I had the honour and sheer privilege of interviewing Michael Johns from American Idol fame for his latest EP, Love and Sex.
Now when I write my interviews, I’m usually good with removing myself and my own thoughts from the content and just write. However, this is probably one of my favourite interviews even though it is quite short because I really connected with what he knows about love and sex. At one point, I even cried writing this because it just got to me on so many levels. For someone else out there to understand these concepts of what love and sex are, is one of those things that you can only appreciate and know that you aren’t alone when you think it too.
Below is an excerpt from my Newsvine column where you can find the rest of the interview. I chose this part out of the interview because I felt it needed to be shown to readers who are in a position like this.
Johns answers straightforwardly how there are a billion things written about this but that basically, time plays a factor throughout the course of these motions. “I’ve had people I loved but it turned out to be lust or a craving, although at the time it was love. I have been in relationships where I was totally head over heels [but] you either grow older or apart. Then, as you do get older, you begin to look for what’s really a match,” he says, mentioning how it’s the little but huge things like family, sense of humor, world views, that thought lurks in and makes you wonder, “can I raise a family with this person?”
“When you’re in your 20s, you think you know but in most cases, [you] don’t. I think people who get married too young, often I’ve found end up unhappy. Now some of the lucky ones at any age get to be with their true soul mate – 25, 35, 65, it doesn’t matter what age. Unfortunately for most, they don’t. I think sometimes people are so scared to say [they’re] unhappy and stay in negative relationships for fear of hurting someone or being alone or [for] the kids. There’s no perfect road map. You just got to follow your heart and try and be the best person you can,” he stresses.
Two of the most complex emotions that we face in this life might just belong to matters of the heart: love and sex. Without the obviousness and a dictionary definition, what are they? Singer and songwriter, Michael Johns has it figured out in his own style. His new EP, Love and Sex, a three track release arrived in digital music stores this past Tuesday and showcases a mutual vulnerability and angst regarding the subject.
Johns, who released his debut album Hold Back My Heart nearly four years ago has undergone a fascinating transformation, emerging as an artist who truly understands and feels for his music. With everything he has done since his debut, listeners can hear a vocal and lyrical maturity showing an impressive artistic growth in Love and Sex that delivers and encompasses raw passion, desire and that burning love within the three track EP.
I caught up with the ever congenial and charming, Michael Johns to talk Love and Sex and as always, he’s an absolute delight to talk to. He shares that he was strictly in the mood to write this specific collection of music so he did it, without any intention. That’s a notable characteristic within Johns and shows how versatile he is as a singer and songwriter.
Do you all remember when I made music videos and those infamous mash-ups? And do you all remember when American Idol Season 7 was the best season ever? And do you all remember that this “cult-hit” that actually became a “cult-hit” was created the week I had food poisoning and was pooping my brains out? And do you all remember how bizarre yet oddly funny it was? And do you remember how many of you I become friends with and we become so close and I love you till this day, always and forever?
Those were the days. I never knew this would go viral and well, that was definitely good times! I was just making it for fun and never expected it to go this far. I can’t believe it’s got like, so many views! And the fact that I hear stories that while waiting for the concerts that summer to start, some of you would watch the videos on your phone or iTouch and it made you laugh! That’s special and humbling in its own right. And then later on, I hear news that the Top 10 Idols actually watched it when they were on tour makes it pretty special! <3
Whether you loved them or hated them, or just didn’t understand them, I thank you for watching! Part 2 and Part 3 are here.
And FYI: for the haters out there (because there were a few of you), the opening segment in Part 1 was actually enjoyed by every single member on that tour. I heard it straight from Carly’s mouth to my ears and she told me that they would quote parts on the tour! So yeah, it’s all jokey-jokey, taken with a grain of salt.
The one thing that really stands out from making those mash-ups were definitely the friendships I made along the way and I still hold dear to this day. Never knew I would come across so many of you and create a real connection and a tight bond. I love you, guys…you all know who you are! <3
It’s been said that certain people come into our lives for a reason and though we’re unsure of the purpose they serve and may be far from us through distance, they leave a charming footprint along the path we’re treading. One such individual in my life is the impeccable and kind-hearted, Carly Smithson.
