The Baker's Dozen #16 Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille is best known for his single ‘Wait For Me’ which was nominated for Best Alternative Song at the 2016 Headies Awards. The Nigerian singer first sang in the church of his clergyman father before he came to the attention of the Mavin record label. Johnny’s folky/acoustic sound is firmly rooted in his Nigerian heritage but he’s looking outside of his native borders for additional inspiration, which should bring the singer widespread international recognition. We caught up with Johnny to find out a little more about his influences and his love of classic US TV shows.

1. What is your earliest musical memory?

The earliest I can remember is listening to Christmas albums by Boney M in the early 90s. Their tapes were the only ones we had back then and even when it wasn’t the Christmas season I’d play them over and over with my sister and brothers.

2. Do you remember the name of your first band that really caught your attention?

Yes. After listening on tape to Boney M and never really knowing who they were I fell in love with The Backstreet Boys. They were awesome.

3. Which current artist do you hear and just go Wow?

Jon Bellion. I saw him perform in Nashville for the first time and I have always been blown away by his music.

4. Do you sit down to write songs or do you wait until your mojo comes to get you?

I can go both ways depending on how important it is to write at the moment but I’ve realized when I’m in certain moods, places, or situations writing comes together pretty quickly.

5. Big venue or small venue - what's your favourite to play?

I’d love to play really big venues in no distant time. I’ve been blessed to play to crowd of 3000 at my first live show in Lagos, Nigeria and that was awesome. I don’t mind playing small venues too, something very intimate about them.

6. Who is the one artist you wish you could share a stage with (past or present)?

Jon Bellion. I’m such a huge fan of the guy. It would be so cool to share a stage with him.

7. Bowie, Prince, Sinatra, Elvis which departed great means the most to you?

They’re all great icons but Elvis probably meant a little more to me. His music is endearing and connects with me on a different level.

8. What’s your favourite flavour of milkshake?

I’m not very high on milk but I’d definitely love the taste of vanilla.

9. Should music be free?

I think that music is a gift from God to be enjoyed my all. I also think that there’s so much that goes into creating some of our favorite records that we never know about. A lot of musicians might not care about the money but truth is they need it to keep putting out the records we love. Recording and promoting costs a lot of money. Even though some artistes don’t really think of it that way they actually kind of provide services like you getting served at a restaurant and it’s just right to pay for that service. Music is everywhere to listen for free, from radio stations, to TV, to street music, etc. but if you love what you hear you should support it.

10. Can you remember the first record you bought and what have you bought recently?

The first record I bought was MI Abaga’s ‘Talk About It’. The most recent I’ve bought is Billie Eilish’s ‘When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go’.

11. What was the last song that made you cry actual tears?

Coldplay’s Fix You (Live in São Paulo).

12. Do you binge watch Netflix / Amazon / DVD box sets (any recommendations)? Do you have a guilty pleasure in Film or TV you’ll admit to watching and loving?

I binge on Netflix a lot. I really enjoy watching ‘The Ballad of Buster Scruggs’

I maybe watch too much of classic 70s and 80s sitcoms like The Jeffersons, Different Strokes, Seinfeld, Family Matters, etc. I also may have seen Avengers Infinity War a little too many times.

13. What is the most important thing to you that you can see from where you are right now?

The skyline of New York City. It’s beautiful

Many thanks to Johnny for taking the time to complete The Baker’s Dozen.

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The most recent release from Johnny Drille for Father’s Day.