Johnny Orlando: surreal to me

Johnny Orlando is back with new music and great projects. On occasion to the release of You’re Just Drunk, his latest single, we had a conversation with this multidimensional artist about how his loyal fans and social media changed his life and all about this musical journey that he describes as a surreal experience.

You already know this, but let me remind you that Johnny Orlando is such a nice person, so keep reading to find out more about this artist we love so much in the following exclusive interview for Vanity Teen.

Photo by Anthony Giovanni @anthony__giovanni
Fashion by Edwin J. Ortega @edwin.j.ortega
Production assistant Andrew Barrios @andrewbarrios1

Surreal to me

VT: How do you consider social media changed your life?

JO: Well, my entire career wouldn’t have been possible without social media, so in that respect, it’s completely changed my life.

Beyond just music, though, I’ve kept in touch with friends via social media, bought things, learned things. Social media has completely changed the way people conduct their lives regardless of whether or not your career path has been influenced by it.

VT: Since 2011, your fans and followers have been faithful and supportive. How does that make you feel?

JO: It’s honestly surreal to me. I really don’t get it at times. Of course, I’m forever grateful, but sometimes it’s hard for me to understand why people are interested in my life and what I do.

You’re Just Drunk is out now

VT: It is good news that you are releasing new music, and You’re Just Drunk is out now. So, what can you tell us about this song and the creative process behind it?

JO: This song was an absolute process. From when it was written (in January) to when it came out, it was relatively short for a song. But in those few months, there were so many versions and revisions; it felt like two years.

The creative process came fairly easy as everything was based on real texts from a girl I was talking to at the time.

VT: 4. How about the music video? It marks a new collaboration between you and Iris Kim. Please, tell us more about it.

JO: The music video was an amazing experience. Iris is incredible at what she does and took mine and my sister’s vision and completely transformed it into something cinematic and far more impactful.

Originally, the idea was to do a Project X-type video where I’m at the center and kind of apathetic towards the whole thing. Iris took that and reworked it so that the video focused more so on that feeling of being at a party and hating every second. Her team is so great to work with as well as Bianca, who was the other lead in the video.

The whole shoot was a learning experience and a great day!

VT: You have also announced live performances. What can you share with us about them?

JO: We’ve planned 2 shows for Toronto and Los Angeles on the 18th and 21st of November, respectively, and we are in the process of reworking the entire set.

I’ll be performing a lot of the older songs that people like, as well as all the new ones I haven’t had a chance to perform yet. The shows are at smaller venues as this isn’t the full tour. I just wanted to get back out there and see everyone’s faces.

VT: Which other plans do you have for the future?

JO: In the realm of music, I really want to keep doing what I’m doing: writing, recording, and touring; all of it. I really love music and, hopefully, I can stay within the industry, even if it’s after I’ve stopped creating it for myself.

I’m not one of those people that’s going to try to hold on to popularity. If it’s my time to go, it is what it is. I’m just as happy starting a family and focusing on other areas of the business.

Out in the spring

VT: How is it like a regular day to you?

JO: It depends. The thing about music is there is really no schedule. If I have a session or a shoot that day, I’ll usually get up around 9 or 10 and then eat, workout, and go to the session from 1-8. After that, I’ll come home and have dinner; and then chill or do work.

Other days, I just find things to do. There’s always work to do and things you can do to further yourself. You just have to think of it and then do it.

VT: How do you take care of your mental health?

JO: I really don’t have any specific regimen or anything. I’ve never been great at keeping promises to myself like that.

I just try to have rest days and force myself to do things I know I’ll enjoy, like seeing friends, or taking a night off from everything, even when I don’t feel like it.

The one thing I do try to do is not fall behind on sleep, hygiene, and cleanliness in my workspaces or bedroom. Those only get forgotten when I’m really going through it and end up making me feel worse.

VT: Which message would you like to share with those who might be facing difficult times nowadays?

JO: Remember to do all the things that you know you should. Get out of bed, do a little bit of work every day, go outside, eat and drink enough, and see other people. Those can all feel really difficult if you’re going through something but are so important and always end up biting you in the ass if you don’t do them.

Another thing, and of course, this is situational, but try to remember that time heals. If it’s something like a breakup or somebody that passed away, six months or a year down the line, everything won’t feel as torturous.

VT: Anything else you would like to share with Vanity Teen?

JO: My debut album is coming out in the spring. You should definitely check that out because it’s going to be sick. Hopefully, I can tour after that as well, so be ready for that.

Thank you for having me!

Before we go

Johnny Orlando represents the values of this generation: a young guy who is passionate about what he does and has been working hard to fulfill his dreams. He also has been bringing us all joy with his music and funny interactions on social media. Therefore, we are more than happy to announce that You’re Just Drunk is out now, and there is so much music plus live performances coming on the way.

As Johnny Orlando said, music has no schedule, but neither do good feelings have, so let us keep spreading love and, just like him, never be afraid to speak out and express ourselves at any time through music or whatever makes us happy.

Cheers up!