Robby Johnson's "If Barstools Could Cry"

Robby Johnson recently released If Barstools Could Cry. If Barstools Could Cry is not a sorrowful song, on the contrary, it is an upbeat song. The lyrics draw a picture of a man sitting on a barstool, wishing the barstool could do the work of rekindling a lost relationship on his behalf. The character wanted to still live his youth, partying it up, but hold onto the hope of reconnection with the one he lost.

"They've heard all the stories

That cut through the night

And they've witnessed firsthand

Love turns into fights

They stand there in line

Saying nothing at all

But they sure damn know why

I've been crashing this bar

The band keeps on playing

Some Jones and some Strait

As I keep on knocking

Your memories away

The sight of you leaving

Ain't leaving my mind

Yeah, I'm stuck on you, baby

I'm stuck on rewind"

Robby Johnson and I had an extensive conversation; we talked about a bunch of things, from how close a friend he is to his hairstylist (completely relatable, since that is my full-time career, 😀) to what it takes to make it in the music business, to how he got his start in music in such an unconventional way. So let's dive into that story first. I like backstories as much as I like music, and the explanation of the lyrics.

First of all, imagine Robby Johnson dressed in business attire instead of his usual Nashville concert clothes. In his previous career, Robby worked in the manufacturing industry. For Christmas, he received a recording studio session as a gift. Initially, he was reluctant to go, thinking it seemed almost silly, but since it was a gift, he agreed to participate. The studio staff were impressed with his talent and encouraged him to start a music career. Robby then created a YouTube channel, set up social media pages, and watched his popularity grow. Then he found himself as a musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. Robby described the whole event as an “out-of-body experience." He said it was almost as if "he were watching himself from above."

Robby Johnson enjoys performing live and pays close attention to the crowd, interacting with the audience at his shows. Robby explained that he is aware of the importance of the fans and admits that the energy of the crowd carries the show. The “fans are the instruments of live music”. Robby prefers to play with a full band, likes the country-rock edge, and has his entire band using wireless microphones so they can move around the entire stage. Robby has a microphone placed facing the audience so that they can hear the feedback of the crowd sent to the lighting technician. Keeping tabs on responses from the audience allows Robby to respond accordingly with song choices during the set.

Check out Robby Johnson’s former release, TGIF, and his latest release, You Pick the Flowers

Keep up with Robby Johnson on his social media platforms by clicking the buttons below

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Thank you. It was a pleasure chatting with you, Robby, In A Country Minute

Young talent to watch- Josie Sal released 'Fake Friends'

I talked with 13-year-old (yes, you read that right) Josie Sal, following her first experience as an artist at CMA Fest. Josie excitedly explained how CMA Fest was filled with interviews, sets, meet-and-greets, and artist showcases, promoting her latest single, Fake Friends. Fake Friends is the sassy and confident roadmap to what to do when you realize the real part of your friends are Fake Friends, and you need to move on. Fake Friends was produced by Noah Hensen, and co-written with Mark Addison Chandler, Chris Sligh and Josie Sal.

They only show up just to show you up

And you know what?

They can all get trucked

Cuz I’m done with the dumb stuff

Leave ‘em all in the dust

Nah I can’t trust

Friendly enemies

You’re history

Josie Sal is an artist to watch, a young and talented writer and singer, who admitted that it was sometimes challenging to hold back her excitement and fangirling over other artists while attending CMA Fest. However, she thoroughly enjoyed the experiences, meeting fans, taking pictures, and watching the various performances. Josie is the youngest artist I have interviewed to date, yet her skill set is not reflective of her age by any means. Josie has shared the stage with Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll and opened for Riley Green and Aaron Tippin.

Josie Sal's family is her biggest support and influence in her life. Being the youngest of 4, she gets feedback from her siblings on lyrics and subject matter for songs, and Josie's mom is her sounding board and transport to most things she attends and travels for.

Josie Sal’s music career began in a non-conventional manner, and her dad was the culprit. Knowing Josie wouldn't turn down a dare, he dared her to sing a song with the band that was on stage. Josie said she was trying to convince her dad to take her shopping while they were on vacation, and he said he would take her after she sang. Josie took the dare and didn’t hold back once the band agreed to have her join them on stage after a few persistent efforts from her dad. Josie's passion for performing music was born, for the most part, at that moment. Josie was a dancer, performing at a young age, but ultimately chose music over dance.

July 11th look for her next release Redneck Weekend and following the release is a video for the song. Redneck Weekend features many familiar friends of Josie's and her family in the video filmed in Pittsburgh.

Congratulations and best wishes, Josie Sal, on your continued success and releases! It was a pleasure to speak with you In A Country Minute!

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Savannah Dean Reeves released a reflective single, 'How About You'

Savannah Dean Reeves wrote her latest single nearly a year ago. While sitting on her bed and replaying and reflecting on memories in her head, Savannah began to wonder if she was the only person who did this. From a “thought within a thought,” Savannah started writing How About You. In her quest for closure, Savannah created a song that reflects the reality that there is no right way to move on from someone; each person must discover their own path. For Savannah, that journey led her to write lyrics. How About You was produced by Matt McQueen and Curtis Leiser from Gem City Studio. I asked Savannah if she ever experienced any anxiety about revealing her personal stories in her lyrics. She replied, “When you date a songwriter, it's gonna happen.” Her words highlighted the unique connection between her experiences and the creative process, illustrating how love and vulnerability intertwine in the art of songwriting.

As the song progresses, the perspective shifts from "what do you do" to "what I do," and in this transition, you can feel the change in emotion. The lyrics guide you through the thoughts and questions that often arise after a break-up, ultimately leading to the hope that the feelings of missing the person are mutual.

I'm not gonna tell you that I miss you

Savannah Dean Reeves (Photo by Maddie Makes Memories, artwork by Allie Colleen)

It don’t work that way

I’ve been sitting here thinking about

All the reasons to stay

Maybe you’re just good at lying

Oh and trust me I’m trying

To not hide behind the pain

Of why we walked away

Oh why’d we walk away

How about you

Did you ever feel the same

Or do you drive around at three a.m.

Cursin’ my name

How about you

Do you ever think back

Or when you get a memory of us

Do you chase it with a bottle of jack

How about you

I wanna know about you …”

Savannah Dean Reeves mentioned that while she is collaborating with other artists, the album she is currently working on features songs that she has written entirely on her own. She set a goal to write a complete solo album, and it is nearly finished. Savannah is in the process of finalizing one song and considering adding another before she thinks the album is complete. However, she is allowing herself the flexibility to change her mind if an idea arises that fits well with the rest of the album.

Savannah Dean Reeves spends her time between her home in Kentucky and Nashville. She has been writing songs since middle school and playing the guitar since she was 11. Savannah has written songs for various books, some of which were set to be included in movie soundtracks..

Thank you, Savannah, for opening up and explaining how How About You came to life. It was a pleasure to talk to you about your career and music releases, In A Country Minute.

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