Welcome to Michael Johns Central, your one stop shop for everything Michael Johns. The Fan Site dedicated to American Idol Season 7 contestant, Michael Johns, that has it all. Here you will find all the latest news, interviews, media, music and video downloads, tour/gig guides as well as be able to shop for all things Michael Johns. Click on the iTunes or Amazon logo’s to purchase Michael Johns music. To make sure you are up to date on all the latest news about Michael Johns and to receive our newsletters, subscribe to our RSS feed in your favorite reader, or by subscribing to our posts via email. Every time a new article is posted here you will be notified by email. Just submit your email address on the sidebar and we’ll make sure you’re kept in the loop.
You can donate to Michael’s charities by clicking on any of the relevant logo’s to the right. Be sure to visit the media sections for amazing video footage and audio, and whatever you do, don’t go past without checking the events section as this is where all listings of Michael Johns upcoming tours/gigs are listed! You can also join the friendly forum and interact with other Michael Johns fans, actively supporting him in everything he does and uniting his fans. The site is currently a work in progress with many new and exciting features still to be added, so be sure to bookmark this page and keep checking back!
This site is currently under construction! You may post, comment, join and participate in the forum etc., but please be patient while we get all the media uploaded. Thank you for your patience.
Thanks to everyone that uploaded videos for those of us who couldn’t be there! Michael did his new single “Heart On My Sleeve” along with several other songs! Enjoy these videos of Michael Johns playing at 102.7’s Fresh In The Park on August 15, 2009 .
Originally published at BC Magazine at the following link.
American Idol Alums Michael Johns and Brooke White Go On Tour As is our custom at BC Magazine, we deliver the news more thoroughly than virtually every other news source out there. It’s not enough to hear that American Idol Season 7 finalists Michael Johns and Brooke White will be touring together this summer. That much is widely known already. But to fully deliver the story to you, not only will you find the dates and a list of what cities, but you’ll also find links to each of the venues below. You should expect no less than that from a quality source of news.
Before I get to the actual Michael Johns/Brooke White Tour 2009, there are a few other engagements to announce in the meantime. Michael Johns and Brooke White will be performing a free concert this coming Saturday, August 15, alongside Carolina Liar and fellow Idol Alum Elliott Yamin. The concert will be held at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow Long Island and is being presented by Fresh 102.7. Check out the details at the radio stations website.
There are no tickets to buy and no tickets you have to win. As a matter of fact, you don’t have to do anything but be there for the show. I would suggest the you bring your newly bought CDs of Michael Johns new album Hold Back My Heart, or Brooke White’s High Hopes and Heartbreak, and Elliott Yamin just released Fight For Love in May. If you’re lucky enough, you might get your CDs autographed by the stars themselves. Idols have the tendency to stick around for awhile and do things like that for their fans. You can also find Carolina Liar’s album Coming To Terms to bring along with you.
There’s still at least one other show to tell you about before delivering the summer tour dates. According to a press release made by Live-PR, Michael Johns will be performing at the 5th Annual Miss Malibu Pageant being held on August 23rd, 2009. That audience can look forward to hearing songs from Michael’s debut album Hold Back My Heart (available on iTunes, Amazon.com, and retail stores everywhere). The album features Michael’s new single “Heart On My Sleeve”, which can be downloaded FREE from Amazon.com on the album link.
The Miss Malibu Pageant will be held at a mansion formerly owned by Cher and will be host to ten celebrity judges from the movie, television and music industry. The list of distinguished guest judges includes ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Linda Thompson, and Elizabeth Rohm, just to name a few.
Musical entertainment for the event will be provided by Michael Johns and Atlantic Records recording artist Ryan Cabrera. Please click on Live- PR to see further details on the 5th Annual Miss Malibu Pageant.
With Michael Johns and Brooke White touring together, fans might also look forward to hearing them perform “Life Is Okay” from the soundtrack album Don’t Look Down. Although it was originally scored for the Shaun White documentary, the soundtrack was an independent effort co-written and produced by Foxworth, Johns, and Randa. The album is seventeen tracks (eighteen songs) of sheer creative brilliance, and was nominated for “Best Original Music Score” at the 2009 X-Dance.
