Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
I'm Not Perfect - Recomended to readers by the Village Voice the week of 4/13/06. - Village Voice
“I’m Not Perfect is a pop-soul singer-songwriter album. It sounds like when Sheryl Crow liked beats, back in her "Leaving Las Vegas" days. I like the first song, I Can; she imitates Steve Tyler in it. Another highlight is the one where Johanna falls for a bartender. And even the songs with sorta dreary words don't sound like they do. Recommended tracks, Right Here and Misery” Chuck Eddy, Eddytor’s Dozen, The Village Voice (April 2006)
“Musically, I'm Not Perfect really hits you with one potential hit single after another, as the Max Martin-esque dance-pop mixes mesh perfectly with Stahley's considerable vocal prowess and rock n roll pedigree - think Kelly Clarkson meets Sheryl Crow meets Shirley Manson. In particular, the one-two punch of title track "I'm Not Perfect" and "Nothing I Would Change" is all you need to seriously getcher groove on, though the rousing "Bartender Song" will have you singing along by the second chorus (and may induce male listeners to seriously contemplate a career change). If there's one nit to be had here, it's the off-putting disclaimer of an album title…perfect or not, I'm Not Perfect is pretty damn close to it.” Mike Doktorski, NB Underground.com (March 2006)
“Johanna Stahley could be our radio artist of 2006. Johanna’s songs really make us smile again, damn it, she's not angry, and she is bringing the song back to music.” KMP Entertainment (April 2006)
“While many commercial artists tend to sound the same this cannot be said of Johanna Stahley. This woman has an incredible voice which is up there with likes of Sinead O´Connor, Chrissy Hynde and Sheryl Crow. Complimenting Johanna´s voice is a great band made up from some talented musicians. Johanna also stands out strong in her songwriting. This album should be the talk of 2006.” www.ffruk.com (April 2006)
"She could get all the words wrong and people still wouldn’t take their eyes off her." Steven Shwartz, NB Underground (1998)
- various (including the Village Voice!)
Wow! What dynamic, energizing music! And "Right Here" is a gorgeous ballad. - Paul
I bought your CD “I’m Not Perfect” online the other day and I just got it today. I put it in, and I can't stop listening. I absolutely love your music. My favorite song is Right Here, It's got a classic sound, with a modern edge. Utterly awesome! -K
I loved 'I’m Not Perfect". Its like a mix of Natasha Bedingfield, but with an edge! It is a very unique sound. -Samantha
I just caught your show at Arlene's Grocery with my sister. All I can say is "Awesome!!" I can honestly say your album is one of select few that I consider great from beginning to end. My favorite track has to be "Right Here". -Jeff
I really like I'm Not Perfect. That song caught me right away. I can hear your influences; I also love KT Tunstall and Racheal Yamagata. Hooray for fun female performers!! Xo rae
I got your CD in yesterday!!! I love it! I already knew all the words from listening to you so much online! You have one HUGE fan here in South Dakota singing along with you where ever she goes! Thank you so much! I’m telling everyone I know about you! -Sabrina
Saw your show on Friday and really enjoyed it. Made a guy 3000 miles away from family and friends feel not so alone. Great band and songs. -Keith
I wanted to thank you for finding me. Your music is absolutely fantastic! What a nice surprise!! You're wonderful!! -Andy
Your rhythms are contagious, and could easily be played on the radio and you already have a loyal fan base. I'm waiting for you to hit it big! I'll be listening, and sharing. -EM
"I'm Not Perfect" is my anthem right now! You have a fan for life. -Josh
I absolutely love your music! It's different, but GREAT! Totally what I love. -Sabrina
Love your music! The songs are so upbeat and are easy to get into. The one that I liked the most is I Can. I've been going through some rough times, and when I heard I Can it just lifted me up and gave me encouragement. I know that alot of hearts will be and are being touched by your music. -Jenna
I think that your lyrics are optimistic and inspiring. Kind of like India Arie (who I love.) -Roger
You are very talented, and my personal favorite is Right Here. Great vocals and lyrics! I also liked I'm Not Perfect, it has a less digital, female Jamiroquai sound. Bring your good music and cute butt to Texas! -Logan
You are transcendent! I've not been this excited about an artist since I first heard Poe! Keep on amazing! –Ivy
- various
This local gal’s I’m Not Perfect is a better and bouncier Sheryl Crow album than Sheryl’s managed in a while: a little-opener-that-could called “My Big O (I Can),” a “Misery” that’s not miserable at all, a tap-dancey alley-cat-rhythmed Rickie Lee– or Norah Jones–jazzed title cut, a bartender ode, Steve Tyler vocal inflections. And through it all, a bassist and drummer bop out full-on, sometimes Diddleyfied, ’60s bubblegum soul beats. Cool!
(EDDY)
- Village Voice
Discography
I'm Not Perfect LP - 2006 All About The H
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Once you’ve seen Johanna Stahley perform, you’ll never forget her. Her extraordinary charisma and infectious energy will captivate you and her songs will reach your soul and stay in your mind.
With a voice born in the choir loft and a body consumed by rhythm, Johanna leads her five-piece ensemble through kick-ass soul-rock. Her self-released solo LP, I’m Not Perfect (March 2006), showcases Johanna’s thoughtful lyrics and dynamic progressions. Two songs she wrote were recently featured on MTV’s Laguna Beach, and she was chosen “Featured Artist” on both MTV.com and MySpace.com, driving world-wide sales of I’m Not Perfect.
The record’s first reviews have pegged Johanna as a hit-maker: “This local gal’s I’m Not Perfect is a better and bouncier Sheryl Crow album than Sheryl’s managed in a while: a little-opener-that-could called “My Big O (I Can),” a “Misery” that’s not miserable at all, a tap-dancey alley-cat-rhythmed Rickie Lee or Norah Jones–jazzed title cut, a bartender ode, Steve Tyler vocal inflections, and through it all, a bassist and drummer bop out full-on, sometimes Diddleyfied, ’60s bubblegum soul beats. Cool!” (Chuck Eddy, Music Editor, The Village Voice, April 2006)
Putting a positive spin on missteps and broken relationships is the message threaded through I’m Not Perfect. Produced by Yellopop (Williamsburg, Brooklyn), the record has met with enthusiasm from the music industry. MTV’s top-rated program Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County featured two songs on separate episodes. Johanna was chosen among thousands to be a “Featured Artist” on MySpace.com (May 2006), garnering the single, “I’m Not Perfect” 150,000 plays since April 2006. The song is also being picked up by broadcast radio along with Internet radio and podcasts. Johanna’s drive, persistence, talent and hard work are evident in these accomplishments.
Johanna first found her rock and soul voice when she fronted the critically acclaimed New Brunswick, NJ band Spredhaus early in the millennium. The band dissolved after three albums and Johanna set forth on a solo career. She then began to expand her songwriting arsenal by collaborating with other writers. When I’m Not Perfect was finished, there were seven collaborators across the ten songs. Her exposure to these guiding influences strengthened Johanna as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Johanna’s fan base continues to grow through MySpace.com, street team campaigns and at her unforgettable, action packed live shows. Along with performances in NYC, a U.S tour is on the schedule for the fall of 2006.
Johanna Stahley’s explosive stage presence, soulful voice, and ability to craft a hit record are leading this emerging talent down her chosen road, one imperfect step at a time.
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