Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Libby Johnston
THE RELEASE
New Zealand-born, New York-based singer/songwriter Libby Johnston, 24, is a soaring presence amid the indie pop circuit. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Taylor Swift, MUNA, and Maggie Rogers, among others, Libby’s music provides a fresh perspective that young women can relate to. Since seeing the Speak Now World Tour in 2012, Taylor Swift has profoundly influenced Libby’s approach to songwriting, allowing her to string sentences and melodies together that cut deep. Stay tuned for this Gen-Z songstress, whose debut self-titled EP, recorded in Las Vegas on a whim with her friend from college, Joey Miceli, and engineered by Santino Cardinale, introduces Libby as a torchbearer of realness and vulnerability.
"Libby," the debut EP from indie pop artist Libby Johnston, is a mesmerizing blend of the vibrant styles. Written in collaboration with Joey Miceli, production by Wolfgang Pander and recorded in Las Vegas, the EP is a vivid snapshot of who Libby is and where she is at a particular moment in time. On “Handle with Care,” she captures the uncertainty of falling in love. “Aftermath” is her response to her debut single, “Right Person, Wrong Time,” while “Daydream” is a love song about being in a relationship that uplifts and inspires you, which Libby states, “That is something I'm lucky enough to be experiencing right now.” “Ruins (feat. Joey Miceli)” finds her exploring the headspace of one-sided love. She holds nothing back on the record’s closer “Eldest Child” either, a message to her younger self about being kind to yourself and remembering how far you’ve come. Five tracks of indie pop gems—it feels like something golden-bright and beautiful in the way a sunset does during a fleeting but unforgettable moment. With production by Wolfgang Pander, “Libby” is a must-hear and the perfect introduction to one of pop’s brightest new talents.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Taylor Swift, MUNA (three-in-one), Lana del Rey and Maggie Rogers.
Throughout the production of your new EP, were there specific challenges or breakthrough moments that had a profound influence on the overall direction and cohesion of the project?
Aside from recording my vocals, every aspect of this process was done remotely. It’s an unconventional way of creating something so intimate but I think those challenges were ultimately incredibly beneficial. Joey Miceli and I utilized voice memos and shared notes in order to write and solidify the songs from different coasts. Knowing that we had very limited time in-person together put pressure on my two days in the studio in Las Vegas, and made me work harder to achieve the results I wanted.
Can you offer insights into the collaborative dynamics that shaped your latest EP, shedding light on the contributions from producers, co-writers, engineers, or featured artists and how their involvement impacted the final body of work?
All five tracks are produced by Wolfgang Pander, and engineered, mixed and mastered by Santino Cardinale. I wrote “Handle with Care” and “Eldest Child”, Joey Miceli wrote “Aftermath” and “Ruins” (which he also features on), and together we co-wrote “Daydream”. This EP wouldn’t be possible without the talent and generosity of Joey and Tino. Their contributions are what makes this music so special.
Considering the entirety of your EP, what lasting impact or impression do you hope the collection of songs will leave on listeners, both individually and as a cohesive musical journey?
Music has always provided an escape for me. It’s where I go when I’m at my lowest and at my happiest. These five songs are a reflection of the things I’ve gone through and continue to grapple with. The final track on the EP, “Eldest Child”, is particularly special to me as it serves as a reminder to give yourself grace and treat yourself with kindness. I hope listeners can find themselves lost in the melodies and the storytelling, whether they specifically relate to the subject matter or not.
As you look forward, how does the release of this EP set the stage for your future projects, and are there any subtle hints or clues you can share about the evolving musical direction you plan to explore in the coming months?
I always intended for this EP to be my introduction to the music scene. I wanted to create a foundation that I was proud of, and allowed me to springboard off in any direction. I’m constantly working at discovering my sound and honing in on what makes me unique as an artist so I’m not quite sure what’s to come but that’s what makes this journey so exciting.
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