• RISAN BRANDS
  • RISAN MEDIA
  • RISAN PROJECT
  • RISAN STUDIES
  • MAINE CLIMATE FILM
  • KANSAS | MISSOURI FILM
  • CRESTA ALTA FILM
  • SALEM MUSIC
  • Sign In
  • Create Account

  • My Account
  • Signed in as:

  • filler@godaddy.com


  • My Account
  • Sign out

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • RISAN BRANDS
  • RISAN MEDIA
  • RISAN PROJECT
  • RISAN STUDIES
  • MAINE CLIMATE FILM
  • KANSAS | MISSOURI FILM
  • CRESTA ALTA FILM
  • SALEM MUSIC

Account


  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • My Account
Drummer singing into a microphone during a vibrant live band performance.

SALEM

salem means peace 


Salem performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially-conscious compositions blending alternative rock, world, hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. The band is composed of snowboarders and skiers and Salem tours throughout North America with Risan Project multi-media events featuring concerts alongside action sports films and content from the outdoor, lifestyle and environmental industries. 


Salem has performed nationally alongside acts such as Karl Denson, Keller Williams, Brett Dennen, Rose Hill Drive, Pato Banton, De La Soul, Sweatshop Union, Bomba Estereo, The Meters (PBS), Bone Thugs N Harmony, DJ Logic, Stanton Moore and Will Bernard, Hells Belles, Tab Benoit, Rebirth Brass Band, Steve Earle and Zilla. 


Salem has played the Winter X Games, the US Freeskiing Open, The US Snowboarding Grand Prix, the US Snowboarding VISA Cup, the Canadian Freeskiing Championships, the Breckenridge Spring Massive, the Keystone River Run Rocks and the Northface Masters of Snowboarding. Salem music is featured in “Tailgate Alaska: The Movie”, the Teva Stand Up Paddling Educational DVD, Hiroyuki Yamada’s “End of the Line”, Warren Miller’s “Off the Grid”, the Winter X 12 Games After Party CD Compilation and the Bolder Boulder CD compilation. 


“Salem unites seemingly disparate topics: global peace and powder shots. Blending jazz, funk, spoken word and some Afro-Cuban beats, it makes crowds dance and think.” Katy Niner, Jackson Hole News and Guide


"It can be hard to follow Johnson's movements; he's in a constant state of motion. If he isn't splitboarding (a backcountry form of snowboarding), he might be translating the poetry of a Nigerian political activist into a song or organizing a snow sports and music event..” Nick Hutchinson, Westword


salem music

SALEM VIDEOS AND SOUNDTRACKS

A Salem Sampler

Northward is a short documentary that chronicles the story of Colorado-based band, Salem, that performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially-conscious compositions blending alternative rock, world, hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul.

Mountains In You Music Video

Salem performing Dedication live at the Belly Up Aspen

Thomas Haupt - Guitar 

Zach Antonio - Bass 

Stephen Thurston - Keys 

Todd Anders Johnson - Drums and vocals  

Video - Jimmy Iles

Produced by Risan Media

Salem performing Northward live at the Belly Up Aspen

Thomas Haupt - Guitar 

Zach Antonio - Bass 

Stephen Thurston - Keys 

Todd Anders Johnson - Drums and vocals  

Video - Jimmy Iles

Produced by Risan Media

Salem performing Terra live at the Belly Up Aspen

Thomas Haupt - Guitar 

Zach Antonio - Bass 

Stephen Thurston - Keys 

Todd Anders Johnson - Drums and vocals  

Video - Jimmy Iles

Produced by Risan Media

Salem performing Timeless live at the Belly Up Aspen

Thomas Haupt - Guitar 

Zach Antonio - Bass 

Stephen Thurston - Keys 

Todd Anders Johnson - Drums and vocals  

Video - Jimmy Iles

Produced by Risan Media

Ode to Ullr Music Video

Northward by Salem in TEVA's "The Ultimate Guide to Stand Up Paddling"

The Ultimate Guide to Stand Up Paddling trailer

Harvest by Salem in Line Skis video with Eric Pollard

Eric Pollard Paints His 2012/13 LINE Skis in 1 minute

Harvest by Salem in Warren Miller Trailer with "Playground"

"Harvest" by Salem in Warren Miller's "Playground" trailer with Corona by Warren Miller music and video editor, Kim Schnieder.

