As the music world eagerly anticipates the arrival of A Linear History, we are afforded a unique opportunity to delve into the creative essence behind this profound artist. JOHNNY STANEC, with his distinctive fusion of Americana and Britpop, brings forth a sound that is deeply evocative and universally relatable. His music, characterized by its heartfelt storytelling and expansive soundscapes, speaks directly to the soul. STANEC‘s approach to his craft navigates the delicate interplay between personal introspection and universal themes, aiming to create songs that resonate on a deeply emotional level while remaining accessible to a wide audience.
A Linear History stands as a testament to JOHNNY STANEC‘s artistic journey, exploring themes of time, loss, hope, and the intricate dance of human relationships. The album’s lead single, “Shine On (That’s Just Life),” encapsulates the reflective nature of STANEC‘s work, blending anthemic choruses with poignant lyrics to ponder the cyclical patterns of life. This creative endeavor showcases STANEC‘s commitment to authenticity, weaving together spontaneous melodies and meticulously arranged compositions to craft a narrative that is both personal and universal.
A Linear History is set for release on Friday, February 23, 2024.
INFRARED MAG: Johnny, thank you for taking the time to join us for this interview. Before we dive into the details, could you start by describing your music and sound for our readers who may be new to your work?
JOHNNY STANEC: Thanks for having me! And yeah, for anyone new to me I would describe my music as a cross between Americana and Britpop. Sort of like if Oasis was from the midwestern US instead of Manchester. I like to combine acoustic guitars and pianos with big choruses, melodic guitar parts and vocal harmonies. I’ll layer in strings and organs, and really whatever sounds good. I’m always trying to expand my production approach.
INFRARED MAG: Your music often reflects deeply personal experiences and emotions, inviting listeners into your world. How do you navigate the balance between vulnerability and privacy when sharing your stories through your music?
JOHNNY STANEC: I think a lot of what I write lyrically is universal. Meaning any listener could potentially relate to the subject matter. I’m not overly specific, and I try not to be so vague that it has no ability to connect either. I think we’re all going through something; some days are good, others are bad. Mostly we’re all doing our best to survive in a chaotic world. I’m not typically writing about a specific event, but a feeling I’m having. I think that comes across and keeps it accessible.
INFRARED MAG: “Shine On (That’s Just Life),” the lead single from your upcoming album, carries a contemplative and anthemic vibe. Could you share the story behind this track and what it means to you personally?
JOHNNY STANEC: It’s always hard to pinpoint what was happening when I wrote a certain song. Melodies are always coming to me. I’m more concerned with the tune and the lyrics just sort of start to fit themselves in as I finish it. I usually have a few lines I keep repeating. With this one it was “I know that I feel like sometimes there’s no way I can shine on” and the rest of the lyric developed around it.
For me it’s about feeling like I’m fading out. It’s hard to look forward and be positive all the time. I’m always trying to sort out my feelings and come to terms with mortality, it’s never easy.
INFRARED MAG: Your upcoming album “A Linear History” explores themes of time, alienation, and hope, reflecting on personal experiences and relationships. Can you delve into the inspiration behind this album and how it reflects your own journey as an artist and individual?
JOHNNY STANEC: Right now, I’m at a place in my life where I’ve really started to look back on where I’ve been, people I’ve known, etc. There are some things you wish you could do over. Regret is an unfortunate part of life, and sometimes inescapable. There are people that let me down, I think, that I started to resent. But more than that there are these moments I was able to look back on and wonder if I had made the right decision at the time, or if I just made the easy one. So, I started writing around this theme. It all felt connected, and I felt a sense of catharsis from it.
INFRARED MAG: “A Linear History” is set to be released on February 23, 2024. Can you give us a glimpse into the creative process behind this album, from the initial songwriting stages to the final recording sessions?
JOHNNY STANEC: I’ll start off saying I’m always writing. I have ideas I’ve yet to develop. These songs came together over several months or so. There were a handful of recording sessions and eventually everything was mixed and mastered and finalized. It’s a long process. When I think about where songs come from, it’s almost hard to describe. Feelings turn into melodies, turn into lyrics, and then these ideas are fleshed out with a full backing band. It’s like a controlled chaos. If you look at it from a distance it makes no sense, but when you’re in the middle of it, it’s crystal clear. It’s really one step at a time. One song at a time. I didn’t rush these songs. There was no timeline. I had released a record in 2022, so I felt I had time. But I was writing so much that I wanted to release another one. I really think it’s my best so far. Hopefully others agree.
INFRARED MAG: Your journey as a musician has seen you evolve from playing in bands to establishing a successful solo career. How has your approach to music-making changed over the years, and what have you learned about yourself as an artist along the way?
JOHNNY STANEC: Years ago, I never saw myself as a solo person. I wanted, and liked, the idea of being in a band. However, time changed that significantly. Really what started to happen was schedules. Some people just didn’t have the time, or the desire, to do it anymore. So, I said I’ll just do this all by myself. Now I record the music myself and perform all the parts myself. Maybe that seems odd to someone in a healthy creative partnership, but for me it has opened up so many new ideas and possibilities. My songs are my own, and I don’t have to wait for, or ask for, someone else’s opinion. So, I guess it’s been a good thing for me.
INFRARED MAG: Your music often deals with introspective themes such as the passage of time and the search for meaning. How do you hope your songs resonate with listeners, and what do you aim to evoke in your audience through your music?
