Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nick Johnson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Nick, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
I think my work ethic came to me whether I wanted it to or not.
Genetically, I come from a long line of farmers and Native Americans.
I grew up on a small farm myself, with a father who was also a small business owner. Therfore, I was feeding animals as a child, operating and maintaining machinery by 12 years of age, and working on construction sites by age 16.
As much as I hated working like that, My rebellion against it ended up being no different.
I figured if I can put 40 hours into something I don’t enjoy, then I absolutely better be putting 40 hours a week into my passion.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am an instrumental acoustic /fingerstyle guitarist based out of Utah.
I’m a Candyrat Records recording artist.
2021 and 2024 Utah State Fingerstyle Champion
2016 and 2019 Wyoming State Champion.
Grammy nominated album 2019.
Multiple Billboard #1 arrangements.
I’m currently composing new music and creating videos for songs off of my latest album.
I’ve slowly stepped away from touring as much, doing a handful of meaningful performances per year.
I’ve began staying home and teaching lessons more, to be able to spend more time with family.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I was lucky to know that playing music, specifically guitar, was my passion at an early age. With fingerstyle guitar being such a difficult discipline, I believe in God given talent. I’ve seen players that have outworked me, but, the importance of hardwork and discipline are very important.
I believe that if what you’re doing is your true passion, then resilience isn’t really a problem. Of course you’ll have doubts over time, but if you’d be doing it regardless of success, then what does it matter?
Ultimately for anyone coming up in music, I’d highly recommend doing it for the right reasons. Fame, money, power, can go away in an instant, so make sure music is something you’d still love if that went away.
Other than that, if you want attention in a scene, hone your craft until it’s undeniably good. Focus on what you love and people will start to notice.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
A close friend of mine in college played guitar as well, we were both somewhat on the same level and very competitive with eachother.
When learning songs together he would roast me if I played a wrong note.
That ended up being something that stuck and helped me immensely over the years.
I think having a close friend that can call you out and hold you accountable is very important in business and life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Nickjohnsonacoustic.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/nickredshred
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/nickredshred
- Youtube: https://Youtube.com/shrednick11
- Other: https://Youtube.com/candyratrecords
Image Credits
Jason Sinn, Jeff Bethers
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
