SPOTLIGHT: Joe T. Johnson

Old Crown, Is Set To Drop At The End Of September.

Who is ‘Joe T. Johnson’?

I’m a London-based new wave Indie artist from London. I’m a songwriter, guitarist, member of a band. I try to write tunes about British life, I find it nostalgic, ironic, a bit daft at times, but always sincere.

For someone yet to discover you, how would you describe your music?

My two biggest influences are The Stone Roses and Bob Dylan one gave me groove and swagger, the other gave me storytelling. I’ve always loved how music and fashion go hand in hand, and I try to reflect that in what I create. Sonically, it’s jangly indie pop with a touch of new-wave shimmer, and lyrics that keep their tongue firmly in cheek.

What inspires you as an artist?

I’m inspired by British culture the fashion, the weird, the bleak, and the beautiful. I love blending that classic British style with a minimal, modern twist. Music and fashion are the perfect forms of expression for me whether it’s a simple outfit or a simple song, it’s about capturing something honest. I find inspiration in the mundane: a trip to a farmers market, fish and chips by the sea, overheard conversations. There’s beauty in the everyday if you slow down and look.

What is your pre-show routine? Do you have any diva demands?

Me and the band usually head out to find a local café or restaurant before the show nothing fancy, just something to fuel us up. We always make it back in time to catch the support act; watching them usually gets us hyped before we hit the stage. No diva demands.

Where do you feel you fit into the music landscape?

I’m not mainstream, and I’m not massively well-known but that’s not really the point for me. I just want to make honest songs that people connect with, and that I can have fun playing. I think I sit somewhere between DIY indie and nostalgic art-pop, with a bit of British charm thrown in. At the end of the day, there’s nothing better than playing to a packed room in London with my band. That’s where I feel most at home.

What are your favourite musical genres, and are there any you dislike?

I’ve always loved indie and older stuff artists like Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Bob Dylan, and The Stone Roses. Anything with texture, character, and a bit of edge grabs me. But I’m also into modern music I’ll happily listen to MkGee, Bieber, whoever. If it’s got a good melody or a strong vibe, I’m in. I don’t really dislike any genre I think there’s something to take from all of it.

Is there a story behind the new single ‘Old Crown’?

Yeah it’s basically a love letter to those classic old British pubs. I had a friend who lived just across the road from a pub called the Old Crown in central London, and we’d end up there all the time. It naturally became part of our routine one of those places that just sticks in your memory. When I was writing the song, the name felt right. It’s about familiarity, character, and finding comfort in places that feel lived-in.

What would you say is your greatest strength as an artist?

I think my greatest strength is honesty. I don’t try to sugarcoat things or pretend to be something I’m not. My songs come from real life the awkward moments, the small joys, the everyday stuff. That sincerity helps me connect with people, whether it’s on stage or through the music itself.

What would you say is your greatest weakness as an artist?

I’d say my greatest weakness is probably overthinking. Sometimes I get stuck trying to perfect a lyric or a melody when the original feeling was already there. I can also be a bit shy when it comes to promoting myself, which isn’t great in today’s music world. But I’m learning to find balance.

What can fans expect from your new single ‘Old Crown’?

Fans can expect a warm, nostalgic track with jangly guitars and a singalong chorus. It’s got that cozy, lived-in pub vibe the kind of song you want playing in the background while you’re catching up with mates over a couple of pints. It’s honest, catchy, and full of character.

What music artist/band would you say have influenced your work?

I’d say The Stone Roses, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan are huge influences their blend of melody and mood really shaped how I write. I’m also inspired by bands like The Clash, Pixies, and Nirvana for their raw sound and honesty. Those artists taught me the power of combining emotion with edge.

Who would you most like to collaborate with artistically?

I’d love to collaborate with artists like Hector Gachan someone with a cool, distinctive style. Or maybe something fun and unexpected like BB Trickz.

What was your worst performance?

That’s gotta be a gig I did at Moles Club in Bath. I snapped a string in the first song, and the crowd was going wild. Then, to top it off, someone spilled a beer all over the equipment and the whole show basically went down. It was a bit of a disaster, but honestly, it made for a pretty fun night.

What was the most difficult obstacle you have ever faced and how did you overcome it?

The hardest thing has been finding the strength to keep going and believe in my potential, especially when things get tough. It’s about pushing through doubt and not giving up, even when the path isn’t clear. That mindset keeps me moving forward.

What is your creative process when making music?

My creative process usually starts with a lyric or a melody that pops into my head sometimes it’s a line I scribble down or a voice note I record while I’m out and about. From there, I build the song slowly, layering guitars, vocals, and whatever else feels right. Most of it happens in my flat, usually with a bit of chaos around me, but that’s where the magic happens.

What are your top ten desert island tracks?