Music

Some people are just born with it, or at least they sing like they are. And Kelli Johnson is one of those people. Johnson, a local vocalist with the bluegrass band Distant Cousins, is releasing her debut solo album, Kelli Johnson. Along with Distant Cousins, Johnson performs with another group, Michelle Cone, and makes time for up-and-coming mandolin player Jason Bailey. Johnson is also a freelance contributor for the Escapes section of The Star.

With a calendar that is full of family and music, Kelly sits down to let us get to know a little about her life as a singer and parent.

How old were you when you started performing?

I was about 4, and it was at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in Choccolocco.

You perform around the area but where is your most favorite location to perform?

I have so many places that are close to my heart — definitely Foggy Hollow, and the Downtown Tavern in Gadsden, Cheaha Mountain Amphitheatre before it closed. But I think my favorite is the Rabbittown Fiddler's Hall. It's like stepping back in time!

What type of music are you currently listening to?

I am currently into Stevie Wonder. I love "Superstitious," and my kids are hooked on "Signed, Sealed, Delivered." I love Gavin Degraw and Casting Crowns. There is so much talent in Christian music.

What type of music did you listen to growing up?

Mostly country and gospel. My dad turned me onto Patsy Cline and Dobie Gray, and then I started listening to Metallica and Ozzy Osbourne. Then around 12 or 13, I fell in love with Motown.

A lot of artists have outside influences. Who or what would you say inspires your music?

First and foremost, it is truly a gift from God. I know without him, I am nothing, and have nothing.

I have so many different influences, and people who I have learned from, it's impossible to name them all. I guess my earliest influences were my mom and my sister, Temple. They were always singing in the car or around the house. And my sister Terri played the drums, so of course I had to try it. My whole family was musical, so I thought everyone could do it.

Are you working on something right now?

I'm currently putting together songs for my next album. And I'd love to do a gospel album.

Do you find yourself wrapped up in your work, or do you take time to vacation?

I do tend to get wrapped up when I'm working on something. But that's the great thing about working from home — I also own my own screen-printing company — when my kids need me, I'm right there!

What is your ideal vacation?

Going to Topsail State Park in Santa Rosa Beach, in our old ugly motor home, and disconnecting with everything but my family.

Do members of your family have vocal talents?

All of them. My daughter Taylor sings, my son Cody sings, even Emory, the 3-year-old, sings. Getting them to do it in public is another story.

What type of advice would you give to those who aspire a career in music?

You have to have your priorities straight. If your career becomes an obsession, you'll never be happy, no matter what you accomplish.

Is it just natural to be up on stage in front of a crowd?

Singing, yes. If I have to talk, I get so nervous. And I'm never more nervous than when I sing in church, or in front of my mama.

What type of music do you create?

It usually sounds like country or bluegrass, some rock, but I would love to kind of breach all categories with at least one song.

What type of message do you want your music to convey?

Different things for different songs. But I guess mostly I want to connect with someone who may feel like they are the only ones going through something. Kind of, I've been here before, and it does get better.

Were there ever times that you thought, maybe music wasn't for you?

I've always known this is what I'm supposed to do. I've definitely felt that I wasn't doing it in the right place, but never that I should let it go.

How well has your most recent album done?

We sold out the first week we were on CD Baby (distribution Web site). And the response since we were on Rick and Bubba has just been overwhelming — and the album isn't officially "released" yet.

Do you think that there is a difference between today's quality of music, and say-that of five to ten years ago?

Somewhat. But I think the true quality was back when Patsy Cline, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin and Hank Williams were recording. There was no "pitch correcting" or tuning. What you heard was all natural, and it was great.

CD release party

What: Kelli Johnson's debut album
When: Today, 7 p.m.
Where: Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, 501 Broad St.
How much: Free
Contact: 543-2787