Brian Johnstone
Multi-Genre Songwriter, Musician, Composer, Producer, Entrepreneur, Educator
Latest Release
Coming Soon
New tunes: low-fi...lounge...chill...
In a slight change of direction I’m finishing mixing some instrumental compositions in the style of chill/dub/lo-fi/lounge. Very mellow and melodic but uplifting, pleasant and entertaining.
New Single: Terra Nostra
Released: 1 October 2022
The second tune in a series of songs about journeys: about travel physical, spiritual and emotional.
Terra Nostra (our land) is an uplifting tune about the universality on our wee planet. We should be celebrating our commonalities, not bitching about our differences.
Read more about the inspiration behind the song.
A new album or a collection of songs?
I have written/composed a bundle of new songs/tunes. Are they singles or part of an album? I dunno.
They share a common theme about travel, journeys, aspirations, hopes and dreams, but you can listen to each independently.
It’s your choice.
Previous Single: Route 1
The first in a series of songs about journeys and horizons: about travel physical, spiritual and emotional.
It’s a new journey for me, into the world of smooth jazz and funk.
See if this takes you on any journeys, or reminds you of a past journey.
Read more about the inspiration behind the song.
About Me
I write music…..because music
I am a musician, songwriter/composer, producer/arranger and music fanatic. Everything I do has music involved in it to some to some degree.
I am on a life long mission to indulge, learn , play, write, compose and absorb music of all types from all people, and cultures and backgrounds. Music is the universal language.
I have been inexorably drawn to music since I was a kid despite coming from a totally non musical family and having no early musical education. I didn’t start playing piano till I was 16 and didn’t write my first song till I was in my mid 20’s.
My Top Ten Everything
Actually sometimes it’s 10, sometimes it’s more, sometimes less, but you get the idea.
In this latest episode it’s…..
In previous episodes
Listen
Some example songs from my main bands/projects/personas
MY MUSIC
The Space Between
Your life can change in an instant... the space between.
Consent Under Coercion
Is the human race self destructing? We seem to consent under coercion
CONNECT
News (and OLDS)
33 and a third..but not vinyl
I just completed another trip to the USA, part of my attempt to visit all states. I have now visited 33 states and a third
The Agartha Tesseract now on streaming
After many years of procrastination Ralf and I (Zdiar) are relieved and delighted to finally get The Agartha Tesseract out on streaming platforms. To a
Minimoogs …kinda
I think Minimoogs are great but 5 Grand for the new re-issue and it still only plays one note at a time… gasp. I choose
Another journey
As part of my recent series of compositions about travel, the latest ‘single’ is an other instrumental featuring piano and acoustic guitar. It has a
The romance of travel
I am always fascinated by the romance of travel: the scenery, the natural beauty of the planet, the anticipation of arriving somewhere new. This wee
Route 1 Playlist
Route 1 was added to a Spotify playlist called lofi jazzhop beats for reading and writing. Pianist Tom Merrall runs a few playlists and is
My Projects/Bands
Different projects/bands give me a creative outlet for many types of music and satisfy my musical curiosity, exploration and eclecticism.
Featured Composition
Track: No Words
Artist/Project : Ianosu
Album: The Space Between
In times of loss or grief people often feel the need to say something sympathetic. At my mothers funeral someone looked me in the eye and said. ‘No words’ That was so powerful …and somewhat ironic.
The sentiment was right on though. Sometimes emotions can be transmitted via something more powerful than words: including music. Music has a communicative and transforming power that is totally unique. In my opinion no other art form has the ability to touch and join humans in such binding positivity.
What They Say
“Beautifully crafted music showing extremely well the compositional capabilities of this artist”
“Consent Under Coercion is a damn fine album”
The Balance of Risk is an excellent and very diverse album.
Photo Gallery
A visual guide to my music, history, travels and stuff
Join My Journey
Get unreleased material, remixes, behind the scenes and more goodies straight to your inbox. Just tell me where to send them.
