RISAN STUDIES

Being a singer-songwriter is not easy. Like many creative pursuits, songwriting requires a level of craftiness and ingenuity that can be hard to capture.

Colorado-based musician Todd Anders Johnson likes to find his creativity in nature. An avid snowboarder and mountain athlete, Johnson captures this creative process in his new short film titled, “Northward”.

Todd Anders Johnson performed and recorded drum set parts for Mel Bay Publications'  Traditional Afro-Cuban Concepts in Contemporary Music by Arturo Rodriguez

Todd Anders Johnson performed and recorded drum set parts for Mel Bay Publications' Bembe Conversations by Arturo Rodriguez

MD featured me in the On The Movedepartment a couple of years ago, so I thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to with my group since then. I’ve been living in Boulder, Colorado and have now tied together my passions for drums, music, touring, social activism—and snowboarding!

Todd Anders Johnson was a panelist and performed his original music with Bono's One Campaign at the University of Pennsylvania Campus Challenge.

"Saragua": A Post for Ken Saro-Wiwa & Economic Justice 

"I believe that through the long tradition of resistance music, we can celebrate while contesting the injustice that we identify before us as a global community." - Todd Anders Johnson

“Todd Johnson in my opinion is one of the greatest, most versatile and passionate drummers I have ever had the opportunity to associate with both in and outside the context of music. He is a very intelligent individual with high ethics and moral standing, which, in my book means a lot these days. No matter what musical context I see him performing in, he is always playing and giving 110% to the music. I never see holding back or coasting like some drummers, he's always on "fire" with lots of energy. He has the ability to hear and accommodate the ever-changing environment of music, to do it instantly and with great execution and technique. In the business we would say that he has "big ears". I hope I always have the opportunity to play with such a highly skilled and talented drummer. Best regards.”

Arturo Rodriguez (endorsee for Latin Percussion), author of Interact and Learn (Mel Bay Music) and fellow drummer/percussionist

“Todd’s drumming combines the best of all genres, he is a master of rhythm.” 

John Frye, recording engineer (Laface records, Arista Records, Outkast’s Aquemini Records), former studio manager (Outkast’s Stankonia Studios)

"I brought Todd in to play drums on what became some of my favorite albums I have ever produced and looking back now, I cannot imagine those records with any other drummer. Todd has a great ability to bring to projects the finesse of jazz, the groove of funk, and somehow deliver it in a way that is powerful enough to hold together a rock or pop track."

R. Chris Murphy, Veneto West, record producer and engineer (King Crimson, Robert Fripp

“Todd Johnson’s greatest musical gift (and there are many) is the way he plays "the song". While he comes equipped with an arsenal of chops from years playing Latin music, prog rock, jazz, folk etc., If the song requires a simple shuffle, he's laying down the feel before you turn around to suggest it. Todd is totally professional. He'll put his back into it, be it Carnegie Hall or some god-forsaken shithole with a car stereo for a P.A. He is also the drummer who plays the room, even if he's squeezed into a corner with most of his kit taken away and one arm tied behind his back the job is done without complaint. Having toured with Todd for over a year now, I've witnessed all of the above first hand. In fact I can't think of a gig I wouldn't recommend him for...”

Geoffrey Kelly, Spirit of the West (Warner Bros.), Tom Landa and the Paperboys (Redhouse Records, Stony Plain Records)

"When I first thought to bring Todd in on this project for the drum tracks, I wasn't actually prepared for the absolutely amazing job he would end up doing. He, to say the least, far exceeded my, or anyone else's expectations."

Sean McCarthy, Solo artist (Takamine, Ovation, Hamer, Molson)

"Todd Johnson is a versatile drummer; his intuition is spot on, whether the song calls for a full-on rock sound or a subtle percussive beat. He was an invaluable part of my band. I never had to worry about his commitment to the project and he is nothing but professional....always on time, always prepared."

Kellee Bradley, singer-songwriter, debut album “The Season”