Johann, before we dive into the album, let’s rewind a bit. How did you first discover your passion for music, and what inspired you to pursue a career as a musician?
My love for music comes entirely from my family. My mom was a prominent jazz singer in Toronto’s Filipino community, so my introduction to and inevitable infatuation with music were pretty much immediate. Another person who influenced my musical upbringing the most is my cousin Mannie. Of course, he is one-half of the acclaimed hip-hop duo APB (The Airplane Boys), and witnessing his rise as an artist/musician encouraged me to do the same. Even the other members of my family who didn’t pursue music as a career are still musically inclined. Singing, playing an instrument, listening to and discussing favourite albums, etc. Everyone loves music here. To answer your question, it’s not what or who inspired me to become a musician, but more so, it was simply hereditary and bound to happen at some point.
“Surrendering Sunday” originated in 2022 as part of the “Becoming Routine” EP. How has the song evolved since then, and what motivated its transformation into the title track for your first full-length album?
Sonically, “Surrendering Sunday” is still the same as before, with minor tweaks in the mix to suit the rest of the album. Even though the song itself hasn’t necessarily evolved, my love for it has and continues to do so. I’ve always felt that it deserved more than just being the closing track of an EP and should lead its own group of songs. I guess that motivated us to make this album, believing that “Surrendering Sunday” was captain and needed a crew of other songs to surround it. It’s become this template for how I want my future work to be, lyrically and musically.
Can you take us back to the moment when you decided to create your first album, “Surrendering Sunday”? What was the driving force behind it?
I knew my first album had to involve “Surrendering Sunday” as soon as we finished its music video. That process was “family arts and crafts” at its finest, a magical experience for all of us. My cousin Mannie (who I mentioned before) directed it, my brother Joey shot it, my other cousin Melissa was our creative director, and her son (our nephew) Nyjah starred alongside me. Tying into what I was talking about before, the whole thing certainly elevated my love for this song, and the moment we wrapped on set was probably “that” moment that inspired me to begin working on “Surrendering Sunday” as an entire album.
The album draws inspiration from 90s alt-rock and Brit-pop. Can you delve into specific artists from that era that left a lasting impact on your musical style for this album?
Man, there are so many I love and am definitely influenced by. My favourite artists and bands are Foo Fighters, Jeff Buckley, and Radiohead—so, of course, those guys will always be mainstays of mine, regardless of what I’m working on. But for this album in particular, Incubus, My Bloody Valentine and Weezer and their albums Morning View, Loveless and Self-Titled (the Blue Album), respectively, had the most significant impact on us while writing and recording “Surrendering Sunday”.
You collaborated with Aleks Liskauskas as co-writer, producer, and engineer for the album. How did this partnership contribute to the overall cohesion and authenticity of “Surrendering Sunday”?
I guess the ease of our partnership comes from the fact Aleks is one of my best friends and has been for quite some time. Because of this, going into the writing and recording process for the album, I knew that he’d encourage me to speak on whatever felt most honest. He’s the kind of collaborator who grants you a safe environment to be open and vulnerable. We also share many musical influences and sensibilities, so locking in what we wanted to accomplish sonically was easy, too. Even if Aleks weren’t involved in the making of “Surrendering Sunday,” he’d probably be the first person I’d play demos or rough mixes for. He’s just that guy, and I’m glad working with him turned out
how it did.
“Surrendering Sunday” delves into themes of love lost and mental health struggles, unveiling a more vulnerable side of your artistry. How did you navigate this newfound openness in your music?
I’ve had some songs on “Surrendering Sunday” in the vault since I started in 2019. It was just a matter of finding suitable spaces to put them. This “newfound openness” to writing and releasing music like this just comes from needing to be honest with myself. Don’t get me wrong, the pop-ish songs about love and heartache I’ve put out in the past are fun, but I was craving to work on something more substantial this time. And, as I’ve mentioned before, collaborating with someone as in-tuned and sensitive as Aleks enabled me to dig deep and get vulnerable. Of course, speaking on anything relating to mental health struggles isn’t easy, and it definitely took a lot out of me to do so—but I’m glad I did. I’m known to internalize everything (which I don’t advise), and I guess writing music is where I’m most comfortable shedding light on what I go through. I’m glad that “Surrendering Sunday” is a project that addresses more consequential topics while still having a couple of songs that make you dance and headbang.
How do you hope listeners connect with and find solace in the vulnerability expressed in your music?
Listeners can take whatever they want out of my music. It belongs to whoever it stumbles upon. If anything, I hope those who listen recognize “Surrendering Sunday” as an optimistic/problem-solving album despite its somberness. It’s perfectly fine to feel debilitated, low and unsure at times. It’s just a matter of how one chooses to face things—and I’d like to think that I’ve faced my struggles head-on with this project and will continue to do so. Of course, I’m only speaking for myself, as everyone has different mental health situations, coping mechanisms, support systems, etc. “Surrendering Sunday” is routed in love and acceptance at the end of the day, and if it resonates with at least one person, then I’ve done my job.
Comparing “Surrendering Sunday” to your earlier work, how do you feel your sound has evolved, and what intentional elements did you introduce to make it distinct?
“Johann, Demos” (2020) and “Becoming Routine” (2022) definitely showed me enjoying the act of writing, producing, and releasing songs—all without fully figuring out who I am sonically. “Surrendering Sunday” is also very derivative because you can’t help but wear your influences on your sleeve. I think the big difference this time is cohesion and understanding that ambient vocals, surround-sound guitars and punchy drums are now a part of who I am sonically. I can’t promise what my next album/ project will sound like, but I’m confident that “Surrendering Sunday” is the blueprint going forward.
As you reflect on your life journey so far, can you share a pivotal moment or experience that has had a profound impact on your artistry?
I guess living in Jasper, Alberta, for the two years I did was essential to my identity as an artist. There wasn’t a specific moment or experience that stands out as the most profound—just being surrounded by the mountains, lakes, and fresh open air 24/7 did wonders for my creative spirit. Even though I’m home in Toronto now, I unintentionally place myself back in Jasper when I write songs sometimes.
Beyond the studio and stage, how do you recharge and find inspiration in the ordinary moments of life, and how does that seep into your creative process?
Just doing day-to-day things sets precedence for inspiration. Doing non-musical things is when my best ideas for rhythms, melodies and even complete songs come about. Going to the gym or running in the morning, cooking, reading, folding laundry, driving
around to run errands, all of it. I can’t explain it, really. It always happens this way. I
guess being an introvert and homebody is the perfect way to stay recharged as well.
“Surrendering Sunday” is not just an album but a reflection of your journey. As you continue to write your story, what legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind for those who connect with your music and your life’s narrative?
I don’t think artists get to determine their legacies and impacts—at least, I don’t. In all honesty, these things never really come to mind whenever I think about myself artistically. I’m here primarily to write and record the best music I possibly can and have fun while doing it, taking things day by day. And if it connects with others, I’m thankful. I genuinely love all the songs on here and foresee playing them live for as long as we’re able to. Aleks and I are proud of this one, and we hope listeners love it just as much.