JOHNNY STANEC: I’m literally searching for a feeling of hope again. I think it’s important to want to look forward. Looking back all the time is destructive. Don’t forget the past, but maybe at some point let it go so you can live in the moment. I’ve let too many days slip through my fingers. And I know a lot of other people have as well. If they get anything out of these songs, then let it be ‘hope’.
INFRARED MAG: Your sound has been described as reminiscent of iconic artists like Tom Petty, Nirvana, and Neil Young, while also carving out its own unique identity. How do you balance paying homage to your influences while staying true to your own artistic vision?
JOHNNY STANEC: Mostly I don’t think I sound too much like any one specific thing. If I listed all of my influences some may not even come across in what someone will hear. Like anyone making music, I like a lot of things. I think it’s just my version of it. I’m really just trying to be myself, which is hard enough to do sometimes. All of those records and bands and songwriters are with me, though. I wouldn’t be making music if it weren’t for the artists that gave me my education.
INFRARED MAG: As you prepare to release “A Linear History,” what message would you like to share with your fans who have been eagerly anticipating your new music?
JOHNNY STANEC: I would like to say “thanks” because a lot of days are tough, and you don’t really feel like it matters all that much. But if anyone is listening, and getting anything out of this, then my sincerest “thank you”, honestly.
INFRARED MAG: The title “A Linear History” suggests a reflection on the passage of time and the interconnectedness of life’s experiences. How did you come up with this title, and what significance does it hold for you in the context of the album?
JOHNNY STANEC: Literally, I was looking out at the Grand Canyon; and seeing all the lines in the rocks representing time made me feel really small. I started thinking about our finite existence and how we’re only here for a short stay. We’d barely make a dent in that canyon. All of these songs are about coming and going, looking back, but also looking forward. Being on the journey, I guess, of life.
INFRARED MAG: Your music videos often complement your songs with visually compelling storytelling. How important is visual storytelling to you as an artist, and how do you collaborate with directors to bring your songs to life on screen?
JOHNNY STANEC: Well, I do my own videos, actually. Another aspect of being an independent musician I suppose! I’m just trying to tie it all in with the song. How does it feel? Some songs are dark, others are colorful. It’s all interpretive. Since I’m usually just standing in my videos, I have to cut in visually interesting elements to keep viewers engaged ha-ha.
INFRARED MAG: In addition to your solo career, you’ve released conceptual albums such as “Sunrise Sunset” and “Never Met A Stranger.” What draws you to these thematic approaches, and how do you use them to connect with your audience on a deeper level?
JOHNNY STANEC: I like to challenge myself, make the music more involved and push myself to try new things. I hate repeating myself, so I want to keep the songs fresh. It’s not always easy, or successful.
In my head, at least, I find more complex elements more compelling; and more rewarding on repeat listens. Maybe others will feel that way too.
INFRARED MAG: You’ve performed extensively throughout the U.S., captivating audiences with your emotive performances and storytelling. How do you prepare for live shows, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performances?
JOHNNY STANEC: I’m just myself. What you see is what you get. There’re no performative aspects to seeing me live. It’s very much just me and the songs. You just hope that’s enough.
INFRARED MAG: As an artist who values authenticity and sincerity in your music, how do you stay true to yourself in an industry that often prioritizes trends and commercial success?
JOHNNY STANEC: Success is almost impossible these days. The odds are stacked against you. Expecting it is setting yourself up for disappointment. All you can do is create the music you want to hear and hope others will find it. From that it can grow and maybe turn into something more. It’s an uphill climb. Trends are meaningless to me at this point. I’m so far behind I think I’m ahead.
INFRARED MAG: Your music is deeply rooted in storytelling, often painting vivid narratives through your lyrics. How do you approach crafting these stories, and what impact do you hope they have on your audience?
JOHNNY STANEC: I don’t put too much pressure on it. I think what I’m saying is something anyone can relate to, whether it’s good or bad. I’m just trying to say what I need to say, sort out my mixed-up feelings and leave behind a catalog of listenable tunes. I do put a lot of work into the songs, so hopefully people pay attention to the words.
INFRARED MAG: Before we wrap up, Johnny, is there anything else you’d like to share with your listeners or any message you’d like to leave them with?
JOHNNY STANEC: Buy the record. Support musicians by purchasing their music. Tell others about it. Be enthusiastic about finding new music. There are so many excellent songwriters, bands and artists out there struggling to be heard. Dig deeper than what is being presented to you. It’s how the unknown become known; and it helps to keep the music alive.
As we prepare to experience “A Linear History” in its entirety, we gain insight into JOHNNY STANEC‘s evolution as an artist and the depth of his musical vision. This album is not merely a collection of tracks but a journey through the emotional landscapes that define our existence. STANEC invites his listeners to embark on this journey with him, offering a space for reflection, understanding, and connection. Through his music, STANEC explores the linear narrative of life, blending the personal with the universal in a way that invites us to reflect on our own stories within the tapestry of his songs.
For more information on JOHNNY STANEC, visit:
www.JohnnyStanec.com
www.Facebook.com/JohnnyStanecMusic
www.Instagram.com/JohnnyStanec
www.YouTube.com/c/JohnnyStanecMusic
www.Spotify.com/Artist/JohnnyStanec