Adam Johnson Shares On His Latest Single, “Blame It On Me”
Adam Johnson is a Country Rock artist from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The 2023 SCMA Emerging Artist Award winner burst onto the scene during the pandemic by releasing his debut single, “Come On Let’s Go.” His debut reached #1 on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown. Adam grew up listening to rock music like Nickelback before finding an interest in country acts like Dierks Bentley. More recently, he has found himself inspired by Hardy.
In the past three years, Adam has garnered attention from across Canada with radio play on multiple songs, including his song, “Drinking With The Boys,” which spent several weeks in the media base top 100 for Canadian Country Radio, peaking at #79. He has also received multiple #1’s on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown, multiple SCMA award nominations (Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Emerging Artist of the Year), and his song Craven received media recognition from Country Thunder Saskatchewan which he performed at earlier this year.
Adam’s latest single, “Blame It On Me,” takes influence from his rock roots. Described as Bailey Zimmerman meets Nickelback, this scathing breakup song brings to mind “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood, with raw, relatable lyrics that anybody who has experienced a breakup can connect to. The rising country star will support his latest single with multiple shows across Canada. “Blame It On Me” is part of his upcoming album For The Record, which will be released in 2024.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is Adam Johnson. I am a country rocker from Saskatoon, SK. I began my career in 2020 during the pandemic, and in the past three years, I have played shows across Canada including Country Thunder SK, and showcased in Hamilton during the CCMA’s. I have also seen radio play on multiple songs, including three #1’s on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown and multiple charting songs
Tell us a bit about your most recent release?
Blame It On Me is a breakup country rock song with a vibe of Bailey Zimmerman meets Nickelback. I wrote it while going through really bad writer’s block. I was scrolling TikTok and found an interview by James Taylor. He talked about how he wrote one of his songs by essentially rewriting one of his favourite songs. I tried that with Zach Bryan’s Something in the Orange, and I reworked the melody, chord progression, and lyrics to create Blame It On Me.
Do you have any upcoming shows?
Right now, I don’t have many upcoming shows because, for the month of November, I am attending a program called the Canadian Music Incubator, to expand my artist business and refine my tools. I will be playing a showcase in Calgary at the end of the month, though. In the new year, I plan to pick things up again for a busy 2024
Given the Chance, Which Canadian Artist would you work with in the future?
My primary genre is country, but I have a ton of rock influence, so I think it would be super cool to do something with Nickelback. They bring a ton of energy and talent to their performance, and they bring that visceral energy that makes rock music great. That feeling and energy is what I try to bring to my country music.
What Is Your Goal for 2024?
In 2024 I have an album scheduled to release so that means I have a ton of new music on the way. My goal for 2024 is to play as many shows in as many places as I can and to play my new music for as many people as possible.