Many Have Tried by Salem in Hiroyuki Yamada's "End of the Line" ski film

Hiroyuki Yamada's "End of the Line" ski film featuring Kaz Zackrisson skiing Valdez, AK backed by salem's "Many Have Tried".

SALEM'S TODD ANDERS JOHNSON

Todd Anders Johnson operates at the intersection of impact media, legislative advocacy and environmental communication. Todd is an accomplished documentary filmmaker, integrated marketing director, and multimedia event producer with 20 years’ experience producing hundreds of events across North America. He has diverse experience in climate action storytelling, experiential marketing, and educational programming that connects environmental, arts, and outdoor communities. Todd has led national film tours, secured PBS broadcasts, and built partnerships with many climate, sustainability and resilience organizations throughout the US.


Risan Brands is an eco-centric family of companies founded by environmental filmmaker, educator, and musician Todd Anders Johnson that operates at the intersection of media production, digital advertising, experiential marketing, music, and environmental education. Based out of Breckenridge, Colorado, the organization focuses heavily on climate awareness and sustainability storytelling.


With the Risan Brands family of companies, Todd merges his passions for the environment, the arts and outdoor recreation. Todd studied international development at the University of Washington. With the foundational perspective that more sustainable policies are imperative and that there are effective renewable and resilient options to employ regionally, nationally and globally, Todd has dedicated himself to the arts in creating entertaining and educational films, events and music.


Risan Media is a media production and branding company based in Breckenridge, Colorado with focus areas being cinematic video production, digital advertising, and experiential marketing. Notable projects are The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer, a 2026 documentary film produced with the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund. Directed by Todd Anders Johnson, the film celebrates the life, values, and enduring legacy of Colorado community pioneer and environmental advocate Adam Palmer. Produced a climate action documentary film and Cresta Alta, an expedition-based climate science and sustainability documentary filmed across Alaska, Iceland, Chile, and Peru, which will be featured on PBS and touring through The Risan Project. Working on climate and coastal resilience documentaries in Maine as well as Kansas and Missouri.


The Risan Project produces experiential marketing events, multi-media national concert tours, and film screenings paired with community sustainability panel discussions. The Casual Enormity of Adam Palmer and Cresta Alta, managed by The Risan Project, These national tours pairs screenings with panel sessions featuring local sustainability experts and policymakers.


Risan Studies delivers multi-media educational programming to high school and college communities, using glaciological research methodologies and renewable energy case studies to teach climate science. Paired with film screenings, Q&A and panel discussions, Risan Studies sets up multi-media basecamp with adventurous glaciological research methodologies, renewable energy case studies and sustainability.


Founder Todd Anders Johnson integrates advocacy directly into his art as the frontman of the band Salem, and has performing solar-powered and vegetable-oil-powered concerts to showcase renewable energy solutions. Salem performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially conscious compositions blending world, hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. The band is comprised of snowboarders and skiers and Salem tours throughout North America with Risan Project multi-media events featuring concerts alongside action sports films and content from the environmental, lifestyle and outdoor industries. 


Todd has taught drumming, percussion, ethnomusicology, rock band and digital media throughout Seattle, Arizona and Colorado at high schools, colleges and after-school youth programs. He as served on the board of directors with Rock-School and Iamedia in Seattle and has helped to produce fundraising concert events with youth programs. 


Todd’s passions for exploring big mountains brought him from Vermont to Seattle and then Alaska, where his first of many tours and expeditions began throughout the glaciated state. Todd now lives with his family high in the mountains of Colorado. 


SALEM PHOTOS

Drummer singing into a microphone during a vibrant live band performance.
Modern Drummer Magazine Salem CD review
Show More

SALEM PRESS

Vail Daily: Adam Palmer Fund hosts spring fundraiser May 17 at Eagle’s Brush Creek Pavilion

The Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund is hosting its spring fundraiser on Saturday, May 17, at Eagle’s Brush Creek Pavilion with the screening of director Todd Anders Johnson’s film “Cresta Alta,” followed by an evening of live music at Eagle River Brewing Company in Gypsum.


