FEATURE
Interview with UK based Singer/Songwriter Curtis T Johns
Curtis T Johns is a UK based Singer/Songwriter who’s voice was given a marriage proposal by Nicole Scherzinger! Soulful, powerful but with a cheeky smile Curtis tells a story with every word!
Curtis became a published songwriter after being talent spotted by established songwriters John Beck (Corinne Bailey Rae, Izzy Bizu, Indiana, Paloma Faith, Sam Smith, Pixie Lott) and Steve Chrisanthou (Corinne Bailey Rae, Newton Faulkner, Eliza Doolittle, Will Young, Charlotte Church).
Curtis is mentored by John and Steve, but has also worked with John Reid (A Moment Like This: UK & US No.1), Jon Hume (New Zealand songwriter and lead singer of Evermore) and Robert Harvey (former lead singer of The Music and co-writer – Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynn ‘Real Love’).
Whilst building his career as a songwriter he has worked with established and emerging artists with familiar names such as Matt Cardle (X Factor Winner), Krrum, Joe Miles, Kerri Watt and Ray Quinn, plus new talent including Callum Beattie, Jamica Blackett (Germany, The Voice Kids) and Sabella.
In 2016 Curtis entered a BBC talent search television show led by Gary Barlow in search for five young individuals to play parts in his upcoming “The Band” musical, featuring the music of Take That, written by Tim Firth and produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers, and co-produced by all 5 Take That members. With his own group ‘Five to Five’ they went on to win the show outright. With a year long tour on the way being named ‘the fastest selling theater tour ever’.
His biggest contemporary influences include Stevie Wonder, K.D Lang, Simply Red, Alicia Keys, Jamie Cullum, Paloma Faith, Plan B, Emeli Sande, Gary Barlow, Mika and Brandon Flowers.
When did you first discover your love for music?
Just being a kid and singing and playing piano, made me smile and I enjoyed performing for others. Then as I started experimenting with writing it really started to make sense to me.
What made you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
My love for telling stories. I enjoy melodies and seeing how telling a story through melody can deeply affect people
When did you know that you were going to make music a career?
I think when I was 17 and I was starting to make money performing I thought, this could be a full-time thing, I’d love it to be full time.
To what do you accredit your sense of style?
I’d say my style is quite unique and quirky but definitely influenced by Paloma Faith, Mika, Brandon Flowers, Jamie Cullum, Gary Barlow, KD Lang.
Would you prefer to be independent or signed to a major?
I mean I’d prefer to have a label that believes in me. Regardless of major or Independent someone who wants to support me in getting my stories out there.
How do you feel about the present state of the music industry?
I mean I feel the music industry is infinitely complex, it’s funny some of my friends only account success to you being in the top 40 of a commercial charts. Yet there’s signed artists all around the world being successful in their own right without that pressure.
What musical influences did you listen to growing up that helped to mold you into the artist you are today?
So many. I mean I loves Queen, and Beautiful south, MJ, Lady Gaga, Antony and the Johnsons, Simply Red. And all those i mentioned before! so many have influenced me!
What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
I mean winning a TV show was probably A big break for me. It allowed me to perform up and down the country and even the west end! Gave me the chance to perfect things vocally.
What are your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic in the studio?
A challenge can be finding a sound that really sets you apart or makes you definable. I think I have a good studio work ethic as I like to get things finished and to throw myself entirely into my work.
What do you feel distinguishes you “an artist’s” from just a musician?
Being an artist is about saying something, representing an idea or ideas. For me being an artist is telling stories and sharing my thoughts and ideas. Like I did with Fears. An EP about mental health.
Today’s music seems to be about collaborations with the “hottest” artist out. Who would you want to work with on a project? And why?
Most of the people I’d want to work with are gone now. But I’d love to work with Tom Jones, a complete story telling voice and tone. I have a fetish for tones, I think.
What image do you think your music conveys and why did you choose this type of image for your music?
I would to think my music tells a story, it’s not lyrics for the sake of lyrics! I wanted listeners to come away from my songs knowing how I felt when writing it!
What projects do you have in the making currently and what are your plans for the near future?
After my run on the West End in London I am hitting Europe to write songs with some collaborators and hopefully picking up some gigs along the way, I love performing to people.
What suggestions do you have for other artist like yourself?
Be yourself, don’t look at what’s successful now as by the time you’ve mastered that it’s changed. It’s hard being you but it’s fun!
How can potential fans find you?
Instagram, Facebook and Twitter just search Curtis T Johns.
Is there anyone you would like to thank?
My dog Molly! I miss her while I am away from home and the thought of her excited to see me when I come home makes it all worthwhile.
Curtis T Johns – Don’t Run Away Child Acoustic VIDEO
