During the pandemic, I went deeper and wrote songs that mix reality, dreams and stories - INTERVIEW with Johni
Photos by Rony Thilakan
Marie: Johni, how did you get to writing songs, playing music and since when have you been performing?
Johni: Lately, I’ve been wondering how it all started and I realised I could not remember how it happened that I wrote my first song. I do remember writing a song for my grandfather, it was a birthday present and the song was in Czech. I think I was like 15 years old and I would say that after that I somehow tried to write something else and because back then I was listening mainly to artists who were singing in English, it was natural for me to write in English too.
When I was 16 years old, I spent my whole summer busking in the streets of Prague centre and there I realised how much I love to perform for people. So since then, I started to play on some of the Prague festivals and events.
Even though I don't really remember how it all started, I remember the constant feeling of wanting and needing to describe my feelings and experiences through music. When something really beautiful or really sad happened to me, I processed, felt and healed through the music I was writing. It was helping me in every way and moreover having the opportunity of sharing my songs with people that not only listen to them, but also like them, is really full-filling.
Marie: You already have a footprint in the scene in Prague. How would you describe the music scene in Prague?
Johni: Since Prague is considered a small city comparing to many European cities, I would describe the music scene as surprisingly colourful. I was born in Prague, I've lived here my whole life and I find it amazing how many talented people I find out about every day.
Marie: You released you single “Dreaming about you” earlier this year. What is the story behind the song and what was your inspiration for this?
Johni: “Dreaming about you” is about a breakup. It's about this moment of desperation when there's just nothing that can be done because it's already over. You both don't know what exactly changed and when, you just feel it have, and it feels frustrating.
I find it interesting that together with this song, we released a music video, that turned out to be very happy in the contrast to the melancholic song. But I think this is how it should be because I remember all those happy, beautiful moments that we had. There's no bad feelings, relationships end but the good memories stay.
Marie: Are your songs autobiographical or do they come from your imagination, or both?
Johni: My songs are autobiographical - I usually write about my life and real feelings I've experienced. My whole new album The Bloom is very real for me and sometimes it's hard for me to even listen to some of the songs on it because some of them are just very intimate and emotional for me since I know exactly what the story behind them is.
During the pandemic, I tried a bit different strategy of me writing songs, when there was absolutely nothing to write about (haha) or at least I thought so. But to my surprise, I went deeper into my memories and imagination and wrote some of my new songs and the lyrics of them are mixed reality, dreams and stories… And I can't wait to perform them.
Marie: Are you planning any new releases this year? Tell us about your plans.
Johni: I have just released my debut album “THE BLOOM”. Now I am focusing on forming my band, so I can perform my songs in brand new way, because since now, I've been always performing solo with my guitar. I am continuously writing songs and I am hoping for some new singles in autumn of 2021.
Marie: You’ve been influenced by artists some people may not be that familiar with such as (Men I trust, Alice Phoebe Lou, Katarzia...). How would you identify your conscious and unconscious influences in your music?
Johni: When I write my music, I don't consciously focus on any inspiration, or what I want this song to sound like or what artist I would like to sound like. I think that I just listen to the music I like and then I do mine. Sometimes it turns out similar, but mostly not.
I am mostly influenced by feelings and moments in life that I just need to put into words of my songs, I write about this life I am living and that's my biggest inspiration. And it is the best, cause it's still full of new stimulus : ).
Marie: Do you listen to much music on Spotify, and if so, what are the top releases we should check out?
Johni: Yes, I do, I love Spotify. Recently, I’ve really loved listening to PJ Morton's album Gumbo, some songs of Jamie Woon and Tom Misch. I really enjoy listening to the band Men I trust and lately I've been very surprised by Taylor Swift's new album “Folklore”. I love the new sound and lyrics. Plus, you really can't miss Johni's new album The Bloom, haha.
Marie: And finally, what are your plans for life after pandemic?
Johni: To live more. To be more present and live every day with a little reminder in my mind not to take this life for granted. Pandemic gave me a lot, I realised what is important for me in life so I plan to continue in this mindset.
