Shinning As a Beacon of Light: Johnson Edition Speaks About Their New Album

Johnson Edition has just released the long anticipated album "This Life."  Comprising of siblings Breayn, Jathyn, Westyn, and Destiny Johnson, they grew up in the small town of Salem, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  It is in such a setting they have grown to focus on God, family, faith and the importance of making a difference in life.  Produced by Danny Crawford and Jonathan Martin, "This Life" finds the siblings taking a step into the new territory of progressive country and southern gospel.  Their lead single "Shine On" has already been a radio favorite.  We are honored to be able to catch up with them for this exclusive Hallels' interview: 

Hallels:  Tell our readers more about yourself:  who is Johnson Edition?  When did you guys start singing together?

As Johnson Edition we are a four - sibling mixed group made up of sisters, Breayn and Destiny, and brothers Jathyn and Westyn.  Our desire is to sing gospel music that will appeal to people of all ages and different backgrounds.  Our love of life and for the giver of life, leads us to want to spread a positive message of love & forgiveness to the world through our music.  We grew up singing with our parents as a family group. We became a sibling only group 14 years ago.

Hallels:  How did you end up signing with Crossroads Records, a label that currently includes the Inspirations, the Talleys, the Easter Brothers and Mark Bishop on their roster? What is it like working with Crossroads? 

We were introduced to recording at Crossroads by our friend & producer Danny Crawford. Signing came through an offer from Jeff Collins, Co-Owner / Production and Studio Coordinator at Crossroads. The time we spent in the studio was definitely FUN! We worked with some of the best musicians, engineers, and producers around. We enjoyed working with Jeff & Vickie Collins, Greg Bentley, and Jim Stover on production and distribution of our project. We consider it an honor to work with a well-respected record company like Crossroads. 

Hallels:  With your new album "This Life," did it take you a long time to record? What were some of the joys and challenges in putting the album together?

The recording process from song selection to finish was seven months. There were a couple of obstacles that we faced with scheduling, but all things considered everything went well.   The joys come with just singing. We love the recording process. Even the more difficult things don't seem like work, because we live for the music. The greatest challenge was probably song selection.  We are four individuals. Sometimes that means we instantly agree, and other times we vote. The greatest joy was working with great musicians and producers. Most especially having one of our "Musical Heroes," Jonathan Martin of The Martins, as our vocal producer.   

Hallels:  You are not precisely Southern Gospel as you do have strong elements of country and pop....  can you describe for us your sound?

You have a very good idea of what we incorporate into our music. We often describe it as a blend of progressive country & southern gospel. It has been said that we have elements related to the music of  The Martins, The Isaacs, The Gaither Vocal Band, Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry.  That's some mixture, but those really are some of our musical influences as well as other Southern Gospel Artists along with Contemporary groups like Avalon and Point Of Grace.

Hallels:  "This Life" finds you covering Rascal Flatts' "Shine On" (which is also your single).  Why did you choose "Shine On"?

"Shine On" was chosen because it is an uplifting song with great listening value, and it left room for us to interpret it in our own way.  Rascal Flatts has probably influenced us more musically than any other Country artist, so it seemed fitting to record one of their songs.

Hallels:  Many of the songs on the record speak about living this life well, what does a life well lived mean for you?  

To us a life well lived means being the best we can be for God and His Glory. Giving of ourselves just as Christ gave Himself for us. We're only passing through on our way to eternity, so to live in the joy and fullness of God and pass it on to others... "That's what THIS LIFE is meant to be." 

Hallels:  Are you guys touring full time now?  Or are you still in school/work and singing part time?   

At the present time we still have jobs and sing on the weekend. Singing is our passion, and we are seeking God's will and purpose for our lives and ministry daily.

Hallels:  If our readers would like to find out more about you or/and purchase your CD, where can they go? 

To Find out more about us you can go to johnsonedition.com and/or Follow us on www.Twitter.com @Johnson Edition / Like us on www.Facebook.com/Johnson Edition  Our CD is available for purchase at Crossroadsmusic.com, on iTunes and Amazon, or Contact information can be found on our website.

Tags : Exclusive Interview Johnson Edition This Life Shine On