Alex Johnson is the artist and creative genius behind Goodbye Blue Monday. His acoustic style and voice combine a rock influence with the laid-back feel that comes with acoustic playing: it gives me that hanging-out-with-friends-on-Friday-night at a bonfire feel, like I'm sitting on Blacks beach in San Diego, CA watching the waves break as the sun sets. It's very pleasing and relaxing, and the music allows you to simply let go of your worries for a few minutes while you listen. My only complaint is that there aren't more tracks available!
So, what got you started with all this music stuff anyways?
I started playing music when I was about 14 years old. My mom forced me to start out with piano lessons and said if I hated it after a few lessons I could quit. I loved it and continued for about 2 years. It was then that I started writing my own chord progressions and songs and grew tired of only being able to play other peoples music and wanted to create my own.
I loved classic rock growing up but it wasn't until I listened to pop punk bands like New Found Glory and Blink 182 that I wanted to start a band. I listened to their albums on repeat and would mimic their stage moves. I just loved how much fun they were having playing and the hard work they put into every song.
After begging my dad for a guitar he finally bought me my first acoustic, and I taught myself everything from classic rock to punk. I would lock myself in my room and wouldn't stop playing until I nailed every chord or riff.
Do you have a favorite song? Tell us a little bit about the creative process of putting it together.
My favorite song of mine would definitely be 'Miles Apart'. It was the first song I wrote after my breakup and also when I started writing again. For about a year I'd given up on my dream to pursue music. I had no money, no career goals and just turned 24. I gave into societies opinion that I was doing nothing with my life and decided to hang up the dream and get a good job. After my breakup and ex-girlfriend moving across the country, I had to put my emotions on paper. It was my only outlet and I fell in love with music again.
The song originally started as an acoustic track but recording demos and trying new things it ended up being full band to really drive the chorus home.
What's comes next?
Currently, I'm really focusing on my social media presence and starting to record more YouTube videos to get my music out there. I'm in the process of getting a band together but for right now I'll mostly be playing acoustic in the next few months.To anyone who listens or supports my music: You are my inspiration and I hope that my songs are something you can hold close to your heart. Please keep in touch with me.
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One final note: During this interview, I discovered I had much in common with Alex. Like him, I have always been a fan of classic rock, but only really got inspired to start playing music actively when I discovered Blink 182 during middle school. Starting out on the piano, the guitar only became my thing after a couple years of lessons that eventually led me to want a band at age 14. And similarly, I had to beg my dad to bring me to Bizarre Guitar in Phoenix, AZ to purchase my first Yamaha acoustic guitar, and the rest is history as they say. Anyways, I really understand where his songwriting is coming from and couldn't possibly give a greater seal of approval. Let's just hope Alex keeps making and recording music so we can continue to enjoy his work!
In the meantime, please consider purchasing Alex's tracks on iTunes.
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