Johnny Drille - Before We Fall Asleep (Album) + 10 Questions
Nigerian Afro-folk artist Johnny Drille has dropped his long-awaited debut album Before We Fall Asleep.
An extensive, 14-track release, Before We Fall Asleep sees Johnny tap into the sombre, romance-fuelled acoustic sound that he has become synonymous with in recent years. The album kicks off with ‘More’, a rousing track that combines orchestral strings with empowering lyrics. Johnny’s latest single ‘Loving Is Harder’ is a heart-on-sleeve ballad that sees Johnny shine a light on a dysfunctional relationship amidst the most delicate of piano chords. The vibrant, lo-fi official video for ‘Loving Is Harder’ expertly captures this dysfunction in visual form.
‘Ludo’ is a track that again sees the Benin City-born artist draw on his unique talent for candid self-expression. Further highlights come in the form of the majestic ‘Before I Let Go’, impassioned ‘Clocks’ and soaring vocals of ‘Sweet As A Mother’s Love’. Johnny also collaborates with the Lagos Community Gospel Choir, Cill and Kwittee on the rock-infused ‘Sister’. Things are then closed out with ‘Sell My Soul’, a powerful ballad that explores themes of dignity, self-worth and exploitation.
Johnny sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My parents are pastors and I grew up in church which meant being an automatic chorister, I loved being the choir it’s one of those things that moulded me to the person and musician I am today. I was the music director in our church for about 7 years before I made the move to Lagos.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
There’s quite a number of them from Owl city, Jon Bellion, Lany, and a host of others.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
At first it was difficult because I’m a creative, a recording artiste who also loves to perform live. Not being able to perform in front of an actual audience for that long period was pretty hard on me, but as time has gone by I’ve got a hang of it. Thankfully things are going back to normal and that’s exciting for me.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Distinct and nostalgic! My music always tells a story and takes you on a journey. I always want to take the listener to a place mentally, to paint a beautiful picture.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I’d pick two. The first being doing my first ever headline show ‘Johnny’s Room Live’ in Lagos in 2018, and the second being the release of my debut album and the impact it’s having on people.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Don’t get discouraged and don’t be scared of being different, different might look weird at first but different is good. There’ll always be pressure, find the people that keep you grounded, they’ll be the ones to be there for you when things might get overwhelming.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
There’s this amazing artiste called Chylde, she’s totally amaze balls. Her voice is one of the best I’ve heard in recent time. We have a song together on my album called ‘Clocks’. You should totally check her out.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
My debut album ‘Before we fall asleep’ first and I think Lany’s ‘Mama’s Boy’.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Getting lost in a Wikipedia rabbit hole, research about movies, watch movies, and play video games.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Scented candles, my computer, and my headphones.