We’ve said it several times in the last handful of years: Addison Johnson is one of our favorite, and best, storytellers in country music today. He’s just as comfortable spinning a boot-scootin’ honky tonker as he is delivering a tear-in-your-beer ballad, which he further proved on his new album, Dangerous Men.
With eleven offerings that largely paint portraits of different ways a man can be labeled “dangerous,” the North Carolina native delivers a cohesive project that allows listeners to fall into each individual story.
We chatted with Johnson all about Dangerous Men, as well as sonic and lyric versatility, his busy touring schedule and more!
Pro Country: You have been steadily releasing singles from your new album, Dangerous Men, since January of 2022 when you released “Out of Control.” Now that the album has been released, how excited are you to roll out all of the songs after that build up?
Addison Johnson: It’s been great! A lot of the songs on this album have been road tested, so it’s been really cool to see the reaction at the shows. I’m really proud, as an independent artist, to put out a full project. It’s certainly not a fast process, and a lot goes into it, but I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone thinks.
PC: “Out of Control” has become one of your top-streamed songs on Spotify since its release. How encouraging was the response to “Out of Control” as the lead single from a new album project, and what do you think it is about the song that has allowed it to have the life it has had?
AJ: Seeing a five-minute waltz to gain popularity in 2024 is a really cool thing. It just shows that people still truly love traditional country music. It’s become a sing-a-long at the end of my shows. I think there is a relatability factor to it, but anytime you can play a ballad in today’s world of music, it’s a good thing.
PC: Dangerous Men feels like a concept record of sorts as there are plenty of “dangerous” or tempting characters throughout the album. How much did you enjoy writing a record that largely had that theme running through?
AJ: I love writing story songs. This album truly is a story full of different types of dangerous men. I don’t think you have to be robbing banks to be considered dangerous in today’s world. A dangerous man can also be someone who is strong in their faith and beliefs and isn’t afraid to stand outside the shadow of societal norms.
PC: “End Of A Rope” is a song that captures a high lonesome sound and is one of our favorite songs on the album. Can you take us in your head and how you brought the song and story to life?
AJ: To be completely honest, it comes from my love of westerns. I wrote this song in 2020. I had COVID at the time and was laid up in bed watching westerns. I was towards the end of Lonesome Dove, and they were getting ready to hang Blue Duck. I picked up my guitar and started writing. I really didn’t have any production plans for any of these songs in the studio except for this one. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.
PC: “Reason To Run” closes Dangerous Men on a somber note reflecting on life of an artist, and is sonically different than anything you’ve released thus far. How much did you enjoy taking a more acoustic approach to the song and boasting resiliency in the lyrics?
AJ: I feel like this is the direction that I’m heading musically. I really enjoy the broken-down acoustic approach in the studio and the rawness that it delivers. This was the last song that I wrote on the album, and it is a glimpse of the style you might see in the future.
PC: The last time we talked, you referenced the lyrical and sonic variety on Dangerous Men. More than seven years removed from releasing your debut single, how important is it for you to still find new ways to express your sound and lyrics and keep things fresh?
AJ: I think it’s the biggest challenge in music. I feel like being different is one of those things that comes naturally when you can just be yourself. They say it’s all been done before, and maybe it has, but I think as long as you stay true to yourself in your process, you’ll be okay. Country music fans know what is real and genuine.
PC: What do you hope listeners take away from Dangerous Men after listening all the way through?
AJ: I hope they’re able to escape for a little while and really dive into the stories. It’s certainly a roller coaster of emotions. It was emotional while writing it as well.
PC: Dangerous Men peaked at number five on the iTunes country album pre-orders chart and charted at number two on release day. How encouraging was it for you, as an independent artist, to see the support the album was receiving prior to and after its release?
AJ: It’s very exciting. Even though I’m an independent artist, I did not do this record by myself. From my producer to my manager to the musicians, a lot of people have played a part in getting this album ready. There have been a ton of hours put into this album, and we’re all excited to see the reaction.
PC: As usual, you have a busy road schedule laid out for the rest of the year. How much are you looking forward to bringing Dangerous Men on the road to fans all around the country?
AJ: There is nothing like playing on the road when you have a new album out. There is just an excitement and a buzz that is hard to match. I’m also looking forward to joining some unbelievably talented artists this year on the road.
PC: With Dangerous Men now released, what do you have planned for the rest of 2024?
AJ: Lots and lots of shows, and hopefully a little fishing too. I really appreciate Pro Country for all the support and am looking forward to a great year.
Pro Country 
Leave a comment