And now for the dates and venues, along with the links for more information on how to purchase tickets. Almost all of the venues offer a discount for tickets that are purchased in advance. Most every website I visited listed the ticket price as $20.00 in advance and a few dollars more if you wait to purchase your tickets until at the door or box office on the day of the tour. That’s why I took the time to include the links and phone numbers in advance.
Michael Johns and Brook White Tour:
THU 9/17/09 – Pomona, CA Glass House
200 W Second St
Pomona CA 91766
Information Line: (909) 865-3802
If you read my previous interview with Michael Johns featured in the article “Former American Idol Finalist Michael Johns Discusses Hold Back My Heart”, which was published here at BC Magazine, you’ll already know that Michael Johns will continue to tour after he’s finished the summer dates. In October, he’ll be joining David Foster and Friends as they take the stars that fill up the DVD and CD of the same name on the road this autumn.
David Foster’s Website is professionally done and includes all the links to find which cities will be graced by this “Hitman” and how to purchase tickets to this incredible showcase of multiple talents. Instead of retyping and linking each venue, I’ll just furnish you with the cities and venues, and a link to David Foster’s site instead. There are fabulous photos of all the stars that were featured on the PBS special as well. Do yourself a favor and go have a look by clicking on his name above.
David Foster and Friends Tour 2009:
10/21 – Chicago, IL – Rosemont Theatre
0/23 – New York, NY – WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden
10/24 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
10/25 – Boston, MA – Agganis Arena
10/28 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
10/30 – Tampa, FL – Blue Line Theatre @ St. Pete Times Forum
11/1 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
11/5 – Los Angeles, CA – Gibson Amphitheatre at Universal City Walk
11/6 – San Jose, CA – HP Pavilion
11/8 – Vancouver, BC – General Motors Place
As is the case with all of my articles, I’ll leave you with this promise. If there is other Michael Johns news or more dates that are added to either of the tours listed above, you can just about bet I’ll be back to deliver that news personally.
Even David Foster himself recognized the talent and potential in this shining new star. On his DVD David Foster and Friends, David is quoted as saying this of Michael Johns. “He is destined for greatness for years to come, I promise.” What a compliment to come from a man of such tremendous stature in the music industry. I tend to agree with his opinion. David has been successfully Fostering huge new talents for years.
I’ll leave you with this one final wish for those of you who just can’t wait to see your Idols or David Foster with all of his talented friends on tour. May every fan out there find a tour date in a city near you. Cheers and best wishes until next time.
Thank goodness for Twitter and Fresh 102.7! Otherwise, I might never have known about Michael Johns upcoming concert with Elliott Yamin, Brooke White, and Carolina Liar! NYC is being treated to a FREE concert in the park with some of today’s Freshest music and artists, courtesy of Fresh 102.7! You can follow 102.7 on Twitter too!
Be sure to check out the 102.7 website for up to the minute details and listen daily to hear Michael Johns’ “Heart on my Sleeve” from his new album Hold Back My Heart! When you click on the album link, you can download the single for FREE!
Fresh 102.7 is taking it live and outsideagain with Fresh in the Park!
We’re giving all of our Fresh listeners a FREE concert with no tickets to buy and no tickets to win! It’s New York’s largest outdoor Concert of the summer featuring live performances by Elliott Yamin, Brook White, Michael Johns and Carolina Liar!
If you want to be at Fresh in the Park all you need to do is get there! Bring the entire family and get there early. Don’t forget your beach chairs & blankets for a night of music and fun with Fresh 102.7!
Click here to check out photos from last years Fresh In The Park!
The following videos were from an interview and performance courtesy of Fresh 102.7, done on June 23rd to announce the release of his album.
Michael Johns performs “Heart On My Sleeve” on 102.7
It’s not often that an “Idol” like Michael Johns asks his fans to help out, so when he did, I was more than willing to offer whatever I can to help spread the word to all of his fans. Michael sent out a bulletin and a blog today, both requesting the same thing. Here’s what he had to say:
Hey everyone,
Clear Channel has chosen me as one of their “Artists to Watch” but I still need your help. I would love it if you could spread the word about the promotion and request “Heart on My Sleeve” through their ON DEMAND service located at the top of the page.
We’re trying to get the single all over radio so this would be HUGE!