Saturday’s event runs from 4 to 10 p.m. and includes the screening of Johnson’s film, as well as live music from Salem & Friends and the Palmer Tribute Band.

“The Palmer Fund is thrilled to partner with Risan and Salem to celebrate the legacy of Adam and to raise community support for his sustainability vision here in the town and county,” said Geoff Grimmer, the executive director of the Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund. “We hope to see anyone in the community who has felt anxious about our mountain climate — whether wildfire threats, drought conditions or flooding — and participate in mitigating these threats through personal and collective decarbonization actions.”

KNBA Interview, Anchorage Alaska

Cresta Alta Alaska Film Tour interview with Todd Anders Johnson on KNBA in Anchorage, Alaska.

The Sun Star, Fairbanks, Alaska

In a recent KSUA chat with The Sun Star,  Todd Johnson, the lead singer of Salem and a documentary filmmaker,  shared excitement about bringing his unique mix of music, film, and  environmental activism to Fairbanks for a special show at UAF on  Wednesday, April 9. A storyteller with a mission, through his work, he  uses his platform to bring awareness about the issues that mean the most  to him. His latest project, The Risan Project Tour, combines film, music, and a compelling message about climate action.

University of Alaska, Fairbanks Radio Interview

Cresta Alta Alaska Film Tour interview with Todd Anders Johnson on the University of Alaska, Fairbanks radio station.

Risan Media’s short film, Northward, is now being distributed throughout Europe on the AbsintheTV channel on Samsung TV Plus and is available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK.

Risan Media’s short film, Northward, is now being distributed throughout Europe on the AbsintheTV channel on Samsung TV Plus and is available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK. Northward is a short documentary that chronicles the story of Colorado-based band, Salem, that performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially-conscious composit

Risan Media’s short film, Northward, is now being distributed throughout Europe on the AbsintheTV channel on Samsung TV Plus and is available in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK. Northward is a short documentary that chronicles the story of Colorado-based band, Salem, that performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially-conscious compositions blending alternative rock, world, hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. The band is composed of snowboarders and skiers and Salem tours throughout North America with Risan Project multi-media events featuring concerts alongside action sports films and content from the environmental, outdoor and cannabis industries.   


AbsintheTV is a 24 hour linear channel with video on demand options that launched February 12 on Samsung TV Plus. It’s here to legitimately represent the past, present and future of five categories that appeal most to people emerged in boardsports culture: Art/Music/Surf/Skate/Snow. A free channel on TV Plus, AbsintheTV is available on all Samsung smart TVs in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the UK. As Samsung expands their TV Plus program, AbsintheTV will be included in France in September and Italy and Spain shortly thereafter, with North America coming in the not too distant future. For now, look for AbsintheTV on Samsung TV Plus in Germany, Austria and Switzerland on Channel 4076 and in the UK on Channel 4071. 

New film explores the creative journey of Todd Anders Johnson and his band, Salem

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”.

11 News Grand Junction Interview with Todd Johnson from Salem

11 News Grand Junction Interview with Todd Johnson from Salem

Magic 93.1 Interview with Salem's Todd Anders Johnson

11 News Grand Junction Interview with Todd Johnson from Salem

Salem Drummer Todd Anders Johnson Is a Brand Ambassador for Outdoor Gear


The artistry of Todd Anders Johnson lies at the intersection of jamming and shredding.

THE RISAN PROJECT 2019 WINTER TOUR – FEATURING “POCKET MEAT”

The Risan Project is traveling between Alaska and Colorado next month, hosting multi-media events that include live music, snowboard film showings, and on-site activations from cannabis industry partners.

