KC Johns Interview

KC Johns Interview by Nigel Sharpe for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

KC Johns: From Honky-Tonks to Bourbon Barrels, a Country Rock Force – By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

KC Johns is a name rapidly gaining traction in the country music scene, and for good reason. Her music is a potent blend of powerful vocals, relatable storytelling, and a rock-infused country sound that instantly grabs your attention. Imagine a sonic cocktail of Miranda Lambert’s swagger, Sheryl Crow’s soulful edge, and a dash of Brandi Carlile’s raw emotion, and you’ll begin to understand the magnetic pull of KC Johns.

Her 2024 single, “Rodeo Queen,” served as a powerful introduction to her authentic style. The song, a rollicking tribute to her parents’ love story – her mother a champion barrel racer and her stepfather a bull rider – resonated deeply with listeners. “Mama didn’t raise no big city pretty girl…” she sings, immediately establishing her down-to-earth, genuine persona. The track’s infectious energy and heartfelt lyrics propelled it to viral status, amassing over 600,000 streams and earning her recognition as a rising star in Texas Country.

“Rodeo Queen” wasn’t just a hit; it was a cultural moment. It climbed to #28 on Texas Country radio and was named one of the Top 10 songs by the Texas Country Music Association. It also landed a spot on the Country Road Featured Playlist on Amazing Radio. This success led to performances at major events like Texas Motor Speedway, Big As Texas Festival, Idaho’s HWY 30 Music Fest, and the Grand View Music Festival in Oklahoma. “Texas Country is so much fun,” Johns says. “It’s very genuine, and I felt like ‘Rodeo Queen’ captured my story and the passion of so many other country music fans.”

Building on this momentum, KC Johns kicked off 2025 with the release of her new single, “Break From The Heart,” on February 7th. This country-rock anthem, co-written with Tim Angsten and Tim Baumgartner, speaks to the universal experience of heartbreak and the journey towards healing. “Break From The Heart” is for anyone who has had their heart broken and needs a break from the heart,” Johns explains. “Writing this Country/rocker tune… we all 3 related to this song reminiscing on heartbreaks and knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel AFTER every heartbreak. Hearts take time to heal which is why the positive line in this song shines bright: ‘You can beat every scar, and you know it’s okay to take a ‘Break From The Heart.’”  

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, and raised in Hernando, Mississippi, Johns was immersed in music from a young age. Named after KC and the Sunshine Band, she grew up listening to a diverse range of artists, from Led Zeppelin and Stevie Nicks to Sheryl Crow. Her upbringing, steeped in both music and the adrenaline-fueled world of rodeo, shaped her unique artistic perspective.

At 17, armed with her acoustic guitar and unwavering ambition, Johns and her mother made the pilgrimage to Nashville. She began her career by performing in clubs on Broadway and eventually landed a seven-year stint as a cruise ship performer, honing her stage presence and captivating international audiences. This experience led to a feature in Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” at Dollywood, further solidifying her reputation as a versatile performer.

However, the allure of the recording and touring life proved too strong to resist. Johns returned to Nashville, navigating the challenges of the music industry by sleeping on friends’ couches and performing on Broadway. Her persistence paid off, leading to opportunities to open for established artists like Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Randy Houser, Trailer Choir, and Morgan Wade.

The pandemic presented a unique challenge, but Johns turned it into an opportunity. She utilized social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to connect with audiences worldwide, performing live online and building a dedicated fanbase. This digital presence led to private party performances and international shows, including gigs in Norway.

As the world reopened, Johns continued to tour, releasing songs like “Whiskey Break” and “Confused,” which paved the way for her 2022 digital debut album, “Thunder.”

In 2023, Johns expanded her brand with the launch of her own whiskey line, KC Johns’ Thunder Mesquite Smoked Bourbon Whiskey, in partnership with Cali Distillery. The bourbon, available nationwide and online, has garnered critical acclaim, including multiple awards at the Sunset Magazine Spirits Competition, notably winning Best Bourbon.

KC Johns’ journey is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering dedication. With her powerful vocals, relatable lyrics, and infectious energy, she’s poised to make a lasting impact on the country music landscape.