Michael Johns article in The Western Australian
September 30, 2008
Lots of album news in this article including a possible title: Hold Back My Heart.
[Source]
Michael Johns tries luck as independent artist after Idol
30th September 2008, 14:15 WSTAustralian singer Michael Johns is carving out a career for himself as an independent artist after his elimination from American Idol.
The Perth-born 29-year-old, who is back in Australia for a brief visit, said he had spent just seven days at home since leaving the star-making US show in April.
Rather than being disappointed not to make it to the Idol grand final, Johns has been making the most of his exposure on the show.
“I went on that show not necessarily to win it but to absolutely get a career and find my fan base and I’ve done that,” Johns told AAP.
“Idol has afforded me all these opportunities, and I’m going to make the most of it.”
Rather than follow the lead of other American Idol alumni, such as Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson, Johns has decided not to sign with a major record label.
Instead, he will try his luck as an independent artist.
“I’ve had two record deals before with majors, and both times my albums were shelved and the labels went under or a merger happened. So, this time around I just want to own everything,” he said.
“With Idol … you’ve got the platform already, it’s not like you need them for exposure. So we’ll do a distribution deal through one of the majors, but at the end of the day when we recoup everything I’ll own it.
“Instead of making 15 cents a record I’ll be making $2 or $3 a record – it’s just a smarter way to do it in this day and age with all the technology and the internet and MySpace.”
He has recorded nine songs for his upcoming album, which is tentatively called Hold Back My Heart, and will release his first single in November.
“It’s going to be a rock soul record, about love and loss and yearning,” he said.
“There’s all these influences from Van Morrison to Joe Cocker, a bit of INXS, a bit of Otis Reading, so it’s definitely white soul sound.
“There’s nothing really out there like that right now. I guess Amy Winehouse and Duffy are touching on that, but that’s more the female side. There’s nothing as far as a white guy rocking out.”
Johns said the album should be in stores in February.
SYDNEY
AAP
Posted in Articles
Tags: australia, the western australian
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Hold Back My Heart?!? My oh my, yes, I like the sound of that title!! An album about love and loss and yearning?!? I couldn’t imagine a better voice to sing about those emotions… Michael, I am so damn excited about this record I can barely stand it…I can no longer Hold Back My SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
“It’s going to be a rock soul record, about love and loss and yearning,”
I absolutely can’t wait for that…I just can’t and everyone can relate to this subject…it is universal.
I have been loving your performances post Idol so much and I am yearning for that CD I’ll tell you!!
Hold Back My Heart…..WOW Michael..I simply can’t wait!
Hold Back My Heart…what a catchy title!!! It sounds perfect!! I am so excited for this record!! I gotta tell you too…being able to hear you perform again has been a real TREAT!!! We’ve certainly missed you since the tour!
We’re so proud of all you’ve been doing MJ, and we’re hear to support you every step of the way!! You’re such a STAR!!
Michael that’s a great title for your record!! All these acoustic versions you are doing here in Australia are just wetting the appetite for more ! Can’t wait to get my hands on that album!
this article is full of WIN! seriously..
And we were all worried about life after the tour, we would be going through MJ withdrawal? Not so..all this news..and interviews…and performances…Michael Johns, you never stop..and we like it that way..I can’t wait for the single/album!
Great news and thanks for all of the specific info about the album! Can’t wait to hear what major label MJ will have a distribution deal through.
I love that title! It sounds like a perfect fit with the feel of the album. Great article.
Hold Back my Heart.. I like the sound of that.. I can’t wait to hear from Michael.. November’s only like a month away.. woot! woot! I love how he’s bringing back the rock/soul style.. it’s hard to find at this day in age.. sooooo excited
I’ve always thought Michael has a Van Morrison sound. WOOHOOO.
Michael what a great choice for the Album. Hope you stick with that. Sounds amazing. So excited for it to come out!! This was a great article, filled with lots of information. Michael we know it’s going to be filled with hits and we can’t wait!!!!
This is such exciting news!!! “Hold Back My Heart” would be a great title!
I would soooo buy his album. He blew the socks off of the crowd in Tulsa. He was brilliant and amazing.
Great SITE! I come back frequently to catch up on MJ. Good job.
I want his album NOW!!! Love the possible title!
imagine the album cover that goes with that article.
just kiddin’ Can’t wait for the single!!
Yowza!!Love that title….Loving everthing Michael, Yes want that Album Now!!
Wow, so much awesome info in this article ~ I can’t wait for Michael’s CD!! And I LOVE the tenative title, Hold Back My Heart ~ PERFECT!!
I love the album title! So fitting with the rock and soul feel. If some of the latest audio and video is any indication what the reCORD will sound like it will be phenomenal! I can’t wait to hear it! =)