Michael Johns on His Upcoming Album: I Really Wanted to Do a Stax Record

Michael Johns, set to drop a new album titled Hold Back My Heart on June 23rd, recently spoke with Shirley Halperin of Bilboard Magazine about his new record, the current season of American Idol, and the awesomeness of his own season.

Read the entire interview HERE.

Shirley got a hold of a review copy, and says,   “We were absolutely amazed by the Muscle Shoals ambition Johns (and several of the Idol band members he enlisted) poured into every track.”

Where can I get my copy?   I do reviews!   Heh.

Read on…As always, Michael lets a few juicy soundbites fly…

Michael has re-discovered his soul,   “I really wanted to do a Stax record. I went back and re-listened to music from my childhood ‘  Sam Cooke, Otis Redding. Wilson Picket ‘  and when I went to sing on the record, I didnt even have to think. I was really comfortable. Simon wanted me to do more of that [soul] on the bloody show, but I didnt get the chance.”

What does Michael make of the judges save?   “I mean, I wouldnt want to change anything about the way I was eliminated. What if you get kicked off the week after? Then youre a double loser.”

Michael is a little skeptical about this season of Idol. He thinks Adam Lambert is great for stage and TV, but wonders what he’ll do in “the real world. ”

“I think Simon would have ripped him a new a-hole, but theyre praising him, so go figure?” says Michael “It’s like, who are these contestants?”

Michael does like a few from this season, “The one who I think is really true to herself is that little 16-year-old, Allison [Iraheta]. Brooke [White] and I actually met her at a charity function, where she was the one performing. I said, ‘You go for it, girl. You can sing!’ I liked that Alexis [Grace] girl, too. She was more talented than she got to show. It sucks that she got voted off and cant go on tour.”

Michael digs his own season, “…out of any other season, I would want to be on our season, even with where I finished. It, like, who are you gonna pick on from our season? From Chikezie to Brooke, Jason Castro, Carly ¦ weve all got something. Im really proud to be a part of my season. Were all friends and I talk to them all the time.”

The record, “Hold Back My Heart” will be released though Downtown records via a licensing deal on June 23rd.   The single, “Heart on my Sleeve” drops digitally April 14.

About mj santilli 34830 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!