He is a hardworking singer/songwriter who experiments with new melodies and strives to produce new material every day. He lived in Hoboken in the early ’90s, and on July 25 the wonderful Freedy Johnston comes back to the mile-square city to perform at Sinatra Park as part of the city’s "Summer Enchanted Evenings" series.
The musical troubadour is currently working on a new project and lives in New York. Johnston plays in Hoboken at least once a year to give back to the fans who were there for him early in his professional career, he said. He usually rocks at Maxwell’s on Washington Street, or at one of the parks, to sold out audiences. His performance this summer, sponsored by The Guitar Bar on 160 First St. in Hoboken, is sure to showcase Johnston’s extraordinary talents as a musician and singer. At the free event, he will be joined by the talented singer/songwriter Amy Fairchild.
"Playing Hoboken is like playing home. I get great feedback from the community," Johnston said during a recent interview. "I have fans that keep me going. It makes it worth it."
Originally from the Midwest, Johnston broke through the scene in the tri-state area in 1990 with his record debut, The Double Tree. The album was released on Hoboken’s Bar None Records label. It was personal and intimate, and put the artist on the map. Johnston’s sophomore effort came two years later with Can You Fly. At the time, the album was critically acclaimed, with exposure in publications like Spin, Billboard, People, and The New York Times.
"I don’t mind moving in a different direction. I keep recording a lot of records," Johnston said.
With the success of Can You Fly, Johnston again triumphed with This Perfect World. The record was a complete masterpiece and it featured the single "Bad Reputation," which earned Johnston much-deserved radio airplay. He had already earned the respect from music critics throughout the country, and at this time he began to win more fans in different cities.
"People remember the early work and they like it. That has helped me with my work," he said.
Johnston is a brilliant songwriter who can penetrate the listener’s psyche and create atmospheres of pain, love, happiness and frustrations. His songs range in almost any topic, and he continues to create great music. He has been able to escape the stereotype of the folk singer to become a successful artist whose music transcends many genres. Johnston’s influences include Elvis Costello, The Replacements, and Neil Young.
In 1997, Johnson turned up the volume for the excellent album Never Home, which featured the rock hit "On the Way Out." At the time he toured relentlessly throughout the country in support of the album. He played with acts like Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Soul Asylum, The Lemonheads, Matthew Sweet and Cowboy Junkies, to name a few.
In 1999 he entered the studio again to release the album Blue Days, Black Nights. Again, it seemed, Johnston could do no wrong. A much more series compilation, the record showcased a variety of downbeat songs gorgeously orchestrated. Some of the music on the album involved the singer’s romantic troubles that are at first hard to take in, but after a couple of times of listening to the record, the tracks shine brightly.
"Songwriting is very personal. The songs reveal an aspect of me," he said. "I’m just happy to be making music."
His latest effort Right Between the Promises, released in August of last year, is a great album with powerful tracks. Johnston is very important to pop-music, since his influence is evident in many musicians. He possesses a great distinct voice and he is witty and original.
"On stage I’m a guy with a guitar," he said.
Nowadays, Johnston finds himself in the studio making music. He claims not to have enough time to create his musical ideas, because he is always anxious to write a new song. There is still so much more he wants to do professionally, he said.
"I want to write and come out with more songs," he said.
His songwriting process is quite simple, he said. Johnston begins with a melody and when he feels he has reached a nice tune, he puts words to the music. The words are sometimes the hardest part.
"Coming up with tunes is fun, but the lyrics can be challenging," he said.
Johnston is a delightful singer and has brought great music into the contemporary pop-folk genre. His versatility is quite obvious, when looking back at his body of work. Johnston, although proud of his accomplishments, focuses on the future. He is working on a new album, and touring in the area.
"I have no trouble being on stage. I’m excited to play in Hoboken," he said.
Catch Johnston at Sinatra Park, located on Frank Sinatra Drive, between Fourth and Fifth streets. Johnston’s concert will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Fairchild is the show’s opening act. Admission is free and a blanket or lawn chair is recommended. For more information on the show call Hoboken’s Department of Cultural Affairs at (201) 420-2207 or visit www.freedyjohnston.com. For information on the Guitar Bar call (201) 222-0915. q