and I was set to perform solo, just me and my acoustic guitar—no band, no backup. To be honest, I was terrified. I remember throwing up backstage and having cold sweats before going on stage. But I pushed through it because I knew it was a chance to challenge myself.”

“That night turned out to be a pivotal moment. Despite my nerves, I walked out and did my thing, and it felt incredible to have the courage to face such a big audience. It was a huge risk everything from the performance itself to the fear of being judged. But after taking that step, something clicked. My confidence grew, and I realized that confidence isn’t just about natural ability. It’s about trusting your hard work, being true to yourself, and developing the right habits.”

“That experience taught me a lot about facing fear and growing through it. Fast forward to now, and I’m a London-based ‘new wave’ Indie artist. What excites me the most about being a musician is connecting with people through live performance. The energy of a live show, the community that forms around it—it’s something special. It feels like you’re part of something bigger than just the music.”

“A more recent risk I took was playing my first headline show in London at the iconic venue 93 Feet East on Brick Lane in Shoreditch. This was a huge step for me and my band. It was the first time we were headlining a show in such a legendary space, and the pressure was on to deliver. But the moment we hit the stage, all those nerves melted away, and it was an incredible experience. The crowd was amazing, and that night was a reminder of why I take risks in the first place to create moments like that, where everything comes together.”

“On top of that, we’ve just finished recording new music, and we’re planning to release the first single in March 2025. It’s been a journey, and I can’t wait to share these new tracks with our fans. Our next live show is on January 11th at ‘The Old Blue Last’ in Shoreditch, and I’m beyond excited to perform some of these new songs live for the first time. It’s all about taking these risks, pushing my boundaries, and continuing to grow as both an artist and a person.”

Joe T., before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

“I’m a London-based new wave indie artist, songwriter, and performer. The most exciting part of my career is the ability to perform live in front of an audience. There’s something incredibly special about the energy of a live show—the way the music connects with people in real-time, and the sense of community that forms around it. Whether it’s sharing a song that means something to me or simply creating a moment that people can enjoy together, that connection is what keeps me going.”

“Recently, I had the chance to headline my first London show at the iconic 93 Feet East on Brick Lane in Shoreditch. We also played at Jaguar Shoes and The George Tavern, which were milestones for us as a band. It felt like a real achievement to be able to step up and headline in such historic venues, and I’ll always remember those moments as some of the most special of my career so far. These experiences really show me how far we’ve come and how much the music community has embraced our sound.”

“At the core of what I do, I want to provide music that connects on a deeper level. Whether through lyrics or the feeling of a live performance, I strive to create music that feels personal but also speaks to universal experiences. As an artist, I focus on creating work that is both meaningful and exciting, something that resonates emotionally while also pushing creative boundaries.”

“We’ve also just finished recording a new album, and we’ll be teasing it with the first single, which is set for release in March 2025. We’re all so excited to share this new chapter with our fans. Our upcoming live show at ‘The Old Blue Last’ in Shoreditch on January 11th will be a great opportunity to play some of these new tracks for the first time and connect with the audience in a fresh way. I’m really looking forward to that.”

“What I’m most proud of is the growth I’ve experienced both as a musician and as a person. Every performance, every song written, and every new connection made is part of a bigger journey I’m on. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I think that willingness to keep growing and pushing myself is what sets me apart. I want my music to be more than just sound—it’s about creating an experience, a feeling, and a space for people to connect. If you’re someone who believes in the power of music to bring people together and speak to real emotions, then I think you’ll find something in my work that resonates with you.”

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

“For me, one of the most rewarding aspects of being an artist is the opportunity to express myself through music—something that’s been incredibly important to me since I was young. Growing up in England, I was always surrounded by music, and it became a way for me to understand who I was and to communicate with the world. Being able to play in a band, write songs, and perform has given me a sense of identity and purpose that’s hard to find elsewhere.”

“England has such a rich musical culture, from punk to Britpop to new wave, and that influence has shaped the way I approach music and performance. There’s a real sense of freedom here to explore different sounds, take risks, and be yourself, no matter how unconventional that may be. For me, being part of that tradition while also creating my own path is incredibly rewarding. It’s about more than just the music; it’s about feeling like you belong to something bigger, a community of artists and fans who all share a love for music and self-expression.”

“Playing in a band, especially in the live music scene in London, has been a huge part of my growth as an artist. It’s not just about writing songs in a room by yourself—it’s about collaborating, about coming together with like-minded people, and about creating something together that’s greater than the sum of its parts. The energy you get from that collaboration, from sharing your music with an audience, and from feeling connected to both your bandmates and your fans, is what makes the journey as an artist so rewarding.”

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

“My goal is simple: I want to be remembered as an original and great songwriter. Songwriting is at the heart of everything I do. It’s where I express myself, tell stories, and connect with others. I want to write songs that feel fresh, unique, and authentic—something that stands out in a way that’s true to who I am.”

“At the end of the day, I want my music to leave a lasting impression. I want people to hear my songs and think, ‘That’s something real and different.’ Being remembered for my songwriting, for having my own voice and style, is what drives me to keep pushing forward.”

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejoetjohnson/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheJoeTJohnson
• Twitter: https://x.com/thejoetjohnson_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoeTJohnson
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thejoetjohnson

Image Credits

Henry Ager