Review Fix Exclusive: Ellis Johnson Talks ‘Ghosts’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Ellis Johnson, who discusses how COVID has affected his creative process and more.

Review Fix: How did the project start?

Ellis Johnson: I’m a singer songwriter from Manchester UK, I gig all over our planet! 

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Johnson: I kinda just write when ever an idea pops into my head, which can be a pain in the arse because often ideas pop in to my head when I’m asleep. If I’m being honest, I don’t have a very interesting answer to this question, so I’ll make something up: Bats fly up to my window with pieces of precious stones, inside said stones are profound quotes said by wise folk. I throw the precious stones at rascals and then I write music. 

Review Fix: What’s your standout song? How was it written?

Johnson: I don’t think that’s a question for me, really. I’ve released three singles in the last year, all of which have been received very well, it’s hard to say which one stands out the most. Although one of the covers of the singles is a picture of me cupping my dangle berries, so I guess that stands out! 

‘Ghosts’ was the first release of the three singles and it launched my presence on the scene, leading to more live gigs and radio play, so it’s an important one for me. It was written a long time ago, actually. I’d recorded a version of it which was pretty stripped back and eerie sounding. Then I worked with Mat from the Animal Farm and we were able to recreate the image of the song, with all of the original ideas intact, bringing it to life with more instrumentation. 

Review Fix: What are your goals for 2020?

Johnson: My goals have done a 360 as have many peoples, because apparently some pandemic has been happening?

The original intent was to whore myself out to any venue that would want me to play and gain as much of a following as possible, whilst releasing and promoting singles. However I have only been able to whore myself out to my studio room, which is fine because because I have an Xbox in there and I pay myself quite well in Beer and Crisps. 

The goal to promote has still been present, I’ve done quite a lot of radio interviews and written pieces such as this, so that’s been great. But I can’t wait to get back gigging properly again. 

Review Fix: How do you want your music to affect people?

Johnson: If my music has any affect on people, I will be a very happy man. I know how powerful music can be, from experience. It helps me every day, more than any drug could. We’ve all got our personals, but music some how makes it all a liveable experience. 

I’ve fought my own battles with mental health for quite some time. Music has been a blessing and an outlet. If my music helps anyone, in anyway, that would be such a bonus. None of us are alone, we just have different thoughts we’re often to scared to verbalise. But we should. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

Johnson: Good question! I wish I knew! Hopefully Covid will be much more controlled and we can start cuddling again. Until then I’ll continue writing and producing and gigging where and when I can. 

I also might go to kfc on Tuesday, they have a deal on, £5.99 for 9 pieces of chicken! Fuckin brilliant!