Thanks so much and see you on tour!
MJ
Now being the faithful little Michael Johns fan that I am, I clicked on the “RIGHT HERE” portion of his blog and bulletin to follow through with his request. It did indeed take me to the Adult section of the iheartradio.com site. When I got there, I noticed that Michael was on that page, but under their “Recommended” artist section instead of “Artists to Watch”. He’s the nice looking fellow on the far right, bottom row.
The picture above will take you to the iheartradio.com’s Adult page.
I also went to the On Demand section just as he asked, but couldn’t find how to request an artist or a song. I was able to find his music by entering the On Demand section, then finding a Search button on the very far right of the iheart radio player, I entered his name and then clicked on select. I got to “Heart On My Sleeve” from his new album Hold Back My Heart easily enough, but I don’t know if that constitutes making a request, so I fired off an email to the site. I asked them flat out how to make a request on their website (and requested the song via email too). They’re supposed to answer within 12 hours, so I’ll let you know how that goes.
If you click on the picture below, it’ll take you directly to his page, which looks something like this.
One of Michael’s fans also suggested that those who have Twitter accounts can make their requests by tweeting @iheartradio and @NEWArtists – Please play Michael Johns – “Heart On My Sleeve” . No worries my Twitter friends, I’ll do it from a Twitter account no one knows about instead of bombarding you like I did on the AOL “All Twitter Request” radio station.
Michael Johns co-wrote and does lead vocals on “The Great Divide – (theme from The Wanted)”. Two of Michael’s best friends, Jeff Foxworth and Rye Randa, formed The Ontic and score for the new series “The Wanted”. The series begins at 10pm on NBC Monday, July 20th! Rye Randa’s interview explains scoring for the series. “The Great Divide” in its entirety can be downloaded from Amazon.com now, and is also available for download from iTunes!
Read the Rye Randa interview at the following link, or after the video jump!
In researching a story I planned to do about the general state of corruption I see in the music industry today, I’ve been engaged in ongoing conversions with someone I consider to be a musical genius. If you read “Rye Randa – Musician Extraordinaire” and subsequent articles I’ve written about him, you’ll know the person I’m talking about and why I consider him to be genius.
Rye Randa, and those with whom he collaborates, continue to evolve artistically, ever taking music in new directions. He surrounds himself and his craft with people of similar musical brilliance; those that can understand the level of excellence required in writing and performing alongside him. I’ll get to a couple of those other wizards a bit later on. Let me first set the scene for this interview by explaining how I got word of his latest venture. As already mentioned, I was researching an article regarding corruption in the music industry, a story that I planned make public at some time in the very near future. Rye was recounting a personal experience about one of those people who’d displayed questionable ethics and broken some promises. It was a story that I would’ve been more than happy to include in the piece.
Rye informed me that one of his friends at Dateline was also considering investigating the person behind his complaint. Hmm. Dateline is much bigger than me personally, and has endless resources at their disposal with which to do an in-depth investigation.
That doesn’t mean I won’t do the story, it just means I’ve put it on the back burner for the moment, and here’s why. That story can simmer back there for a bit, and it might even work itself out, assuming the subject of that piece doesn’t cook up some new excuse for not following through with an agreement.
By now, I’d been distracted by this new venture anyway. In the midst of telling me what happened to him, Rye landed the following bit of news in my lap, causing me to refocus my efforts and spread much happier news instead. Here’s a quote I found smack dab in the middle of the evidence he’d been sending for the “corruption in music” story:
“On a more positive note, I wanted to let you know about a new series that Jeff (Foxworth) and I are scoring. It’s called The Wanted and premieres July 20th on NBC. We’re still awaiting confirmation on the time slot, but 10pm was the last I heard. We’ve branded ourselves as a producer-writer team called “The Ontic” and will be launching TheOntic.com very soon. This is a really exciting venture for us and we hope it leads to many more projects to come… AND, if that weren’t exciting enough, Michael Johns (American Idol Season 7 finalist) co-wrote and sang the theme song for us! It’s called “The Great Divide” and will be available on iTunes in the very near future. We’re also shooting a music video this week, which will be available on iTunes as well.”
