Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelli Johnson.
Hi Kelli, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As a performance artist I had an early start, on stage in dancing and acting, about 8 years old. I began playing the guitar at 14 and started writing music about the same time. My grandfather played every instrument with a string on it and was a great source of inspiration. I find myself writing about humanity and its challenges, romantic interests, political stresses, and songs that tell stories about someone or myself. My voice, as an instrument, has always been strong and noteable, even in church choirs. I love singing. In my twenties I started collaborating with other artists and recording, mostly as a backup singer/harmonies and gradually became the lead vocalist. I formed my own band and have completed 2 collections of original music – I’m On My Way, published in 2000 and To Your Heart Be True in 2024. I now play professionally throughout the Central Florida Region.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. Starting as a young mother, there was always a babysitter to hire for gigs and studio time; as a band leader – there are always personality conflicts and ego struggles within most bands that have to be worked out; there are almost always financial challenges if you are not out there “beating the bushes” for every opportunity – I wasn’t that motivated to fight for a gig that paid $50 to each of your band members while there is true quality in ability and content. Everything I have accomplished in music has been self-funded or due to very generous music lovers who wanted my music in hand on a CD. Competing with the “Disney” stuffs is a challenge. And I am a homesteader that would have difficulty on the road away from gardens, pets, and family; knowing that to really push your music you have to get out on the road and play everywhere.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a creative multi-media artist, music is just one of many passions. Songwriting was something that came from inside me – welling up from an experience or an observation. With previous music partners, we would gather and work on songs, picking a theme. And we wrote great award-winning songs – Billboard Magazine etc. Yet when my soul fire started kicking in, it was much more where I felt would have the greatest impact and that was what I personally wanted to record. Then the voice, and some training/refining work that developed so beautifully and with alot of power. I am often compared to Stevie Nicks, Bonnie Raitt, and Janice Joplin – although the screaming stuff just ain’t my forte’ – my voice is what many note to be my strong point.
I also express creativity thru wood working, drawing/painting, photography, design work, leather crafting, and basket weaving. I just love getting my hands in it all! What makes me the most proud is that I continue, and have continued to develop all of these skills thru practice and teaching to others.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
To find a mentor – visit places where a mentor would be, observing them, listening to their songs/melodies, developing a working relationship for your inspiration.
Networking with other musicians thru Open Mics and Community Jams has worked very well for me to meet who’s out here in my surroundings and to choose for collaboration. There are music jams everywhere I have traveled because people love music and there will always be people gathering for music.
Certain artists are always going to be inspirational for me and does trigger creative flows I can jump into!
Pricing:
- CD I’m On My Way(11 songs) $13
- CD To Your Heart Be True (12 songs) $13
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mothermedicinemusic.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mothermedicine88
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064933572562
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/mothermedicinemusic
Image Credits
Mike Dunn photography
Orange Blossom Opry photography
