Chrissy Johnson: The Soulful Architect of Connection
For Chrissy Johnson, writing is a transformative act, sometimes a postscript to her experiences and other times a declaration of intention. “I often write at the beginning of a journey,” she says. “I try to tap into some kind of deeper instinct.” Her songs, a blend of melodic hooks and lyrical vulnerability, feel like incantations inviting listeners to take notice of interior worlds. With her second album, Shake Where You’re Steady, set for release on July 18, 2025, Chrissy reflects on the journey that brought her here - a path shaped by trauma, hope, resilience, and an unwavering desire to connect authentically through art.
Shake Where You’re Steady, produced by venerable Chicago Singer-Songwriter, Steve Dawson, is an exploration of her most profound experiences. The heartbreak of watching her father leave her family in her early adolescence informed the album’s opening track, “Greatest Abandon,” which delves into her desire to love untethered by fear or past wounds. “I empathized so deeply with my mother’s sudden loss of a partner,” Chrissy explains, “and of course there was my loss, too.” Songs like “In the Meantime” reflect on hard times, while others, like “Only Now,” mark the start of healing. While some songs are reflections and other subconscious premonitions, her songwriting process mirrors her personal growth, a balance of instinct and revision, vulnerability and restraint.
For Chrissy, music has always been a lifeline. A driving force behind her choice to write songs is the hope she can offer her listeners a similar helping hand. “I hope my songs can comfort people” she says. “Songs are socially acceptable vehicles to talk about things we normally wouldn’t, like loss, abandonment or fear. They allow people to feel deeply seen.” She goes on to add that “Songs are my refuge when the world feels too fast paced, shallow or unkind.” It is important to note, however, that her songs do not feel dark or depressing. To the contrary, there is a quality of joyous transcendence within them. The second track on her album, “Anything,” features an upbeat R & B groove with a catchy horn arrangement courtesy of prized saxophonist and composer Chris Greene. Her influences run the gamut from the neo-soul grooves of Erykah Badu to the lyrical yearnings of Joni Mitchell and the introspective anthems of Bruce Hornsby. These artists share a common thread: their ability to channel humanity into song. “Art allows for a comprehensive, unhindered commentary on existence,” Chrissy says. “It’s the only way I’ve found to express, with the most freedom, everything that affects the human condition. Art lacks the restraints of more analytical fields such as psychology or philosophy. For me, music allows the most catharsis for the human spirit.”
Chrissy’s journey began with a decision to be a writer. As a literature major in college, she filled notebooks with poetry and prose, but her dream of creating music felt distant since she did not play a musical instrument. A pivotal moment was hearing Dar William’s first album The Honesty Room, “It was a lightbulb moment” she recalls. “It showed me what was possible.” Inspired, Chrissy began playing guitar and writing her first songs. Those early efforts revealed her potential and solidified her path.
Chrissy describes some of her experiences in recent years as an obstacle course of adversity. “Just prior to the start of the pandemic I had a health issue that needed surgical intervention. I had several surgeries throughout the pandemic.” She also supported her sister and mother as they faced serious health issues and her father passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. “It was profoundly exhausting. One situation would resolve and another equally distressing situation would arise. The layers of grief ran deep.”
Chrissy’s musical path hasn’t been without obstacles either. From battling imposter syndrome to working on honing her craft, she’s had to confront her own doubts head-on. “I’ve learned to honor my vision, even if there are challenges along the way.” She describes her singing voice humbly, noting that people seem drawn to its tone. Another issue Chrissy faces is navigating the tension between vulnerability and validation. “I have more confidence, but I still wonder how people will respond,” she says. “Putting yourself out there is scary but worth it.” Her philosophy is that an authentic person makes an authentic artist and this guides her through these struggles. Producer, Steve Dawson, who also produced Chrissy’s first album, Arms of July, explains that her sophomore album signifies an evolution, with songs that showcase increased depth and versatility.
Chrissy Johnson doesn’t just write songs; she forges paths. By focusing on her own humanity, Chrissy hopes to inspire others to embrace theirs. Her core values are “authenticity, connection, and community.” She explains “Art is about offering comfort, creating space for people to feel deeply and live authentically.” Whether through melody or insight, Chrissy aims to champion the human spirit.
Chrissy’s ultimate goal is simple yet profound: to create work that brings her joy and builds community, to write about topics that matter, and to champion human rights through art. Her goal isn’t fame but connection. She wants to find the community that will embrace her work and inspire her to keep creating. With her second album, Chrissy is taking a leap of faith, trusting that her voice will reach those who need to hear it.