Photo: Show unites music of Salem, film premier of ‘afterForever,’ March 10

Salem will bring Todd Anders Johnson's socially conscious hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul compositions to Main Street Grill in the Riverwalk at Edwards on Friday, March 10. The band travels with Risan Project tours, which include concerts, ski and snowboard film premiers and avalanche awareness videos with partners in the outdoor and cannabis 

Salem will bring Todd Anders Johnson's socially conscious hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul compositions to Main Street Grill in the Riverwalk at Edwards on Friday, March 10. The band travels with Risan Project tours, which include concerts, ski and snowboard film premiers and avalanche awareness videos with partners in the outdoor and cannabis industries. Salem will perform with film premiers of Absinthe Films' latest snowboard film, afterForever with ski and snowboard videos from Inspired Media and Luca Rolli, cannabis animation from Nug Nation and Mary Jane's Medicinals, educational videos from the Marijuana Policy Project and AIARE. Local partners for this show are Roots RX and Tumbleweed. 

Nature Jams

Next Thursday, the Risan Project is back in Anchorage on their annual tour of Alaska, bringing with them Colorado- based band Salem. The Risan Project's mission is to raise awareness of climate change through entertainment and action-based engagement, with their Alaskan tour focusing on snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Combining 

Next Thursday, the Risan Project is back in Anchorage on their annual tour of Alaska, bringing with them Colorado- based band Salem. The Risan Project's mission is to raise awareness of climate change through entertainment and action-based engagement, with their Alaskan tour focusing on snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Combining film, music and activism, Risan's Alaska Tour offers audiences the chance to learn more about how to protect and enjoy nature while jamming to some incredible music.

‘Being There’ at Down East

Just because the weather says it’s spring doesn’t mean ski movies should be taken off your Netflix queue. The Down East is making sure the ski season stays alive and strong next Wednesday with the showing of the 2011 ski film “Being There” and slush-skiing rock of the band Salem from Breckenridge, Colo.

"Dance and think" with Salem at the Gold Pan: Summit Daily News

Songs and split-boards: Summit Daily News

Boulder band Salem partners with Voile for winter tour, plays show at Gold Pan in Breck. The Salem shows combine songwriter Johnson's original blend of hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul with the Voile backcountry ski culture, promoting good vibes, great powder and Voile skis, split-boards, bindings and avalanche safety equipment.

Cool Tunes for a warming planet

When Boulder based funk-groove band Salem’s Todd Anders Johnson saw the Protect Our Winters/TGR movie Generations, which shows the impact of climate change on snow culture, he knew he had to promote the film through concerts. The result? The Risan Project, combing live music, ski and snowboard film premiers, and presentations from environ

When Boulder based funk-groove band Salem’s Todd Anders Johnson saw the Protect Our Winters/TGR movie Generations, which shows the impact of climate change on snow culture, he knew he had to promote the film through concerts. The result? The Risan Project, combing live music, ski and snowboard film premiers, and presentations from environmental organizations like Protect Our Winters and SunCore Solar.

Todd Anders Johnson Performance and Panelist with Bono's ONE CAMPAIGN

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

Salem's Harvest Soundtrack in Warren Miller's Corona Edit

Salem’s Harvest, composed by Todd Anders Johnson, backing a Warren Miller ski edit with Corona. 

Salem in Aspen: Give the drummer some (and this drummer gives some back)

ASPEN – Most everything about Todd Anders Johnson lines up quite neatly, as a left-leaning, environmentalist, socially engaged type. Johnson has done work with Bono’s One Campaign, an organization dedicated to fighting poverty, and has been affiliated with the Climate Project Canada. Not content to simply join other movements, in 2009, Johnson formed his own organization, the Risan Project, that links music and sporting events with alternative energy and sustainability efforts. While living in Seattle, in 2004, Johnson started his band, Salem, taking the name from the Hebrew “shalom” and the Arabic “salaam” – both of which translate as “peace.”

Modern Drummer Magazine: Todd Anders Johnson of Salem

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!

Jubilee Coalition Blog the Debt: Todd Anders Johnson

"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

Salem Snowsport Competitive Event Performances

Salem Outdoor Industry Features and Soundtracks

Salem Outdoor Industry Features and Soundtracks

Salem Outdoor Industry Features and Soundtracks

CONTACT US

SALEM

Salem performs Todd Anders Johnson’s socially-conscious compositions blending alternative rock, world, hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. 

todd@risanbrands.com

Send a note

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Cancel

Copyright © 2026 Risan Brands - All Rights Reserved.