Nedy Johnson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Nedy, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I set my alarm for 6:10a, and snooze it every 5 minutes until 6:50a. Then I have 15 minutes to make and eat breakfast, make lunch, get my face and hair ready, throw my clothes on, and feed and get judged by my cat. Then I walk 15 minutes to the bus station even though the stop nearest me services three routes all heading to the same destination. I have to call into work late because the light rail has an issue no matter how early I get on it. Then, finally, if I snoozed one too many times, I grab a yogurt parfait and the greatest chocolate chip cookie to ever exist from the Alaskan Cafe here in Seattle. Pretty standard morning, really.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I think what makes me unique compared to a lot of people is not talent – by any means, far from it – but determination. I’ve sacrificed much more than most people would be willing in order to even call myself a musician. Take this as you will: I have no choice but to be a performer.
I think hustle culture is, quite frankly, stupid and capitalistic. So I’m not implying that I’m constantly GO, GO, GOING! I absolutely take breaks when I need because it is so easy to get burnt out as a musician at any level. But no matter how long of a break I need, I always come back to music. I learn, I adapt, I try new aspects of the word. I take voice lessons, I study literature/poetry/lyricism; recently I’ve taken up the bass, the third instrument in my repertoire aside from my voice. I’m always finding new avenues to learn from so I can become a more skilled musician, not just a talented one.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Our capitalistic society is designed specifically to fracture the relationship we have with each other person. The infrastructure is built to cause trauma to as many as possible, aside from the rich. However, causing that trauma also traumatizes them.
So my answer is trauma: trauma breaks the bonds between people. We’re all so focused on our own issues – rightfully so – that we neglect each other. And in neglecting each other, we are neglecting ourselves. Self-care must include participation in your community. Otherwise it is just selfish.
What restores the bonds between people? Balance. Knowing when to focus on your healing and when to focus on your relationships. And the act of searching for, refining and nurturing that balance is true resistance.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
I miss home.
That’s one of the things I had to sacrifice. At this time for my own safety, I can’t return to my hometown. And I miss it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Not everyone is your friend. And I don’t mean that maliciously; not everyone you interact with semi-regularly should be given the title of, “friend.”
It is really important to delineate the role each person plays in your life. For example, it is crucial to me that someone I deem a “friend” remembers my birthday. If a specific person doesn’t remember my birthday, I will not label them as a “friend.” They are simply an acquaintance.
The more you try to force someone into a role they don’t fit, the more resentment builds until the relationship implodes on itself. Or explodes, depends on how dramatic you feel like being.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I appear strong because I’m not allowed to be weak.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nedyjohnson.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nedy.johnson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nedy.johnson
- Other: https://www.tiktoke.com/@nedy.johnson
Image Credits
Nathan Silva – Sunset 1 & Sunset 2
Keely Soto/Noe Navarro – Underbelly
Nedy Johnson – Woods & Single 2025
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
