Check out our interview with talented Irish producer Johnny Bourke who’s sound is fresh and fluid and echoes artists such as Shawn Mendes, Khalid, and John Mayer. Johnny just released his new SINGLE ‘Be Someone’. With all the makings of a chart worthy hit, this commanding new tune captivates the listeners’ attention from start to finish with a larger-than-life melody & catchy vocals.
Follow Johnny @johnnybourke
Hi Johnny, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! I’m an Irish producer, I have degrees in Maths and Music, I love spicy pizzas, and I probably play guitar at least once every 2 hours!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Tall, stubborn, inquisitive.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I’ve been a session musician for almost 10 years now, basically since I was 17 and could drive I’ve been playing gigs. I’ve done everything from studio work, to weddings, to cruise ships.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Fresh, varied, fluid.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve had many influences from my family, to teachers, to my friends, and then musicians whose work I fell in love with such as John Mayer, John Frusciante, and classical composers.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes! Guitar and piano.
Do you ever get nervous?
Literally never. It’s kind of weird. I think because I’ve always been involved in drama from a really young age and doing shows and public speaking exams I’ve just been used to putting myself forward so nothing really fazes me now.
Tell us about your new hit “Be Someone?”
I’m so happy that everyone is enjoying it! It’s a real summer bop that I started late summer 2020. Covid put it on hold for a few months obviously but then I met up with Saige over Christmas and got her vocals and I could finally complete it.
What’s the story behind the song?
It’s basically about fully embracing a relationship and allowing yourself to give everything to and receive everything from your better half. You’re simply better together.
And about the success of “Can’t Do Without?”
CDW is my baby. I wrote that in London in 2019 and put it out last summer and really enjoyed the whole process of properly releasing my first song. It was also nice to get that milestone out of the way. I followed it up with a remix by my good friend GOLDHOUSE and that version was even better received so I’m delighted with how it all went down.
Did you had plans/concerts planned and cancelled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
Yes literally everything had to be scrapped. I did a couple of instagram live shows for a few blogs and I also got to do a live streamed gig in Dolan’s, Limerick supporting Hermitage Green so that was so much fun but we’re back in complete lockdown again so I’m hoping to get a few more gigs virtual or in-person in the diary for this summer. It’s so hard to organise things at the minute.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I have so many people I’d like to work with but the next goal is to get a big show under my belt. I have so many great plans for a banging live set.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
The performing, creative element is my favourite. I just love making and playing music. Actually releasing it then is sort of a bummer because you’re essentially reducing unquantifiable magic in art to mere numbers but alas that’s the way things are now. That’s all there is until live shows are back.
What’s next for Johnny Bourke in 2021?
SHOWS SHOWS SHOWS. I’m also doing a couple of remixes for other artists which is going to be really fun tapping into new fanbases and genres.
What is you favorite song? And why?
Oh god I genuinely can’t answer that it’s too difficult but the song I’m listening to most at the minute is ‘Edge of Desire’ by John Mayer. It really hits differently at the minute.
Any loves other than music?
Nerd alert but I really love Math. I teach it occasionally. I’ve gotten into reading quite heavily again as an escape from screen time recreation but I also really like watching movies and new shows.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d love to meet Frank Sinatra and just listen to his stories. I can only imagine how many he had.
Best advice ever given?
Make the music you want to hear and f*** everyone else.
How’s a typical day in your life?
Nothing typical about my days at the minute but in normal life I get up, have a coffee, go to the gym, come home and work on music all day.
Name one your strengths?
I’m extremely driven. I have confidence in myself that I can complete any task if I really want to.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Oh god does it exist? Sundays are so gloomy you always have the impending doom of Monday hanging over you but I suppose a nice lunch and a comfy chair with lots of tea is pretty sweet in my head.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
I absolutely DESPISE karaoke so you won’t catch me anywhere near it but I LOVE belting out some country music in the car. I think modern country music is so nice for driving, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Florida Georgia Line, etc.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Happiness to me is simply a lack of worry or stress. Just pure contentment is all I seek in life. Life is hard enough without adding more bad vibes of your own creation.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My breakfast consists almost exclusively of fruit so I suppose that’s pretty good. I don’t really watch my diet as much as I probably should. I just like to exercise a lot so I can then eat what I want. I know that’s not a good attitude but it works for me.
And your favorite cheat food?
Pizza. Obsessed. Spicy chicken ideally.
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
Smoking. No way.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully doing nothing different but a hell of a lot more people following my music and listening!
How would you describe your fashion style?
I think I’m pretty squarely street style or casual chic. I don’t like to rock the boat too much, I think I stand out enough just by my height so I like to keep my colours and fits fairly safe.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s amazing to utilise and infuriating to grow.
Where we can follow you?
Everywhere please! Instagram @johnnybourke, Facebook @johnnybourkeofficial, Twitter @bourke_official. Just search “Johnny Bourke” everywhere else and you’ll find me.
Quote: “What today is remote can tomorrow be close at hand. It is all a matter of whether one can get closer” – Schoenberg
Movie: Any Harry Potter.
Travel Destination: New Zealand
Sports Team: Tipperary in Hurling!
