Adrian Johnston Interview
by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
With dusty delivery soaked in Texas soul, sharp songwriting, and ambitious vision, Adrian Johnston channels classic country authenticity from a place of pure honesty. As such, the Dallas-born singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, wife, and mother gets real about relationships, life, and love as she delivers hook-y and heartfelt anthems punctuated by passion and personality that is only amplified by her roots as a fourth generation Texan. Following college, she caught the attention of acclaimed songwriter Zac Maloy [Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton]. Under the influence of everyone from Wynonna Judd to Faith Hill and Shania Twain, she honed her dynamic vocals. Working with Zac, she served up the self-titled Adrian Johnston EP, catapulting onto the iTunes Overall Top 200 Albums Chart. Logging nearly 200 shows per year, she captivated fans with the It Takes Time EP, scoring successive Top 20 hits on Texas radio with “Rather Have You” reaching #13, and both “Damn, I Want a Love Like That” and “Adult Beverages” reaching #22. She only maintained her momentum with singles such as “Honky Tonk Wife,” “Morning Person,” and “Trying.” In 2021, Adrian welcomed her newborn son into the world, quickly learning to be the best mother she could be while continuing to reach new musical heights. Simultaneously, she is the C.E.O. of the popular women’s boutique SHEALITY with locations in Jefferson, TX and Madisonville, TX. Created in 2019, the company’s goal is to provide a high-fashion shopping opportunity at a reasonable price point for women in small towns without access to big retailers. Additionally, she founded and launched GRITS: Girls Raised in Texas. The all-female acoustic tour entices audiences with a one-night experience featuring performances by the top Texas Country Female artists. Thus far, she has hosted Bri Bagwell, Jade Marie Patek, Kaitlin Butts, The Rankin Twins, Kylie Rae Harris, Sarah Hobbs, Erica Perry Hamilton, Kylie Frey, and Holly Tucker. Now, she continues to showcase every side of her genuine self through a variety of musical and professional endeavors.