We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Johnny Maurer. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Johnny below.
Johnny, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I see resilience as a defining part of who I am, especially through my journey as a musician. Being part of The Irie has taught me how to navigate challenges, adapt to setbacks, and grow stronger through them. Whether it’s managing the creative process, collaborating with diverse artists, or overcoming obstacles in the music industry, I’ve learned to stay focused, remain adaptable, and turn difficult moments into opportunities for growth. I believe resilience is about pushing forward with purpose and staying true to what drives you, no matter the circumstances.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m Johnny, and I play drums for The Irie, a reggae alt pop band known for blending soulful grooves with a modern edge. What I find most exciting about what we do is how our music connects with people on a deep, emotional level. We create songs that explore themes like resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming life’s challenges, while still keeping the vibe uplifting and full of energy.
What makes us proud as a band are the milestones we’ve achieved along the way. We’re all born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and it’s been incredible to headline the Marquee Theatre three times right in our hometown and get to play at other great venues like Mesa Ampitheatre, Crescent, Valley Bar, and Last Exit Live.
One of our proudest moments was playing a sold-out show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre—a dream come true for any musician. Looking ahead, we’re focused on releasing new music, expanding our reach, and continuing to share our passion with fans. For anyone who hasn’t heard us yet, The Irie is all about creating good vibes that stick with you, whether you’re catching us live or streaming us on your favorite playlist.
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?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in our journey are perseverance, adaptability, and a genuine connection with our audience. Perseverance has kept us going through challenges, from long nights on the road to navigating the competitive music industry. Adaptability has been crucial for staying creative and relevant, whether it’s experimenting with new sounds or responding to unexpected situations. Lastly, building a genuine connection with our audience has made everything we do worthwhile—it’s about making people feel seen and heard through our music.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is to stay consistent and don’t let setbacks stop you—use them to fuel your growth. Be open to learning and evolving, whether that’s through collaboration or stepping outside your comfort zone. And most importantly, always stay authentic—people connect with realness, so let your true self shine in everything you do.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on releasing new music, expanding our reach, and continuing to share our passion with fans. For anyone who hasn’t heard us yet, The Irie is all about creating good vibes that stick with you, whether you’re catching us live or streaming us on your favorite playlist.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Throughout my journey, the people who have been most helpful are my bandmates, family, and our local music community. My family’s unwavering support has been a constant source of strength, especially during tough times. And our local music community in Phoenix has been incredibly encouraging—the connections we’ve made and the collaborations we’ve been part of have all shaped who we are as a band.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.theirieband.com
- Instagram: Johnny_Groove
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theiriemusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRXazKvi8NBjg_KEX9aJDw
- Other: IG – @THEIRIEBAND
Image Credits
Red Rocks Amp
