I had the pleasure of sitting down with Belmont senior, Paige Johnson, who talked to me about her songwriting, performing, and her transition moving from a small town in North Carolina to Music City three years ago.
Year, Major, Hometown
Senior, Music Business, Angier, NC
Tell us about your start in music
I have been singing ever since I can remember. I grew up singing in my church choir and in chorus in grade school. When I was five years old, my mom put me in piano lessons to learn more about the theory behind music, and to give me something to commit myself and my time to. A few years later, my grandpa bought me a guitar and insisted that I start taking guitar lessons–so I did. He saw how passionate I was about music and performing, and he believed in my dream of becoming a country artist, so he did what he could to help make that dream a reality. Sadly, just a few months after buying my guitar, my grandpa passed away. He never got to see me perform for a crowd, which was very disheartening for me, but his passing gave my dream of becoming a country artist a much deeper purpose and made me even more determined to make it a reality. I wanted to make him proud and let him know that his belief in me meant the world. So I began playing at local community events, festivals, school and church productions, and talent competitions and such to share my passion with others. I fell in love with being on stage and playing for others.
Tell us about the transition moving to Nashville from such a small town
First of all, making the decision to leave my hometown, my family, and the farm that I have lived on my whole life was the hardest part about moving to Nashville. Moving to Nashville meant uprooting everything that I had known for the past 18 years, leaving the comfort of my hometown and family, and creating a whole new life of chasing after a dream that could potentially never go anywhere. I was nervous about moving to a big city like Nashville; I was nervous about having to make new friends in a city where I knew no one. I was nervous about living with a complete stranger who I thought I would have nothing in common with. I was nervous about starting a new chapter in my life without the people that had been by my side for the entirety of my childhood. But moving here has honestly been one of the best decisions I have made for myself. I have met some of the most genuine and kind-hearted friends over the past three years. I have pushed myself to do things that I would have never done before. I have gotten to experience things and connect with people that I could have never dreamed of. And I have learned an immeasurable amount about myself and what I can do on my own. I love this life that I get to live here in Nashville and the additional family that I have made, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
Biggest musical influence growing up?
As a young girl, I listened to a lot of different artists, all of them being country of some sort. I vividly remember listening to country legends like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, as well as 90’s country stars like Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, and George Strait. The biggest musical influence on my life as a human and a songwriter is the great Loretta Lynn. As an artist, Loretta never shied away from telling the truth despite what others may have thought or said about her. She didn’t have a problem talking about things that everyone else was too afraid to address, and she stood for things much greater than herself and her personal career. She was the epitome of female empowerment, self-confidence, motherhood, and southern heritage all in one.
When did you start songwriting?
I actually didn’t begin writing songs until my senior year of high school. I had always sang cover songs and enjoyed it, but I never really felt like I had anything to say. In my senior year, just a few weeks before graduation a couple of my classmates passed away, and that was the first time that I turned to music to put down on paper what I was feeling inside. The first song that I wrote was very meaningful to me as a way of healing and releasing emotion. I feel like that is still true today for me as a writer; I really only can write from a place of personal experience and emotional attachment.
What comes more naturally to you – songwriting or performing?
I would have to say that performing comes more naturally to me because I have been doing it for much longer than I have been writing songs. I know how to perform and I know how it’s supposed to go; it’s familiar and it’s comfortable for me.
Who do you think is a game changer in country music?
I feel like one of the biggest recent “game changers” in country music has been Maren Morris. Her music is so different and her style is so daring, and it’s stuff that has never been said in country music before. I love how she isn’t afraid to try different things and introduce new stuff to the country genre, but she still stays in line with her southern roots.
Favorite song on the radio?
My favorite song on the radio right now is probably “Marry Me” by Thomas Rhett. The song tells such a relatable story that many have gone through. Maybe not on the same level, but we have all felt heartbreak to some extent or another.
Country music has seen many changes in sound over the years – do you think this is a positive attribute, or are there set backs in these changes?
There have been many changes in the sound of country music over the years, but I feel that those changes are inevitable. Just like in other genres, as times change, culture evolves, language/lingos change, and new technology is introduced, music consumers want to hear something different and new. I feel like the changes that country has taken over the past few years have only been in an effort to keep listeners engaged and to stay current among all of the other competing genres of music. I do like the new paths that country artists have been taking in their music and the new collaborations that have been made over the past few years to change the way country sounds on radio. I just personally favor the older, classic country sound more than the poppy, modern sound when it comes to the music I write.
What industry opportunities and experiences has Belmont given you the past 3 years?
In my short time here in Nashville I have been able to experience some amazing things and have been offered unbelievable opportunities. I have had two great internships: one at Grayscale Entertainment Marketing with a great mentor of mine (Tim Gray), and one at Red Light Management working with some of country music’s most successful artist managers. Both of those internships taught me so much about the music industry and allowed me to make great connections that otherwise would not have been possible. Additionally, I have been able to work at some of my favorite events including the CMA Awards, CMA Fest, the ACM Honors, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the AMA’s to name a few. Each of those experiences were unforgettable, and I look forward to getting even more opportunities like them in the future!
QUICK QUESTIONS!!
- Maren Morris or Kelsea Ballerini? MAREN (duh?)
- Sam Hunt or Thomas Rhett? Thomas Rhett
- Band Perry or LBT? The Band Perry- I wish they would release some more music!
- Brad Paisley or Keith Urban? Keith Urban- he is one of the nicest and most genuine people in country music
- Reba or Martina? ooooo that’s really hard, but probably Reba
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to anybody moving to Nashville for the first time and aspiring to pursue the music industry?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. The only way you will be heard in this town is by making a ruckus, and the only person that will fight hard for you and your music is YOU. This town is full of people who are chasing the same dream you are, which is a blessing and a curse all at the same time. You need to keep your eyes open for any and every person who you believe could help you in some way or another. Go to events, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to strangers. Take advantage of every opportunity you’re given. Believe in yourself and what you’re creating. Don’t let the “no’s” discourage you. GO GET ‘EM!
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