Essential 8: Johnny Fury

Courtesy of the Artist

Johnny Fury may be drawn to creamy white Stratocasters and flashy flying Vs, but no matter what kind of guitar lands in his hands, the Austin bluesman always makes it sing. On Johnny Fury II (released May 11, 2018), Fury shows his prowess in soul and rock as well as blues and jazz, with a smooth, nuanced tenor capable of delivering splintering blues and affecting ballads. He’s already impressed industry judges; Fury was a finalist in the 2014 Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition and a 2016 semi-finalist in the New York-based International Songwriting Competition. The latter nod came for “Without Me,” which appears on Johnny Fury II alongside six other originals and two covers - Marvin Gaye’s “Mercy Mercy Me (the Ecology)" and “All of Your Love." Here, Fury answers his Essential 8+ and talks songwriting, musical mentors, and a whole lot more.
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Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
I’ve been fortunate to have a few musical mentors. I studied guitar with Tomo Fujita, Jon Finn, and Bruce Bartlett when I lived in Boston. I learned a lot about guitar technique and music theory when I studied with them. When I moved to Austin, I met Donna Menthol. She has been my voice coach and musical mentor.

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
I spend a lot of time editing my songs. I wouldn’t say there’s an “a-ha” moment. You have to work to get a song to sound right.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
Well this is my second album, hence Johnny Fury TWO.

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?
I wanted an album that was rooted in the blues. There’s a mix of jazz, soul, and rock influence. I included a couple songs with social commentary and political themes. I wanted to give people songs that have a message. I also wrote songs that people could really dance and jam out to. So there’s something for everyone.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
I draw inspiration from the world. I draw inspiration from living. You have to take in everything: events, people, places, different experiences. Then you use your imagination to write lyrics and melodies.

When/where do you do your best writing?
I do my best writing at home. It’s better to be somewhere quiet, isolated.

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
It’s a combination. For example, the song “Lucky Man,” is a made-up story. It’s a song about a crazy girlfriend. I feel people can relate. Everyone’s had a girlfriend, boyfriend, or just a friend in general that’s driven them mad at some point (not literally).

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What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
Be aware of your dynamics. Be aware of volume. You want to be expressive with your instrument to really emote.
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What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Don’t give up.
 
What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
I like sandwiches. A good old fashioned ham sandwich.

Do you have any touring tips?
Remember Murphy’s law: “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.”

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
Jimi Hendrix Electric Ladyland, Miles Davis Kind of Blue, Stevie Wonder Songs in the Key of Life to name a few.

How do you kill the long hours in the van?
A lot of the time, I’m driving.

What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road?
You’re never in one place for too long. Just when you start falling in love with a city, it’s time to head to the next place.

What do you love most about being on the road?
There’s a sense of adventure. It’s an opportunity to become a better musician.

What has been your biggest struggle so far?
My biggest struggle has been mental. Many artists deal with this. I start having negative thoughts, “No one will like my music.” “This is a waste of time.” “Music is pointless.” It’s tough to overcome those negative thoughts and feelings.  I just have to keep reminding myself that this is what I love to do. Music is my passion.

What has been your biggest success?
My biggest success was placing in the top 10 for the Jimi Hendrix Guitar Competition 2014.

What’s your favorite venue and why?
Antone’s is my favorite venue. I love the vibe at Antone’s. You walk in and you feel instantly welcome. It’s a beautiful venue. The sound is incredible, the people are incredible. A number of legends have played there: B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Miss Lavelle White, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the list goes on and on.

What’s your dream venue and why?
I would love to play at Red Rocks. It seems like such a magical venue.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
I think it would be awesome to collaborate with the Roots.

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response?
Lucky Man seems to be a crowd-pleaser.

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
My favorite concert was the Crossroads Guitar Festival.

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
I like swimming. I’ll go to the gym or Barton Springs Pool.

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go?
I met Buddy Guy at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago. I didn’t talk to him for very long. He told me the story behind his song “Whiskey, Wine and Beer.”  

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
I’ve been listening to a lot of older music. Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
Performing at Carnegie Hall.
 
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