Now Rye very well knows that if he gives me just a piece of news this huge, it has the exact same effect as switching on and personally jump-starting my question machine. I no longer take pity on anyone who is fully aware that I’ll bombard them with questions when they share their news with me. However, he does still retain my unending respect and gratitude for his willingness to put up with the onslaught of questions from people like me.
I immediately went into research mode again, this time scouring the web for any information about NBC’s series The Wanted, just so I’d have an idea of what type of program we were talking about, and what kind of questions to ask. The first mention of NBC’s new series that I found on the internet was from a press release provided at National Terror Alert, a very heavy duty website. There may have been other sites that posted news of the series before this one, but this was as far I needed to look before finding out just how important the program will be into the very distant future.
The Wanted looks to be the epitome in reality TV, focusing on the very real threats of terrorists and what it takes to track them down in the modern age. The series follows a former Navy Seal, a former U.S. Intelligence official, and an Emmy award winning journalist as they zero in on war criminals worldwide. For more information on the series itself, you can find it at their website or watch for the trailer on NBC.
As you probably know by now, I’m here to cover the music part of the show. The following questions and answers are what flew back and forth so I could deliver the full story of scoring for the series, courtesy of Rye Randa, one half of The Ontic, a.newly formed writer-producer team
After watching the trailer for The Wanted on Direct TV via a link provided by Jeff Foxworth, the other half of The Ontic, I was a bit confused to find another song being featured at the end of that particular trailer. I asked Rye if the theme song for the series was still “The Great Divide” or if it had been changed to Midnight Youth’s “The Calvary”. Here’s what he responded.
“The Great Divide” should be available on iTunes any day now. It is still the main theme song for the show and will be used in most if not all NBC trailers. “The Cavalry” is a fantastic song by our friends Midnight Youth, which was used in the Direct TV trailer, and possible future promo, but not as the theme.
Can you tell me more about scoring for the series and how it differs from scoring films?
Well, as you would imagine, a series can be quite a bit more work than a film, just in the sense that there is a larger demand for material. Each episode is like a movie of it’s own, requiring the same amount of content in a much shorter timeframe.
Where did you come up with the name “The Ontic”?
In short, the word “Ontic” means “pertaining to that which is real” or “having the status of real and ultimate existence”. However it’s meaning is a bit complex, and is open to many possible interpretations. That’s why we like it so much! Since it’s a word you don’t hear very often, we hope people will be intrigued enough to look it up and come up with their own interpretation of how the word applies to us and to our music. Kinda fun right??
(Writer’s note: He was right in assuming not knowing what the term “The Ontic” stood for would make people go and look it up. I did, before he could even respond. (Sneaky devil) The actual definition can be both as complicated as you choose to make it, and simple enough to be subject to individual interpretation. I like his description the best so far. I even found a website that offered “The Ontic Principle”. Interesting stuff!)
Did being nominated for “Best Original Soundtrack” at the X-Games have anything to do with you landing the scoring job for the series?
As you may already know, “The Wanted” is co-executive produced by our very good friend Charlie Ebersol, who also produced “Don’t Look Down” and “Ithuteng”. Charlie, along with his brothers Willie and Harmony have always expressed their belief in us, and the work we do. So we hope this is just the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship.
When told the original video shoot for the video didn’t happen that week, I asked what would it take to get the three artists to sit down in front of a video camera (preferably switched to the on position), record one of their jam sessions, and call it a video?
In fact, we just received word that they will be cutting a “Music Video” with footage from the show to use for promo.
Please tell me the video trailer they’re doing for this will include the entire song. Is it being created to air on video channels like VH1 and MTV? Did they also tell you when we’ll be able to see it?
My understanding is they will use it as a promo piece to advertise the show, but it will not a typical “music video” that you’d see on VH1 or MTV. My guess is that it will be a 60 second promo spot.
How long in advance do you receive the Episodes for scoring?
Well, in this case we did not receive any completed episodes before our work began. Due to the real-time nature of this show, the filming process has continued up until the very last minute (even for Episode 1). So although some of the music was scored to picture, much of it was created during the editing/ shooting process, before picture was locked. For particular scenes we would be given various musical references and ideas that would help point us in the right direction.
What additional duties does being “Music Editors” for the show add to what you already do?
