Ingrid D. Johnson (C/o ... In The Closet Productions)

Artist Information

Biography

Hello!


My name is Ingrid D. Johnson. I am a Winnipeg singer/songwriter, published poet, spoken word artist, and film maker. I also own a small company called In The Closet Productions ... "A Voice for The Voiceless" which creates music, books, film, and produces live shows and events to help raise awareness and funding for important social issues, such as childhood sexual abuse.

Since 2009, I have spoken and performed songs for The Canadian Red Cross RespectED: Violence and Abuse Prevention program, Voices Manitoba Youth In Care Network (MASSIVE workshop), Aqua Books, The Manitoba Congress of Black Women, Klinic Community Health, UNICEF, The Laurel Center 25th Anniversary, Osborne House, Hot 103 (Christmas Cheer Board & Children's Wish) and The Spence Neighborhood Association to help raise awareness and funding. I am currently the spokesperson for the clients of The Laurel Center (a community resource center that counsels sexually abused women with addictions). In addition, on October.26th, 2011, I was honored (along with 7 other artists) byThe Manitoba Status of Women Minister, Jennifer Howard, for creating music for social change.

Currently, I perform live with 5 talented musicians that I call "The Funky Fresh Crew". They help me to perform my original songs and share my personal story of learning to overcome childhood sexual abuse. A portion of the money we make on the sale of the compilation CD "Wounded Soul" go to funding more individual therapy sessions at The Laurel Center (a community organization that helps women coping with the impact of childhood sexual abuse and addictions), helping to cut down on their waiting list.

I'm always looking to gain more opportunities to perform my original songs & poems with my band and to share my story (whenever possible) so I hope you will consider booking me for your upcoming and future festivals, events, tours, and concerts. I cherish every opportunity because it helps me to connect with a new audience and experiment with my band.

Stay tuned for my debut singer-songwriter album coming FALL 2012 and my first novel shortly after that. Thank you for your support!

To book Ingrid D. Johnson please contact:
In The Closet Productions "A Voice for The Voiceless"
204.880.8145
EMAIL: info@intheclosetproductions.com

Instrumentation

Frank Rizzuto - Guitar
Phil Collins - Trumpet
Nick Mullin - keyboard
Steve Martens - Drums
Mike Cann - Bass
Ingrid D. Johnson - Lead Vocalist

Discography

SEPTEMBER 12th, 2009

"WOUNDED SOUL" VOL 1&2
(Compilation CD) features several Winnipeg vocalists. All songs written & cowritten by Ingrid D. Johnson
28 tracks
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NOVEMBER 2, 2007 DEBUT ALBUM "FLO"
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OCTOBER 22, 2006 DEBUT SPOKEN WORD ALBUM "BLACK BUTTERFLY"

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Both labels are available on Amazon.com, CD Baby, HMV online, and i tunes. The compilation CD 'Wounded Soul" Vol 1&2 has local airplay on Hot 103, Uof M radio, and soon many more stations. A national book/music tour across Canada is also in the works.

The debut album "Flo" has radio airplay on Galaxy radio, Hot 103, CKUW, CBC Radio, and various other places. "Black Butterfly" has streaming on Truth Theory's Mic Check and has been played on CKUW, CBC RADIO, and FLAVA 107.9.

ALBUM FLO: Three songs written by Ingrid D. Johnson and four songs co-written with FLO. PRODUCED/ COMPOSED BY ARUN CHATURVEDI, NEAL PINTO & SUNIL "ISHQ" BECTOR, MIKE MANU, STEVEN SUTHERLAND AND SHAWN LEON.

ALBUM: "BLACK BUTTERFLY" PRODUCED BY: SUNIL "ISHQ BECTOR", LUIS CARDONA, CHRISTIAN DEVOIN, AND MIKE "KUTDOWN" ARNONE.

