With a voice born in the choir loft and a body consumed by rhythm, Johanna Stahley leads her five-piece ensemble through energetic soulful rock, captivating unsuspecting audiences in the intimate music clubs of New York City. Her first solo LP, I’m Not Perfect (March 2006), is complete with thoughtful lyrics and dynamic progressions that catch the ear and stick.
The daughter of two former Catholic hippies, Johanna attended college at Rutgers for Environmental Science in the late nineties. She soon realized her true calling was music when she fronted the critically acclaimed New Brunswick, NJ, band Spredhaus. After three albums, the band dissolved and Johanna set forth on a solo career. In late 2003, she hooked up with the New York City-based management team, The F.O.R.C.E, who encouraged her to expand her songwriting arsenal by collaborating with other local writers. When I’m Not Perfect was finished, there were seven collaborators across the ten songs. Her exposure to these guiding influences strengthened Johanna as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Putting a positive spin on missteps and broken relationships is the message threaded through I’m Not Perfect. Produced by Yellopop (Williamsburg, Brooklyn), the record has already met with enthusiasm from the music industry. MTV’s top-rated program “Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County” featured two songs on separate episodes, ‘Nothing I Would Change’ and ‘I’m Not Perfect’. These two songs played in daily rotation in October and November of 2005. Additionally, MTV.com highlighted Johanna as the only independent artist to have a photo posted on the site, seen by millions. The single, ‘I’m Not Perfect,’ is also being picked up by independent radio along with many Internet radio stations and podcasts.
The record’s first reviews have pegged Johanna as a hit-maker: “Musically, Johanna’s upcoming release, I’m Not Perfect, really hits you with one potential hit single after another, think Kelly Clarkson meets Sheryl Crow meets Shirley Manson.” (M. Doktorski, NB Underground, January 2006)
Johanna began her career fronting the critically acclaimed New Brunswick, NJ band Spredhaus in the late nineties while attending college at Rutgers for Environmental Science. After three albums, the band dissolved, and Johanna set forth on her own. In late 2003, she hooked up with the New York City based Management team, The F.O.R.C.E, who encouraged her to expand her songwriting arsenal by collaborating with other local writers. When I’m Not Perfect was finished, there were seven collaborators across the ten songs. Her exposure to these guiding influences led the once apprehensive Johanna to have confidence in her skills as a songwriter, guitarist and performer.
Johanna and her new band are taking New York City by storm this winter and spring, playing such rock venues as Knitting Factory, Arlene’s Grocery, Piano’s, Fat Baby, Sin-E and Crash Mansion. A U.S tour is on the schedule for July 2006.
During the winter of 2006, Johanna formed Yellin’ Hats! Productions with likeminded Brooklyn songwriter/performer Todd Bogin to create and promote monthly live music events in New York City featuring their bands along with other fresh, fun and interesting acts.
Johanna and her band are taking New York City by storm, playing such rock venues as Knitting Factory, Bitter End, Arlene’s Grocery, Piano’s, Fat Baby, Sin-E and Crash Mansion. Her fan base continues to blossom, built on the support of fans she’s gained over the years and a U.S tour is on the schedule for the summer of 2006.
Johanna Stahley is moving steadily toward her dream with passion and determination; her explosive stage presence, soulful voice, and ability to craft a hit record are leading this emerging talent down her chosen road, one imperfect step at a time.
