Click to access Randall-Johnson-Gospel-Artist.pdf
1.) What elements and/or characteristics made you say to yourself that you wanted to do music for a living? Who are your influences/heroes/role models?
Growing up I’ve always sang in the local church. That’s where the love of music came from. I knew at a very young age that I wanted to pursue a career in Music. The people who influenced me the most “Musically” are the people in the local church who saw my gift & helped me cultivate it. I actually know them all by name LOL
Vannessa Lewis
Antoine Roberson
Keith E. Andrews
Jannette Thompson
Byron Thompson
Jeffery Curry
Lydia Wright
These people have played a MAJOR role in my musical journey.
2.) If you could compare yourself to an already established artist, who would that be and why? If you don’t like to compare yourself, then music-wise, what separates you from other musicians?
I dare not compare myself to another artist becauseI believe that comparison kills. Because I’m a Gospel artist, I don’t look at myself as just an ordinary musician. I believe that I’m a minister of the Gospel. As ministers we are all called to do the same thing, just in different ways.
3.) Everyone in life goes through adversity of some sort. Is there anything in your life that has any influence on the kind of songs you write? What is the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure on your path to becoming a musician?
Yes! I believe people think believers don’t face adversity. I personally believe we face it more than most. My writing is Holy Spirit inspired. Either he will give me the words to say or he will show me who should write the song with me. Every single time I end up writing something that is needed in the Earth that speaks to our current state.
I believe the most difficult thing I’ve endured in becoming a Gospel artist is learning how to accept the word “NO” lol
We hear a lot a NO’s in this industry.
4.) How do you prepare yourself to write certain songs? What is your song-writing and recording process?
Songs / melodies come to me unexpectedly and always at the wrong time Lol. I could be driving, In the grocery store, In a church service or even sleeping . I thank God for the voice recorder in my phone because As soon as something comes to me I have to record it or else I’ll lose it. I almost always hear the melody first & I worry about the lyrics later.
5.) Unfortunately the music industry is full of talented individuals who just don’t get any recognition for their talent and/or hard work. What do you plan to do to make sure you stand out and get noticed? Would you rather be on a major label or would you rather stay independent? Why or why not? In regards to the music industry itself, do you think that the traditional music industry model as we know it is dead?
I believe social media is everything! So many people get discovered via Instagram or TiK TOK. I believe if you stay in the faces of people you can get your music heard. If you are out of the sight of people you will be out of their minds & you won’t get your music heard. The Marketing Rule of 7 states that a prospect needs to “hear” the advertiser’s message at least 7 times before they’ll take action. Post! Post! Post!
I rather be signed to a major label first for the insight & exposure & then I would like to own my own label and sign myself along with other artists.
I believe that the industry model of yesterday is gone. Social media & the internet has completely taken over & I don’t see it going back. I believe we must evolve with the times to remain relevant.
6.) Are you able to make a living with your music? If so, how were you able to attain a career doing what you love? If not, what do you do in order to fund your music career? What advice would give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a career in music?
I’m very old-fashioned. If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t eat! I still work a full-time job as a flight attendant with Spirit airlines. That is my bread & butter as of now. I fund most of my endeavors from working & musical engagements around the country. The only advice I could give a person looking to pursue a career in music is to hit the ground running. Learn as much as you can and apply it to your career.
7.) How do you think the internet and social media affected the music industry and how musicians are able to market themselves? Social media is obviously an extremely important element in today’s world, especially when it comes to business, branding, marketing, etc. With that being said, do you think an artist will be able to survive in today’s music industry if they’re not social media savvy?
There is no way an artist can survive this industry without social media. I believe the only company who doesn’t have to promote their brand is Rolls Royce LOL. Everyone else needs a Instagram or two!
8.) With so many people online who are expressing their opinions on any and everything under the sun, how do you know when to take something as constructive criticism or when to see it as trolling?
My Great-Grandmother use to say “Chew the meat & spit out the bone.” In other words take in what’s needed & disregard the rest. Everyone has an opinion that they are entitled to.
9.) What do you look forward to on your journey to becoming a successful gospel singer?
I look forward to hearing the testimonies of Gods people. I would like to know how my music inspired someone or gave them hope. My ultimate goal is to bring people to Christ. If I could just do that I’ll know I’m a successful Gospel artist.
10.) Tell us more about your new single. What was the inspiration behind it?
My new single is entitled There All The Time. It was produced my Cori Anderson of Las Vegas, NV & Written by myself & Lydia Wright Hamilton of Detroit, MI. We recorded the song back in 2018 having no idea the world would be in the state it’s in. The song reminds us that no matter what we face, God is always there. The scripture tells us that he will never leave us nor forsake us and that brings me much comfort. I’ve got someone I can count on!
11.) What was the recording process like for “There All The Time”? What made you say to yourself that that would be the single, instead of another song?
The recording process was super fun! Cori Anderson is a phenomenal producer. He let me take my time & made me feel really comfortable. We recorded about 6 songs and after praying about it, We decided There All The Time would be the single. I’m so glad we took heed to Gods voice because we believe that song is a great reminder that Gods got us.
12.) Artists who try to make music for the general public and make more money are usually seen as “sell-outs.” Do you see it that way and if so, what do you plan to do to make sure your music stays true to your brand and make a good living at the same time without having to “sell out”?
I don’t believe my Genre of music has to deal with that. Our main focus is to bring people to Christ. So, whatever that sounds like is a go! Be it Gospel Hip Hop, Gospel R&B, Praise & Worship or just our standard Traditional Gospel. We all have the same goal. There are no sell “outs” in God lol
13.) What are your thoughts on atheism? Do you think your single could be embraced by people who not believers in God?
I believe that God created us to have free will. Some won’t believe & thats okay. I do believe that my music can still bring hope to the non believers & prayerfully the Holy Spirit convict them and they will come crying “ What Must I do to be saved”? The thing I love most about God is the fact that he loves us all. Even the non believers. It’s never to late to be saved. There is PLENTY good room in the kingdom of God!
14.) Professionally, where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
In the next five years I plan to be in ministry full time. I’m not sure how things will be with COVID-19 restrictions but I would like to go on tour & share my music with the world!