Carly Smithson may have been on American Idol back in 2008 and won the hearts of many but she’s now the lead singer of the rock band, “We Are The Fallen” and in the famed Las Vegas show, Viva Elvis, singing her heart out to the tunes of Elvis Presley.
However, she isn’t just a songwriter or the lead singer of a rock band, she’s also one of the funniest, sweetest and bubbliest people I have come across so far in my life. Carly is always so welcoming and warm and when she hugs, it’s of sheer comfort, like you’re meeting an old friend.
If there’s one thing I’ve noticed with songwriters and I admire most, it’s the courage they have to strip themselves down; exposing their thoughts and feelings to a capricious world while diving into a deep unknown abyss just to know that someone along the way understands that very meaning they’re trying to articulate. Deep, well-thought songs don’t come from the surface. They come from deep down with an open heart and mind that allows for poetry, melody and passion to permeate through.
An artist who never fails to wear his heart on his sleeve is David Cook, the past winner of the FOX reality show, American Idol but don’t peg him into the Idol cliché. Cook is one of the rare winners along with Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson who’s able to stand on his own two feet and found success over the years by laying his heart on the line. Lyrically and vocally, Cook is impressive and by far one of the finest musicians emerging today. It’s been about two and a half years since his platinum-selling self-titled album debuted and the wait has been worth it.
So, I know you’ve all probably dreamed about it: a duet between the cutest, sexiest, talented and sweetest American Idol contestants to ever grace our lives, Michael Johns and David Cook. As we all lovingly know them, MAVID.
I was mixing some drinks today and thought, meh why not mix some songs? I have the software, might as well try it out and you guys wanted a mashup from me for ages since the AI7 Mashup Trilogy ended…
I’m going to stop talking and give you the creation!! I hope you all like it! It took me a while to make. Let me know your thoughts! :)
During the week of March 8 on American Idol, David Cook, the winner of the popular reality competition’s seventh season returns with a musical treat. His latest song, a cover of the 1985 hit by Simple Minds, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” will make its debut next week as this year’s send-off track for the departing contestants of the show’s tenth season.
This is a big surprise for all of his fans as they’ve waited eagerly for new music from the multi-platinum seller since his successful self-titled debut album back in 2008, selling more than 1.4 million copies along with his American Idol coronation single, “The Time of my Life” becoming the highest-selling in the show’s history.
Cook’s cover of the timeless classic, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” made popular by the John Hughes film, The Breakfast Club, was recorded back in February and selected by Idol creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. In some aspects, it will be awful for the contestants to hear on stage but rock the socks off for his fans sitting on their couches at home.
The late, great Jackie Kennedy once said, “I am a woman above everything else,” and even after all these years, such words hold a great practicality and tenacity. With all that we do in life, who we become, we’re women (well, some of us) — first and foremost. We strive to live up to our potential and we’re curious and hold onto the notion that all can be good in the world while hoping to make a difference. We cherish the gift of womanhood and from that, look within ourselves to see how far we can push the boundaries of what we know and strengthen our hearts and minds with life and the world and the people around us.
The two women from The Girls with Glasses Show are proving this with their smart talk show that aims to bring together not just intelligent insight but hilarity, discussions on fashion and entertainment, art and music and do it all in a trendy and chic way all while wearing glasses.
David Cook is awesomesauce and I love his new haircut. And I love that he’s going to Africa for Idol Gives Backand will be shedding a light on the dire situation; it’s commendable and the work he always dives into and pours his heart out for is always so inspiring.
It pains me to say this, but I may be getting too mature for details.
My name's Tania! I'm a writer at NBC News' Newsvine. I wrote a manuscript a couple of years ago and hopefully will get that published this century. I love movies and music, baseball and football (NFL), my friends offline and online and really enjoy pancakes along with burgers. Not together, of course. My life isn't complete without some Elvis Presley tunes and TCM; I love Jimmy Stewart too. A pen and paper must always be on hand. Oh and I'm an active member of Team Conan and I love Tina Fey!
