Somewhere between the charisma of Frank Sinatra, the empathetic tone of Bob Marley and the smooth and sultry vocal runs of Lauryn Hill, lives the warm and kind voice of Sammy Johnson. Australian native, New Zealand-bred soulful reggae star Sammy Johnson will kick off his 2018 ‘Sleepwalker’ winter tour this November 30th! Sammy released his critically acclaimed EP “Sleepwalker” earlier this year, and the album made a big splash in it’s first week of release.
Sammy Johnson collides his Polynesian roots with his love for modern jazz and R&B artists like D’Angelo, Amy Winehouse, and Lauryn Hill, which results in a passionate musical hybrid that is undeniably soothing. He has remained busy releasing a constant influx of music since his breakthrough self-titled 2014 EP, which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. He has since seen an organic growth as a result of his hard work and dedication to his craft, working as a music therapist social worker to a touring soul artist thanks in part to his first viral video. Since his debut, Sammy Johnson has since enjoyed multiple sold-out performances and large festival appearances.
Throughout the journey of his recent EP release ‘Sleepwalker,’ Sammy gives an honest piece of his life to listeners to come along for the ride. He expresses his gratitude and surreal experience of touring around the world singing music that he created. “I’m like a sleepwalker, cause I’m living in a dream.” The words are relatable to not only musicians but people of all ages, as life can feel surreal at times, during the good and the bad. As the sweet music lulls, ‘Sleepwalker’ expresses as much beauty as it’s words ring true.
Sammy Johnson has been waving the flag for the Pacific Island sound and has quickly become a leader of the scene alongside new school artists like J Boog and veterans like Katchafire. The Native-Kiwi-now-Los-Angeles-resident got his big break via Youtube after his video for "Don't Say Goodbye" became a viral sensation, racking up over 16,000,000 plays. Sammy who was working as a social worker at the time, made the decision to pursue music full-time following the newfound popularity of the song that soon become a staple of modern era Island Sound. Not too long after, a Hawaiian-based producer contacted him to work on an album and was offered a record deal with Mensch House Records, home to groups like Common Kings and Fiji.
With the recent release of ‘Sleepwalker,’ Sammy Johnson is finding his way onto the radars of many, and will be touring along the west coast for his upcoming winter tour. Supporting acts will include vibrant artists NomaD, Etana, and Swells. Sammy’s goal for this tour is to make each stop a unique and interactive experience, reacting to the given energies rather than forcing uninspiring by-the-script performances so many touring bands fall victim to. Speaking on this sentiment, Sammy stated “When fans come to my show, I want them to really feel like they’re a part of it.”
Tour Dates:
Nov 30 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
Dec 01 - Berkeley, CA - The UC Theatre
Dec 02 - Sacramento, CA - Goldfield Trading Post
Dec 06 - Los Angeles, CA - The Belasco Theater
Dec 07 - San Diego, CA - Music Box Theater
Dec 08 - Las Vegas, NV - Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas
Dec 09 - Tempe, AZ - The Marquee
