Reviewed by Ian Phillips.
By James Johnston, Wildheart Publicity 2021.
Small Town is the second single that I’ve received from James Johnston following on from his massive debut hit Raised Like That which has spent 18 weeks at #1 on the Fresh Country playlist and amassed over 5 million streams.
It’s been a whirlwind rise for James who hails from Wingham in Queensland, and Small Town is sure to catapult him to stardom.
The single was produced by Justin Wantz in Nashville, and it’s got all the essential elements to follow in the footsteps of Raised Like That and achieve substantial radio airtime.
There’s no doubt about it the ‘Nashville sound’ sells.
James wrote Small Town while on his way home to the family farm after spending a considerable time in the city.
It’s a road trip anthem that speaks about the joy of leaving the bright lights behind for the endless starlight of the bush.
He comments “I think so often when you grow up in a small town you think there is something so much bigger and better out there.
“Only until you step away you realise the magic of a small town and a close community.”
James’ debut single Raised Like That has achieved the accolade as the fastest streamed single by an Australian Country artist ever and I think that Small Town is equally as good, if not better.
James Johnston has been wowing them on the local country music circuit, playing to huge crowds and gaining outstanding reviews.
The Mareeba Express reporter recently commented after taking in one of his shows: “Performing at his first ever festival, Johnston – the voice behind the massive breakout hit Raised Like That – was exceptional during his main-stage performance. This man is going places.”
Johnston has recently been announced as the first Australian country artist to feature in the ‘Up Next’ local Apple Music program, geared towards identifying and showcasing rising talent across Australia and New Zealand.
I’ll leave the closing comment to the Mareeba Express reviewer who hit the nail on the head when he said of James Johnston: “Make no mistake, this man is headed for a career in Nashville.”
