Michael Warren

Journalist

In a little over two weeks, one of Australia’s hottest country music prospects will return to play the festival which helped launch his career – Savannah in the Round.

Here, just 12 months ago in the lush surrounds of Far North Queensland James Johnston cemented himself as a genuine star on the rise wowing audiences on the main stage and under the big top with highly energetic performances of hits like “Raised Like That” and “Small Town”.

Now, a year later Johnston’s Douglas Shire fans eagerly await his return to the Savannah stage in Mareeba.

It’s been incredible though, I played at the Gympie muster a few days ago and that was incredible.

To stand there and have that tent full (of people), and everyone singing my songs with me… I was thinking to myself this feels like a bit of a dream. This is what I’ve always wanted.

This is the reason that I jumped off the deep end, quick my job and went to pursue music.

NP: You’re known as an extremely accessible, relatable and fan friendly country singer, is it fair to say they are a few ingredients behind your ongoing success?

JJ: When I started this chapter of my musical journey I really wanted to be as authentic and unfiltered as possible. I love that those that support me and my music feel they know me and get a real sense of who I am through my music.

NP: James 12 months ago you told me that Savannah in the Round was the first country music festival you had ever played. What are your memories of performing last year and how does it feel to return to the festival that provided a serious launch pad for you?

JJ: That’s very true. Savannah was the first big stage I’d performed on as a country music artist, and it was an incredible feeling, it was definitely a full circle moment when I stood on that big stage.

To be able to come back 12 months later and play a later timeslot and perform before the likes of Brad Paisley is seriously incredible.

I feel I also have a show that is at a whole different level to what I put on 12 months ago. So that is really exciting. I feel privileged to return and I can’t wait to say hello to everyone that has been there for me since day one.

NP: During our interview last year you revealed a serious ambition for you was to eventually move to Nashville and pursue that next stage of your career. Well, that time has now come. What does the future move look like for you?

JJ: I think with every stage of my career I have always followed my gut and my gut has always told me that I’ve always wanted to move to Nashville.

I’m kind of not overthinking the move too much. There’s a lot of moving parts in order to move your entire family to a different country, it’s a huge undertaking.

It’s also part of the adventure as well; the interesting thing is over the past 12 months so many amazing things have happened for me here in Australia and I feel like I’ve built an audience and a fan base.

I know when I go to Nashville it’s kind of like starting from day one again, there’s a part of me that’s terrified, and another that’s also extremely excited because I love the challenge of jumping in the deep end and seeing if I can swim.

Most likely (the move) (is) going to be happening early in the new year.

NP: So, it’s just a case of lobbing up in Nashville, joining songwriting rounds, performing at Honkytonks and others gigs and taking it from there?

JJ: Exactly. I’m not walking over there into a record deal (when I get there) and at the same time I’m also walking over there with no plan B.

If it doesn’t work, we pack up, we come home and we head into the next chapter, however I’m pretty determined to make it work.

NP: I know that despite the future move you’re extremely conscious about ensuring that such a move means in no way are you are suddenly abandoning your Aussie fans or support base…

JJ: 100%. It’s something I’ve been really so aware of, as has my manager Beau. This decision in no way is about forgetting my Aussie roots or fans. It’s more about just taking that next step in my career.

I’m definitely not and have no intentions to go to America and forget about my Aussie fans.

In fact, it’s very much the opposite. My team and I are currently putting together a future concept completely focused on our fans here in Australia. We feel it’s quite unique and has never been done before.

I can’t say too much more, but that is something to keep an eye out for down the track.

NP: James, as usual, a real pleasure to chat.

JJ: Thanks Michael, I can’t wait to see all the Port Douglas country music fans at Savannah.

To buy tickets or for more information please visit https://www.savannahintheround.com.au/.