Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtland Johnson
Hi Courtland, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey was unconventional as music was not my first love. I grew up loving sports and never touched a guitar until I was 16 years old. I also have a learning disability that makes learning music theory incredibly difficult so I do not have a technical background in music at all. I play by ear and write what feels interesting and dynamic. Music was just a hobby from high school till I was about 25. I bounced around in a couple amateur bands that went nowhere but was able to convince a couple of my friends to start our own band. The Courtland Experiment was born. A DIY punk/soul project that has a really raw energy and sound. The Courtland Experiment or CEX band as we are known started to pick up steam here in the DC area and in NYC based on some connections I made in Brooklyn playing in some bands up there over the years. Most recently I’ve decided to expand my scope as a songwriter and make a solo album which has garnered the current momentum I’m enjoying. This new album is rooted in DC Go-Go to give a unique hometown flavor to the music. The live shows have been pure mayhem in the best way being able to channel the punk rock energy of my CEX band roots with a more polished a versatile sound. This debut album is going to really showcase what I can do as a songwriter and really accomplish my goal of putting unique sounding music back into the scene. The pure energy we bring to the live shows here is going to be present in every song on the album.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has not been smooth in the slightest. I dealt with alcoholism for a decade and wasn’t able to get sober until last 2023. I nearly destroyed my life a dozen times through reckless behavior rooted in depression and anxiety. Every job I had until music I felt like I was wasting my time and had to be fake for 40 hours a week just to survive. I’m also a single Dad trying to be the best parent I can while doing music and media full time. I have struggled financially more than most people can imagine which is all the more motivation to work as hard as I can to ensure success. I also have a learning ability that makes it extremely difficult to process numbers so learning basic music theory is like trying to learn an alien language making things frustrating when I have to copy rather than create. I try to lean into my strengths to compensate. It’s one reason you don’t see me do a lot of cover songs. Creating something new comes much more naturally than copying someone else’s work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I write songs and play guitar. My specialty is live performances and putting on an unforgettable show no matter when or where. I’ve been called a typhoon of energy and strive to give each fan an unique experience every time they see us live. I am also a media personality who does local sports talk radio here in the DC area. I feature every Sunday 11-1 pm on 1450 AM on the Talk 2 Trey Sports report as a co host. I also do political commentary on blackmeninamerica.com. I am very outspoken about political issues and incorporate political themes into my music regularly.
How do you think about happiness?
Spending time with my daughter makes me the most happy. Getting the freedom to get paid to play my own songs and have people enjoy the experience also gives me immense joy. Being a Dad and being on stage are the 2 places I feel the most alive.
Pricing:
- My pricing is flexible but I’m always looking to work.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @courtlanddmv