As Music Editors, we’re responsible for making sure all the musical transitions are smooth from scene to scene. We create what are called music “stems” that are broken down into various groups such as drums, strings, guitars etc. These separate groupings allow us to get very intricate with the edits and create the most seamless transitions.
Is the music being recorded in your studios or on the set?
At our studio.
What can you tell me about Ear Candy Music?
Earcandy is a music publishing company and library, and is the executive music producer for the The Wanted. The company is run by Harmony Lucas (Charlie and Willie’s brother). Harmony is also the music supervisor for the show. He’s not only a great friend of ours, but he plays an intricate role in making sure all musical needs are being met on time, and provides a channel of communication between us and the producers.
Since tracking down terrorists is the subject matter of “The Wanted”, it has the potential to be an unending series. How many Episodes are you aware of so far?
At this time 6 episodes are in production with the potential for more. Of course, an “unending” show would be very nice.(he smiles)
Did the Ebersol brothers share with you their inspiration for the series?
I think the goal is to be of service to the world-community while creating compelling and informative television in the process.
How does the subject of the series inspire or affect the songwriting for the series?
Once you see the show you’ll understand why there’s no lack of inspiration. The subject matter is very serious.
Do you have the capacity to score for more than one series or movie at a time?
This project has been very demanding, and has taken a majority of our time for the last 8 months. However, we have taken on other projects as well. The bottom line is that we’re very passionate and love what we do, so we don’t mind working around the clock when necessary.
That passion and love for their craft is highly evident in every piece of music I’ve heard from these artists. “The Great Divide” theme song has smash hit written all over it! It fully captures the intensity, excitement and drama of what is certain to be NBC’s new hit series The Wanted. The song is made of soul pounding classic rock in its most raw and exquisitely powerful form!
Jeff Foxworth and Rye Randa are the artists-writer-producers that make up the newly formed entity called “The Ontic”. Collectively, they bring highly acclaimed experience in scoring to everything they create. These are the same guys, who along with Michael Johns (latest release story here), co-wrote and performed on the score for the Shaun White documentary soundtrack Don’t Look Down – The Height Of Competition.
That brilliant soundtrack was nominated for “Best Original Music Score” at X-Dance 2009 for their excellence in artistry. Add to that bit of genius Michael Johns co-writing and laying down incredible vocals for the new single “The Great Divide”, and you’ve got a smash hit on your hands! Look for NBC’s new series The Wanted and trailer video coming out soon. The series airs on NBC beginning July 20th at 10PM!
I could apply many of the principles and definitions I found when I looked up the term “The Ontic” to this newly formed entity they’ve so named and created. At a website called Larval Subjects, the writer gives what he or she considers is “The Ontic Priciple”. But before actually giving their thought on the subject, explains the simplicity of the principle in this way.
“This thought, though it will no doubt sound disappointing, almost banal, once I formulate it as a principle, was one of those moments where you feel as if you’ve been struck by lightning, blinded, or hit in the gut with a sudden philosophical idea where everything feels as if it’s being drawn together. Or perhaps again, it was the flash of a fundamental commitment, a drawing of the line, that you were trying to articulate all along.”
Here’s the theory that writer came up with:
The Ontic Principle: There is no difference that does not make a difference.
That principle, though simply put, is truly profound if you think about it long enough. Although I could apply that principle to the writing-producing team of the same name, I still prefer Rye’s explanation of “The Ontic” as an entity. You’ll recall he said the word “Ontic” means “pertaining to that which is real” or “having the status of real and ultimate existence”.
My take on the description is even simpler than his. With the word “it” meaning any entity, and the word “is” defined as existing, I would define “The Ontic” in its most basic form as “It is”. Or perhaps in this case, since it is the two talents combined who properly formed “The Ontic”, it might be more appropriate to say “They are”, although ultimately the combined entity in the end, is one.
You see? I told you the definition can be as complicated as you choose to make it, or as simple as I choose to use the thought process. In either case, I’m thankful “The Ontic” is real, ultimately exists, and by applying higher standards of priciples to the projects they champion and to which they lend their talents, they choose to make a difference in the world. It is the difference between excellence in artistry and the “it’ll do” mentality of other artists too often seen today.
