"Dean Johnson says that there are some pretty mean songs on his sophomore album, and that's why he's titled it I Hope We Can Still Be Friends. However, the name alone should tell you that he's far from a bully. The man is soft-spoken, hyper-considerate, a little self-conscious, and impossibly charming. He was anxiously awaiting my arrival on a sunny Monday afternoon with the tea kettle whistling and two types of tea neatly set out for me to pick from."
"Johnson's music is warm and laid back with the wit of Michael Hurley and the vocal stylings of the Everly Brothers. His presence radiates gratitude, and he appears to be genuinely astonished that people listen to his music. This magical combination of talent and sincerity has led him to tours with Rilo Kiley/Jenny Lewis, Blind Pilot, John Craigie, and more; he also signed to Saddle Creek this year- I Hope We Can Still Be Friends is his first release for the label."
"That is true. At least a third of the songs, I never thought I would record. I had enough friends who wanted me to record them, so I did. And for my own sake-to give them a place, you know? I kind of dread the idea of recording, but I ideally want to embrace it and have that be more of the focus of what I do."
Dean Johnson titled his sophomore album I Hope We Can Still Be Friends while including some intentionally sharp, mean songs alongside gentler material. He is soft-spoken, hyper-considerate, self-conscious, and charming, and his music blends the wit of Michael Hurley with Everly Brothers-style vocal harmonies. His presence conveys gratitude and surprise that people listen. Touring credits include Rilo Kiley/Jenny Lewis, Blind Pilot, and John Craigie, and the album is his first release on Saddle Creek. Many songs span long periods; at least a third were ones he never planned to record but did after friends' encouragement. He sometimes dreads recording and feels awkward performing first-person, heartbreak-heavy songs, yet he hopes to make recording a greater focus.
Read at Portland Mercury
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