Johnning
Photo Credit: Bjorn Rudling
Swedish singer/songwriter Johnning is simply a hit maker. The 23-year-old entered the industry back in 2014 and reached incredible success with his song “Heroes Tonight”. The release has over 70 million streams on Spotify, which has earned the artist a Sold Gold Plaque in Sweden. Johnning’s music has attracted a worldwide audience, as his distinct EDM vocals have been streamed over half a billion times and counting. Songs like “Heartless” with Jacob Tillberg and “Talk No More” with Cadmium showcase the artist’s unique talent. Johnning has already shaped up a tremendous career and looks to make 2020 his best year yet. His latest song “Last Time” was released on May 15th, once again landing him on Spotify’s most popular playlists. We recently talked to the artist about his musical influences, plans for the future, and more!
How did you start making music?
I have always had a passion for music ever since I was young, but never thought that this would be my full-time profession as it is right now. It all started back in 2014 when I wrote a song called “This Life” and was later signed to NCS (Nocopyrightsounds) together with OLWIK. The release went very well and in one month I received many new requests from artists all around the world. It gives me goosebumps till this very day. One thing I promised myself from the start was to always stay humble and appreciate every day, not taking anything for granted. I believe that this mentality has built friendships with many of the people I worked with—Even though we had a release together 2-5 years ago, we still talk like it was yesterday.
“Heroes Tonight” was a tremendous hit for you. Walk us through producing the hit.
I wrote this song living in Tampa Florida at the time and was writing by the piano. I had sent a vocal to a producer named Kasum, but at that time it was called Dynamite and not Heroes Tonight. His manager at the time turned it down and the vocal just remained in my computer. However, around one month after, I decided to sit down and rewrite it— perhaps it was something missing since they didn’t choose to release it. I then got an email right in the process of rewriting it from a guy called Jani Oikarinen also known as (Janji). He had a melody he had been working on and sent over a rough draft of it to me. After listening to the first notes, I was shocked because I knew that the vocal melody and lyrics, and that my rewritten vocal would suit it perfectly. I texted Jani telling him that I would get a vocal sent to him and after two days, I had recorded and rewritten the song known as “Heroes Tonight”.
However, the road was not as easy. We sent it over to NCS and they said no to the track two times— but after some begging and ensuring them that this could be the one, they accepted it. What then happened is something that has been life changing for me and Jani. The song made it to the top 6 most popular songs ever released on NCS and passed one of Alan Walker’s releases. It has reached over 70 million streams on Spotify and 200 million views on YouTube. So, after looking back at it, I’m happy the previous version “Dynamite” wasn’t released so it became the hit song that it is today.
What is your favorite and least favorite parts of working in the music industry?
My favorite part of the music industry is the process of creating and seeing other people that listen and enjoy my music. I also like is bond you get with the people you work with, it’s a craft that you do together and will remember forever. My least favorite part of the industry is probably that there are some people that aren’t there for your best interest. Sometimes, some people they get tricked into contracts that aren’t to their advantage. I have seen sketchy contract but never signed one because I thankfully have legal help for that. People take advantage the fact that someone has a dream, which rapidly can be shattered if the wrong contract is signed. So, stay away with that stuff and I would recommend the music industry to anyone of interest.
Favorite non-music activities?
I am a pretty good golf player and went to a golf boarding school in Tampa, Florida. I have put many hours on the golf course but didn’t make it professionally; I have been down at 0.5 handicap at my lowest. For people that don’t know much about the golf scoring system, the professional level is 0 handicap and under, so I was pretty close.
Who’s your pick for a dream collab?
I truly love the production and lyrics that Lauv does and it would be so much fun having a collab together. Someone else that I would really die to be in the studio with would be Ed Sheeran or Finneas.
A dream venue?
Of course it would be performing at the Grammys or Wembley Stadium. This would be a dream— sometimes they come true and sometimes they don’t, but I hope for the best.
In three words, how would you describe your music?
Relatable, Personal, Melodic.
Any future projects for fans to look forward to?
Currently in the process of releasing my upcoming EP in August. I’m going to Stockholm now in July for two weeks to write music for what I hope will turn into an album in 2021. So much more music to look forward to!