Their new single “The Great Divide – (theme from The Wanted)” can be heard and downloaded now at Amazon.com, and also available on iTunes. Do yourself a favor and go have a listen. I bought mine a couple of days ago and quite honestly, can’t stop playing it!
Now back to researching the other story. I’m better suited to telling about other people’s experiences and seeking justice for them, than I am at providing philosophical thoughts or hunting down fugitives. I don’t have the type of courage it takes to make the same difference the men on “The Wanted” make in our world. Instead, I’ll stay at my keyboard and write of their courage, while I take solace in the philosophy that states, “There is no difference that doesn’t make a difference.”
Cheers and best wishes to those men who do have that kind of courage, and to “The Ontic” for making a difference in our lives.
Michael Johns did a video interview for UGO which gave a rare insight to this wonderful talent. Not only did he do an interview, he also performed two of the tracks from his new album ‘Hold Back My Heart’. The two songs he sang were “Heart On My Sleeve’ and ‘To Love Somebody’ – a remake of one of the best BeeGee’s songs ever recorded. To listen to the interview and the songs, click on the following video clips or go directly to UGO. Be sure to purchase and download ’Hold Back My Heart’ album from Amazon as this is definitely one album you’ll be wanting to add to your music collection!
At one of the absolute busiest times in his life, Michael Johns took the time to sit down and answer some questions for BC Magazine about his upcoming tour and new album.
The American Idol Season 7 Finalist is just one day away from releasing his debut album, Hold Back My Heart (Downtown Records); it drops Tuesday, June 23rd.
Michael’s first single “Heart On My Sleeve” from that album, was the #1 most requested song at AOL Radio when they launched a Tweet Request only radio station, and is currently climbing Billboard’s AC charts. Because the Tweet Request channel was only meant to stay live for a week, AOL Radio added the single to their Pop Idol and New Music First stations.
Although Michael is fairly active in the social media scene, finding time to keep up with him would take anyone to task. He’s recently been spending most of his time traveling coast to coast doing radio tours and promotional concerts. He’ll be touring the country with Brooke White (another American Idol Season 7 Finalist) beginning in August, then he’s been asked to join David Foster and Friends on Tour in October.
How he made time for an interview, I’ll never know, but I’m so thankful he cared enough to share the following answers with us.
How was putting this album together different from assembling your own (unreleased) records previously?
The most natural thing I’ve ever done. I mean it was seriously effortless to write and record. Great players and the songs came from the sky.
Is the songwriting process something you can describe?
Some people can but I can’t. I just get in the room and let it flow. I try not to think about it too much for fear that the tap may stop running.
Do you have particular writing habits or rituals?
No, I just try to get in the mood of the song. I sometimes go months on end without writing a tune. I don’t press writing I just let it come to me.
How did the opportunity to tour with Brooke White present itself? What are the advantages (or disadvantages) of touring with someone else rather than going solo?
We just really like each other and our sound has similar fans. She is one of my favorite singers around. I think people will hopefully enjoy what we do.
When you go on tour with David Foster and Friends in October, will you be doing the same songs you did on the CD (of the same name), or will you still be able to perform some of your solo music in support of your Hold Back My Heart album?
Some the same and also my own tunes. David has been such a support and really wants to see me succeed. He’s the man and it was an honor to be asked, glad we could clear the schedule.
How important do you feel album art or shelf appearance is in drawing attention and sales to the album?
It’s not my bag, but I love the artists that put it together, it really is amazing.
As you may know, I’ve written several pieces before about your work with Rye Randa and Jeff Foxworth for the soundtrack Don’t Look Down, as well as your solo efforts. I recently noticed on your MySpace player that the record label is now Fontana South. Is there any truth to the news I recently got from a friend that you’re no longer with TRP, and if so, who is now your management team?
TRP is no longer a label.
Just to confirm, TRP is still your management then?
No they are not. Michael Goldberg and Sanctuary are.
Can you tell us what caused the change in management and label?
Shit happens.
I’ve heard that your song “Dangerous” (not on this album) is going to be used in a film. Can you tell us which one?
Really hadn’t heard…you tell me. (laugh)
There’s a distinctly different flavor in music from each of the groups you’ve worked with in the past when compared to the new album. How would you describe the progression from when you first started in the music business until now?