ALBUM "WOUNDED SOUL" Co-produced by INGRID D JOHNSON & DARCY ATAMAN

Links

• In The Closet Productions OFFICIAL WEBSITE
• MUSICAL PERFORMANCE INGRID D JOHNSON
• THE REAL WOMAN VIDEO (YOU TUBE)

Audio

• SO LONG
  Listen  
• FROM THE ALBUM WOUNDED SOUL Vol 1&2: "Subliminal Messages" Featuring Ingrid D. Johnson & FLO
  Listen  
• FROM THE ALBUM WOUNDED SOUL Vol 1&2: "I Don't Care" Featuring Ingrid D. Johnson & FLO
  Listen  

Lyrics

• I Don't Care
• "Subliminal Messages"

Video

Bravo! News clip of Ingrid D. Johnson

INGRID D JOHNSON " I've Got The Blues" LIVE PERFORMANCE CLIP/ MARCH 2012

Photo Gallery

Press

• HEALING WOUNDS WITH WORDS [+ Show ]
  

  http://www.themanitoban.com/articles/20779 HEALING WOUNDS WITH WORDS Local artist Ingrid D. Jo...http://www.themanitoban.com/articles/20779
  
  HEALING WOUNDS WITH WORDS
  
  Local artist Ingrid D. Johnson reveals her soul
  noreen mae ritsema | 10/5/09
  Tagged with: poetry, local, ingrid johnson
  
  
  
  Fresh from the release of her second book, Wounded Souls: A Collection of Poems and Songs, and its companion spoken-word CD, Wounded Souls Vol. 1 & 2, Ingrid D. Johnson is basking in hope and gratitude. A Winnipeg-based artist with a deep message, she is a survivor of sexual abuse who uses words and music to piece together her own life as an offering of hope to others.
  
  Johnson’s first book, Little Black Butterfly in Iridescent Sunlight, came out four years ago. According to Ingrid, it was a catalyst for major personal life transformations. This meant honestly confronting friendships and relationships that were unhealthy and manipulative. “I feel my new poems reflect my struggle to forgive and let go of the past, ways the abuse affected my voice and sense of personal boundaries, and my spiritual struggle to overcome all the anger, loss, pain, resentment, bitterness and sadness I felt and expressed in my first book. This new book is more positive. It offers truth, hope, healing and inspiration instead of anger, venom, rage, profanity and bitterness.” These empowering messages are evident throughout Johnson’s new poetry as self-affirming themes resonate from each chapter.
  
  Taking a more intimate look at the possibility of an interconnected role between poetry and healing, Johnson acknowledges that poetry is a beautiful medium of expression among many, such as music, film and dance. This eclectic approach to artful forms of expression may help explain how Johnson manages to successfully delve into the music world with her second spoken word CD and as a songwriter and collaborator on Flo’s self-titled album. Johnson elaborates on this fusion by explaining how “sexual abuse destroys your spirit and makes you feel wounded, dirty, broken, numb and dead inside. Belief in God's love restored my soul (my mind, will and emotions) faith, trust, hope and belief in love again. Poetry is an outlet, not the source of my hope, faith, victory, inspiration or healing. God is my source. I know not everyone will agree with this — I can respect that — but this is my belief and what I live by.”
  
  Having endured so much adversity early in life, Johnson’s positive messages and life example are indeed motivating. She shares that “my love for people who are hurting and lost is also an inspiration to write, and my anger towards people’s ignorance and lack of care for other victims and survivors drives me to speak up for the voiceless. I work with kids in care and [my] sincerest hope is that my words, my life and my story will inspire at least one of them to be a success.” It is also this love, strength and compassion that has Johnson donating a portion of her book and CD sales to a local organization that provides services to women who were sexually abused as children, the Laurel Centre.
  
  According to Statistics Canada, one in three girls and one in six boys are sexually assaulted by age 18 and a horrifying 97 per cent of these young sexual abuse victims know their perpetrators. As these sexual abuse survivors become adults, 70–80 per cent of them report excessive drug and alcohol abuse. These statistics validate the need for the programs that the Laurel Centre offers. Ingrid offers the following advice to people who find themselves in sexually abusive situations and relationships: “You are not alone. When you are ready, tell your story and don't stop telling it until someone listens and helps you to do something good to counteract it. Overcoming sexual abuse begins with surviving — coping — but you have to confront the abuse and learn from its impact on you in order to overcome it before you can help others.”
  
  With faith and these powerful messages, Ingrid D. Johnson has launched her own production company called In The Closet Productions. She reveals that her future plans are ambitious and realistic: “I am writing my first non-fiction novel, developing my voice as a new singer-songwriter, planning new community projects and praying that I will attract a compassionate promoter and sponsor/investor and agent to help me with my national and international tour, A Voice for The Voiceless, so I can share my story, perform my spoken word/poems and perform my original music.” With clarity and confidence, Johnson’s new works create a path of hope that can help many wounded souls heal.
  
