Typically, we like to interview people we have frequently out on the Poolside Stage at Norris Hot Springs. This month, we changed it up by interviewing a brand new friend – Billy Johnson. Billy comes to us from the Twin Cities in Minnesota and his music was so terrific, we instantly moved some things around to book him at Norris.
So – Bozeman, meet Billy.  We spoke via phone while one of us was moving and surrounded by boxes and the other in a very loud coffee shop.

JG: Are you a native Minnesotan?

BJ: Yep, from Minneapolis. Born here and raised here. (He being in the coffee shop there.)
JG: What is it about that area? It feels like it is full of songwriters, like there’s a huge musical vibe up there.

BJ: It IS a very musical town. It’s a friendly music town for one thing, there isn’t any weirdness between musicians – people are playing all different kinds of stuff, so that’s nice. There is a community up here of folks I’ve known for a couple of decades now. A lot of whom are still playing, a lot have quit, because they had to make money.

JG: (laughing) Yeah, that whole pesky money thing.

BJ: It’s a good music, art, theater kind of town. People appreciate all of that here.

JG: Feels like a literate town, as well. A place where people appreciate well crafted songs.

BJ: Yeah, that’s true too. The twin cities are usually up there on lists as far as college degrees and post college degrees.

JG: How’d you find your way into music? Did you always play, always know this was what you’d be doing?

BJ: My family is musical, my mom plays piano and sings. My dad’s got a really pretty voice but he only uses it a couple times a year. My sister’s very musical too, so I grew up singing around the piano. I was surrounded by music. More than anything, I was trying to play hockey growing up! I never really gave music a serious go until hockey didn’t work out – probably was a senior in high school before I really threw myself into it.

JG: I’m hoping by “hockey didn’t work out” you didn’t lose any teeth?
BJ: Nah..although I just played last night and I feel like I’m gonna die today. (laughter) My brother in law’s got a mini rink, there were 12 of us playing last night – including a couple of former NHL guys. I was sorta in over my head and I haven’t skated all winter cause it’s been so warm here we don’t really have good ice. So I’m blistered and in total pain this morning.

JG: (lapsed into talk of warm weather, but finally got back to topic) Tell me how you got into writing your own songs.

BJ: I played piano and guitar growing up.  Since I was 18 – through college I played with different people. My roommate was a guitar player – who was better technically, but a little soul-less.  I wish I was better at it, to be honest. I have 9 or 10 albums and it’s still not easy for me to whip out songs. There’s still only a handful that I am completely happy with.

JG: I really enjoyed them, Billy. I thought the songs were accessible and interesting and it made me want to listen to them again. I have to disagree – I liked every song I heard on your website.

BJ: Well, thanks. Accessible – that’s a good thing to hear. Does that mean they aren’t too complicated? (laughter) I should just say thank you and shut up.

JG: No, I mean it in a good way. I work with songwriters and really enjoy songs you can connect with, that welcome you in and that off putting by their navel gazing-ness, if that’s a word.

BJ: No fear of that happening here – I’m not smart enough to write those introspective songs. I hang out with those guys but am not one.

JG: Do you make your full time living as a musician?

BJ: No, I’ve worked at a church in Minneapolis for a long time as a music director. A gigantic behemoth church – it’s a full time 40 hour a week thing. I work with high school and junior high kids and I love them, it’s so fun.They love music as much as I do, it’s great to work with them.

JG: How do you get away from your full time job to come tour Montana?

BJ: There might be a weekend where I’m on a ski trip with 50 kids for three days – then I get 3 or 4 open days at the end of that. It’s not a 9 – 5 schedule. I have to plan it out..ahead of time. I play a few times a week in town and this trip is sort of random. I just got back from South Africa working with kids in townships with a non profit – and one of the women that came with me is going to school in Bozeman. She said you have to come out! I thought, maybe I should come out. I have a friend in Livingston and an uncle in Cody, so I thought why not try to come out and do 5 or 6 dates?

JG: Are you playing in Livingston as well as Norris?

BJ; Yep, the Murray Bar and I think I’ve got a Cody thing lined up. And maybe a 406 Brewing Company thing in Bozeman thrown in there.  I’ve got a friend, Charlie Conn, that’s a fly fishing guide in Livingston. We used to be in a band together – it will be great to see him.

JG: When people come to hear you – are there influences that you draw on? What’s it like?

BJ: That’s hard. I can tell you that right now I’m been listening to a lot of Amos Lee. I like him a lot, he’s a good writer and he’s soulful.
JG: Well, Norris is a pretty interesting spot. Playing in the dome is like playing in your living room, feels solitary even though you’re surrounded by people soaking in hot water hardly dressed.

BJ: I checked all that out and thought, “That looks totally sweet!” I’m a total eye closer and every show I feel like I’m by myself and then I open my eyes and go – hey, people are here. I’m looking forward to it.

JG: We’ll feed you well and let everyone know you’re coming, Billy. It’s been nice talking to you.

Please, please go to www.billyjohnsonmusic.com and listen to some of his tunes. Billy will join us on stage at Norris on March 30th. For more info on Norris, check our website at www.norrishotsprings. com.

Joanne Gardner is the music booker at Norris Hot Springs, and regular contributor to Bozeman magazine.