I finally found me! It really is a dream come true as a singer to find your real voice.
Who wrote the storyline for your upcoming “Heart On My Sleeve” video, and why does it fit the song so well? (When can we see it, if you know?)
Nothing has been written in stone. I have a concept I think is cool but the director may have a way better idea.
Can you tell us about any behind-the-scenes projects your fans aren’t aware of? (Like working with Air Supply for “Hold On”, co-writing a song for Brooke’s album, appearing on Hannah Montana, guest hosting The Today Show, etc.)
It’s funny so many things get told to me in any given week. I try not to get my hopes up. It is nice, however, that different shows or clients keep wanting me to do things. Some work out, some fall through, but I’m having a great time right now.
We’ve seen your “Old School” and Christmas video “Please Don’t Bomb Nobody This Holiday” with The Dan Band. Do you have future projects with The Dan Band you can tell us about?
Dan is a genius! I love him so much and whenever he calls to include me in his next hilarious project… I’m in.
What other artists or producers would you most like to work with in the future?
Dave Cobb, Dave Cobb, Dave Cobb.
To what or whom do you attribute your sense of humor, or are you just naturally gifted with wit?
Probably God. I mean doesn’t everyone thank him? Kidding, look most Aussie’s have a good wit; we are a relaxed people.
What guilty pleasure would most surprise your fans if they knew?
I love to watch horrible movies on my days off. I mean anything I know that will be terrible like Glitter or Ernest does something. (laughs)
Your name is associated to an extent with certain products (i.e. Papa Johns Pizza, Patron Tequila, Garnier Fructis, Chick-fil-A, etc.) even if those associations were unintentional. If you could choose any product on Earth that you would officially endorse (or to have sponsor your tour), what would it be and why?
Michael Johns’ Chick-fil-A tour has a nice ring to it…so does set sail with Captain Morgan and Michael Johns.
When you were on American Idol, most of us weren’t aware that in addition to being a fabulous singer, you’re also an accomplished song writer and musician. Not that it matters now that you’ve made a successful solo career for yourself, but do you feel playing guitar or piano on American Idol would’ve made a difference? What made you decide not to play an instrument on the show?
Well. thank you. Look, I just never found the song I thought would work. I wanted to play INXS – “Never Tear Us Apart” acoustic, but I was told the song wasn’t allowed. I think that song is as sexy as it gets to sing.
Having spent a number of years in the music business and suffering some unfortunate luck with a few previous labels going belly up or restructuring, I’m sure you’ve seen a lot of unscrupulous behavior, up to and including what I would personally consider outright thievery.
Now you’ve graced what most would consider is the world’s largest music stage by achieving Finalist status on American Idol. That experience gives you a most unique platform from which to speak about the music industry in general. Any comment?
Look, Idol is so huge because the music industry has failed in the last eight years. People still love music as much as ever, but the industry thinks looks and age are more important than talent. Idol put an end to that. Introduced us to great singers we’d otherwise never know.
Quite honestly, I trimmed my list of questions down from over six pages of things I’d like to know about him, but I figured playing 20 questions with Michael Johns would be enough for now. After all, he’s got a new album and tour to see about and I wouldn’t want to keep him another second from doing that.
Between doing concerts, and promotional tours, and appearances on radio and television, Michael somehow finds the time to be both a music star and a husband. His wife of two years, Stacey Vuduris, is a star in her own right.
Well known as and interior designer, Stacey’s design for Kristen Bell’s home is currently being featured in a layout for the July issue of InStyle Magazine. You can find out more about her and see some of her work at her new website Stacey Vuduris Interior Design. I’d like to offer her my personal thanks for sharing some precious hubby time for BC Magazine.
Michael Johns can be found in the social media on Twitter, MySpace Music, and Facebook. He’s done video chats on Stickam with over 6000 fans in attendance, all throwing questions at him at once. (Poor guy. No guarantees on how often he’ll be doing that one.) He sends out telephone messages through Jamship, a service to which you can subscribe and receive weekly phone calls. For those of you who are into social media, be sure to go there and add him.