  

• Ingrid D. Johnson Is No Longer a Wounded Soul! [+ Show ]
  

  http://start.shaw.ca/Start/enCA/Local+Content/Manitoba/Winnipeg/BackStage.htm -------------------...http://start.shaw.ca/Start/enCA/Local+Content/Manitoba/Winnipeg/BackStage.htm
  
  ------------------------------------
  Ingrid D. Johnson Is No Longer a Wounded Soul!
  
  Johnson's new CD is entitled Wounded Soul, but her new outlook on life is definitely brighter! She shares her compelling story of survival and finding the courage and strength to make it on her own and on her own terms.
  
  ------------------------------------
  Ingrid D. Johnson sings for Shaw's Holiday Music!
  
  Ingrid D. Johnson performs her favourite Christmas song, and has a soft spot for Shaw TV too! This new up and coming singer songwriter has her own company and CD out too!

• Ingrid D. Johnson Using her music to heal wounded souls [+ Show ]
  

  http://www.winnipegsun.com/entertainment/music/2010/01/20/12547226.html Ingrid D. Johnson Using ...http://www.winnipegsun.com/entertainment/music/2010/01/20/12547226.html
  
  Ingrid D. Johnson
  Using her music to heal wounded souls
  By DARRYL STERDAN, WINNIPEG SUN
  Last Updated: 20th January 2010, 5:51pm
  
  In a world of shallow, self-centred pop music, Ingrid D. Johnson is clearly an artist with a higher calling. The local singer, poet and spoken-word performer uses her music to overcome the trauma of sexual abuse. Not surprisingly, Johnson speaks from the heart — even when answering my dumb questions.
  
  * * *
  
  * Who’s in the band?
  
  Ingrid D. Johnson and The Funky Fresh Crew (Iesha Hutchinson, Tara De Castro, Phil collins, Steve Marten, Vaughn Poyser, Frank Rizzuto and Nick Mullin).
  
  * How old are you?
  
  33 — and getting younger and wiser everyday.
  
  * What do you play?
  
  We play a little pop fused with R&B and hip-hop, sprinkled with jazz, a spot of spoken-word, and at times a hint of reggae, folk, blues, and funk.
  
  * What do you do for real money?
  
  I work with high-needs children in care. My musicians live and breath music.
  
  * Tell us about the band in 20 words or less.
  
  Void of ego and ready to spiritually lift your mood — while kicking knowledge old-school.
  
  * Describe your music in 20 words or less.
  
  Unique ... yet oddly familiar and reminiscent of the 1930s.
  
  * Describe your look and/or image in 20 words or less.
  
  Smart, sexy, fun, bold, sophisticated, creative, fierce.
  
  * Tell us about your CD.
  
  A spiritual, emotional, and musical journey into the soul of a sexual abuse survivor on the path to overcoming her past and embracing her present and future.
  
  * Why should we buy your CD?
  
  It features many local, Winnipeg, artists, several genres of music, and a portion of the proceeds goes to Laurel Centre.
  
  * How does your music make the world a better place?
  
  Our music is “A voice for The Voiceless”. As an overcomer of sexual abuse, finding myself, my voice, discovering my gifts, developing a strong Christian faith, and pursuing my dreams with passion has restored me from being a “Wounded Soul” to a woman filled with purpose. I hope my music will inspire others to lift their voices, overcome their problems,come out of their closets, and share their stories ... so that we can all work together with God to stop sexual abuse.
  
  * What’s your most original quality?
  
  My creative writing skills.
  
  * What’s your motto?
  
  Dreams come true, not free ... so be in it to win it and hustle, hustle, hustle!
  
  * Complete this sentence: This band runs on ...
  
  Positive vibes from God surrounding us with his love energy. :)
  
  * What’s your best song and what makes it so good?
  
  You and Me, because it makes people happy and remember that love is not sex.
  
  * Name a song you wish you had written and tell us why:
  
  Say by John Mayer
  
  The lyrics are so beautiful — “Love with your arms wide open.”
  
  * Name a song you’re glad you didn’t write:
  
  Snoop’s Drop it like it’s Hot. I just don’t like the message. Rap is more intelligent than that. I grew up on De La Soul, The Roots and other great rappers and I learned wisdom while being entertained. That is what all gifts are for — to teach us something positive and powerful.
  
  * What are your favourite TV shows?
  
  I love America’s Next Top Model because I once pursued modeling. I also LOVE The Hills. It reminds me of my 20s and how much drama there was.
  
  * Your favourite movies?
  
  Little Women.
  
  * Your favourite books?
  
  My favorite book is the Bible, but its not just a book to me.
  
