S15 E9: James Johnston

It’s fascinating to look at the entire creative evolution of an artist - how they started and where they are now. Of course, looking at what’s been going on in their life, can feel quite invasive and voyeuristic, like prying into the inner sanctum of life, but hey, all in the name of research! 

Music and art (although I’m by no means an expert) often feels subjective and open to interpretation and honestly, for me, I love it when I’m challenged to think about what it means to me. 

This brings me on to relatability. Perhaps it’s now an overused word that has been diluted of its relevance and meaning. 

But is it important for an artist to create work that its audience will find relatable in some way? 

Will it help the audience make their own interpretations if they can relate to it? 

Or is speaking with truth and honesty equally or more important? 

And what about good old fashioned escapism? 

What does that connection between artist and audience look like?

I don’t know why the work of my guest today makes me ask these questions! Maybe it’s because his work often feels like it is accessing what’s in the back of his mind but created in a way that feeds my own interpretations and connects in a way that tunes into my own empathy.

His art was described as “loose and raw that straightaway imprints itself on the human imagination”. This is interesting because it is the consistency of that rawness - and honesty - that also runs through his music which again gets my imagination fired up. 

I hope you enjoy this fascinating chat with James Johnston, who came to prominence in the early 90's with Gallon Drunk and has also played with PJ Harvey, The Bad Seeds, Faust and Lydia Lunch as well as releasing solo and collaborative work of his own. He started painting in 2017 which is just going from strength to strength.

https://www.iwannajumplikedeedee.com


I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.

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