You can find his new album Hold Back My Heart on Amazon.com, iTunes, and stores everywhere starting June 23rd. His first single “Heart On My Sleeve” can be downloaded and heard on the radio now. You’ll find Amazon.com links to most all of his music below this article.
You’ll find him touring in August with Brooke White, and in October with David Foster and Friends. Hopefully, he’ll come to a city near you. What you will not be able to find is somebody else standing on line in front of me to purchase his new album. Just listening to samples of all 12 songs, I already know, I must have this entire album to add to my Michael Johns collection of genius.
My sincere thanks to Michael for sharing his news and taking the time to do an interview. From the very first time I heard him say “It Can Happen” on American Idol, I somehow knew that it would.
Congratulations, Mate! It’s happening now. Cheers, and my heartfelt best wishes for many more years of future success.
American Idol now has been granted an exclusive Q&A interview with Michael Johns prior to the release of his album ‘Hold Back My Heart’, on June 23. Herb Longs, the director of American Idol Now, has approached us with a request to advertise the interview and to ask fans to submit any Q&A’s they might have that may be used in the interview, and that he hopes to have Michael answer. All questions can be submitted by either posting a comment in reply to this article, which will then be collected by, or forwarded to Herb, or by clicking HERE. This is a wonderful opportunity to ask Michael those questions you’ve been dying to know the answers to, so get busy y’all, and do your thang!
Here’s some great news for Michael and all of the fans that have been supporting and promoting him in every possible way! Michael Johns’ Heart on My Sleeve climbed from #67 to #55 in the Top 100 of USA Today’s American Idol Chatter Idol airplay chart. Here’s hoping that ‘Heart On My Sleeve’ keeps working its way further up the charts. We’d love to see it at #1!
The following quote mentions Michael Johns as performing two songs from his upcoming debut album ‘Hold Back My Heart’ which will be released on June 23. The songs mentioned were ‘Dangerous’ and Fire, both of which are firm favorites amongst Michael’s fans that have supported him ever since seeing his first audition on American Idol season 7 in 2008. The full article can be found HERE
“American Idol star Michael Johns performed live the world debut of “She’s Dangerous” and “Fire” during the Friday, May 8 fashion show. Event highlights included fly-overs by the U.S. Navy’s WarBirds, honoring the Battle of the Coral Sea Anniversary, where the U.S. saved Australia from Japan, and the BlackWater Air Parachute Team. Prizes were given for best hat and best dressed and were co-judged by “The Apprentice’s” Omarosa.”
Before I get to the actual Michael Johns/Brooke White Tour 2009, there are a few other engagements to announce in the meantime. Michael Johns and Brooke White will be performing a free concert this coming Saturday, August 15, alongside Carolina Liar and fellow Idol Alum Elliott Yamin. The concert will be held at Eisenhower Park, East Meadow Long Island and is being presented by 
There’s still at least one other show to tell you about before delivering the summer tour dates. According to a press release made by Live-PR, Michael Johns will be performing at the 5th Annual Miss Malibu Pageant being held on August 23rd, 2009. That audience can look forward to hearing songs from Michael’s debut album 
If you read my previous interview with Michael Johns featured in the article 
Join the forum discussion on this post
As already mentioned, I was researching an article regarding corruption in the music industry, a story that I planned make public at some time in the very near future. Rye was recounting a personal experience about one of those people who’d displayed questionable ethics and broken some promises. It was a story that I would’ve been more than happy to include in the piece.
“On a more positive note, I wanted to let you know about a new series that Jeff (Foxworth) and I are scoring. It’s called The Wanted and premieres July 20th on NBC. We’re still awaiting confirmation on the time slot, but 10pm was the last I heard. We’ve branded ourselves as a producer-writer team called “The Ontic” and will be launching 
The Wanted looks to be the epitome in reality TV, focusing on the very real threats of terrorists and what it takes to track them down in the modern age. The series follows a former Navy Seal, a former U.S. Intelligence official, and an Emmy award winning journalist as they zero in on war criminals worldwide. For more information on the series itself, you can find it at their website or watch for the trailer on NBC.
Jeff Foxworth and Rye Randa are the artists-writer-producers that make up the newly formed entity called “The Ontic”. Collectively, they bring highly acclaimed experience in scoring to everything they create. These are the same guys, who along with 
Loading... 