  * Any other favourite things?
  
  Travel, travel, travel, ohhhhhh and my friend “Off-limits guy.”
  
  * What is your most valued possession? And where do you keep it?
  
  My relationship with God is my most valued possession and I keep that in my heart.
  
  * What is your guilty pleasure?
  
  Beef jerky.
  
  * What are your favourite foods and drinks?
  
  Shrimp, dried ribs and beer.
  
  * What kind of food would you like named after you? And what would be in it?
  
  Mud pie. Ingredients: chocolate, sugar, butter, milk, water, almonds, vanilla, etc.
  
  * Name your favourite local musical act.
  
  Flo.
  
  * Now, name your favourite musical acts of all time.
  
  Jim Morrison, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Leonard Cohen, Sade, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Garnet Silk, Damien Marley, De la Soul, Gaopelle, Gaelle and Amel Larrieux.
  
  * Who would you be happy to be compared to?
  
  Billie Holiday. She had limited vocal range but she used her voice like a horn and was able to reduce a crowd to tears.
  
  * Who would you be insulted to be compared to?
  
  No one ... everyone is a winner if they pursue their dream and get it — unless they abuse their power and hurt someone.
  
  * Tell us about your best gig.
  
  The WAG on Sept. 12, 2009 — my CD release party.
  
  * Now tell us about your worst gig.
  
  None. everything is a learning experience.
  
  * OK, now describe your ultimate fantasy gig. Don’t hold anything back.
  
  My ultimate fantasy gig would be playing The President of the United States’ Christmas Ball.
  
  * What’s the best part of performing and/or touring?
  
  The energy of the band and testing out the limits of my voice as I sing my songs and remember what inspired them.
  
  * What’s the worst part of performing and/or touring?
  
  Getting funding and the butterflies in my stomach before I perform.
  
  * What are your pre-show rituals, superstitions and good luck charms?
  
  Lots and lots of prayer, vocal exercises and my pitch pipe.
  
  * If you have a backstage rider, what’s on it? If you don’t, what would you want?
  
  I don’t have one. I would like bottled water, towels, some good food, a stereo system, a treadmill, and a laptop to record backstage stuff for YouTube.
  
  * What’s the coolest piece of merch you sell?
  
  A clock with my screaming face on it.
  
  * What piece of merch would you love to sell?
  
  Musical greeting cards.
  
  * What is your current mode of transportation to gigs?
  
  A cab, Winnipeg Transit, and rides from band members.
  
  * How would you like to travel? Dream big.
  
  A stretch limo with my own driver and wine would be nice.
  
  * Pick your superpower.
  
  Flight. Dreaming makes me feel like I am flying.
  
  * Name one thing you want to do before you die.
  
  Watch my great-grandchildren have children.
  
  * What’s the dumbest thing you’ve ever done?
  
  I did the splits and ripped my pants in Grade 9.
  
  * What’s the smartest thing you’ve ever done?
  
  Read the Bible all the way through.
  
  * Pretend I’m a heckler at your next gig. What do you do?
  
  Ignore you until you get tired and annoyed. I would also focus on something positive like love.
  
  * Complete this sentence: I’ll know I’m a success when ...
  
  I let God influence my decisions. Then I am fair to everyone, including me.
  
  * Now complete this sentence: I’ll know I’m a failure when ...
  
  When I think everything is about ME, ME, ME. That is selfish. I try to stay away from that.
  
  * What would it take to make you give up music?
  
  Death or God telling me to let it go.

Setlist

Through creative and inspirational spoken word pieces, original songs, and her own personal story of learning to overcome childhood sexual abuse, Ingrid D. Johnson and her band "The Funky Fresh Crew" promote her company's (In The Closet Productions) mission to be ..."A Voice For The Voiceless".

DE BUT ALBUM COMING FALL 2012 ...

We hope you will consider booking us for your community events, schools assemblies, Youth Conferences, resource centers, national & international Tours, music Festivals, Gala's, office parties, fundraisers, and charity events.

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45-60 min SET LIST:

SET LIST:

1. POEM: The Real Woman
2. Your Smile (Acoustic)
3. POEM: I'm Sorry
4. "I've Got The Blues"
5. Band introduction ... instrumental for "Time for a change"
6. POEM: Impatience
7. So long
8. Not 2 Late
9. POEM: Subliminal Messages
10. I Don't Care
11. Summertime (Cover song) /
12. Oh, Oh



END OF SHOW ... CDS & Books for Sale

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