Andrew Johnston
Montréal, Quebec, Canada | SELF
Music
Press
“Johnston’s got himself a voice that resembles the likes of Brandon Flowers from The Killers, which suits his driven folk-rock songs very well.” - Indecent Xposure
“For those who enjoyed late ‘90s indie pop that leaned more toward alternative pop…” - Zaptown
“His most recent, Wake of the Wonder Years, showcases his versatility and maturity as a songwriter, channeling such influences as The Constantines, Matthew Sweet, and Hall and Oates..” - MP3.com
Ottawa native and indie folk-rock singer-songwriter Andrew Johnston moved to Montreal 11 years ago with big dreams of making it as a musician.
“It was always something that I wanted to do,” says Johnston.
“Music has always fascinated me.”
With a career in music in mind, he did what most of his friends were doing after high school — he applied to university, submitting an application to Concordia for the Integrated Music Studies program.
“Concordia is an accessible school, so even though I didn’t really have too much formal musical training, I was able to get into the program,” explains Johnston.
“And it was great — kind of a build-your-own type of thing, which was pretty cool.”
Now, years after completing his university studies, Johnston continues to learn about music through his time recording as a solo artist and performing with bands, including the critically acclaimed group The Gentlemen’s Club.
In just the last few years, he has released numerous albums, both with a group and on his own, including his latest solo effort, The Wake of the Wonder Years.
Still, even with all of the formal training and his real-life experience in the Montreal music scene over the last decade, Johnston admits that navigating the industry these days is tricky business.
“There used to be a time where you could say, ‘We’re going to get a label and a booking agent and we’re going to work really hard and we’ll see what happens,’” he says.
“Now, it’s anyone’s guess as to how you make a career in music,” he explains.
“I’m doing my best to make music as big a part of my life as I can.
“But, as far as having a master plan of how to take on the music industry, I really don’t have one,” he admits with a laugh. - Metro Ottawa
“Andrew Johnston…proposes a fresh blend of indie rock and folk pop as heard on his new album, The Wake of the Wonder years.” - Montreal Mirror
“Andrew Johnston…proposes a fresh blend of indie rock and folk pop as heard on his new album, The Wake of the Wonder years.” - Montreal Mirror
“Andrew Johnston…proposes a fresh blend of indie rock and folk pop as heard on his new album, The Wake of the Wonder years.” - Montreal Mirror
“Andrew Johnston…proposes a fresh blend of indie rock and folk pop as heard on his new album, The Wake of the Wonder years.” - Montreal Mirror
“Johnston’s got himself a voice that resembles the likes of Brandon Flowers from The Killers, which suits his driven folk-rock songs very well.” - IndecentXposure
“Johnston’s got himself a voice that resembles the likes of Brandon Flowers from The Killers, which suits his driven folk-rock songs very well.” - IndecentXposure
“Johnston’s got himself a voice that resembles the likes of Brandon Flowers from The Killers, which suits his driven folk-rock songs very well.” - indecentxposure
Discography
The Wake of the Wonder Years, 2011
Self-Released
Ashton, 2011
Self-Released
Leaders Factory, 2008
Self-Released
Andrew Johnston vs. The Ideal Lovers, 2008
Hearts in Transit, 2006
Self-Released
Photos
Bio
On his latest E.P, “Brace for Impact: Part 1” independent artist Andrew Johnston writes anthemic songs about life’s hardships and struggles-4 folk-infused songs with just enough redemption to keep hope alive.
Growing up in Ottawa and now calling Montreal home, Andrew has been releasing albums under his name, or the moniker Andrew Vs. the Enabler since 2006. Prior to that he was one of the driving forces in the critically acclaimed group The Gentleman’s Club, and has also recorded and played with other artists, appearing on Jf Robitaille’s album Calendar.
Recorded by Andrew and his band the Hurricane at Seratone Studios in Montreal, Brace for Impact:Part 1 is the first instalment in a series of E.Ps to be released in 2014/2015. The E.P includes collaborations with some of Montreal’s most gifted musicians, and features a gorgeous orchestral arrangement on “Night Owl” by Ben Wilkins, as well as drumming by legendary George Donoso (Sam Roberts, the Dears, High Dials).
Andrew will be touring in 2015 in support of “Brace for Impact.” He will be performing in nightclubs, house shows, community centers, and anyplace where original music is welcome.
Band Members
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