In a world where TikTok tweens are taking over before even coming of age, Johnny Orlando seems to represent the last of a generation of young artists who made it big the classic way – amassing fame via YouTube. Despite being just 20, the former YouTuber turned professional musician had previously garnered over 25 million international fans and totaled over 500 million YouTube views, and had been signed to Universal Music Canada / Island Records.
Recently in Singapore as part of his ongoing tour, in promoting his latest release The Ride, we spoke to Orlando about what it means to represent Gen Z, and staying true to one’s self amidst the fame and glory. “Growing up, music was always very important to me, where I’d be listening to songs constantly or I’d get distracted,” he says. “A lot of it was thanks to my dad, who introduced me to a lot of the music I still listen to even today.”
That was likely what led to Johnny developing such a penchant for music in general, singing often while at home, and with the help of his sister, created a YouTube channel in 2011 where he began uploading covers recorded in their own home. Unexpectedly, going viral, to the extent they received over 100,000 views in a month, Johnny and his sister were encouraged to continue more covers of pop artists, and steadily garnered a devoted following. To date, all of the Orlando children are involved in social media and video to some degree, though it is Johnny who has undoubtedly received the greatest exposure thus far.
“There was a time I kept thinking I had to stand out from the rest, not necessarily in big ways, but even just fixing my posture and smiling more, but at the end of the day, it’s easiest to just be real and not be a false version of yourself,” he says. “In a way it’s like lying – if someone finds out you lied, it creates a worse outcome than if you just told the truth from the beginning.”
Nominated twice for the prestigious Juno Awards in 2019 (for Breakthrough Artist of the Year) and 2021 (for Pop Album of the Year), while receiving Best Canadian Act four years in a row at the MTV Europe Music Awards, Orlando’s critical acclaim follows in the footsteps of other contemporaries such as Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, and bodes only good things to come for the rising star.
“There will be plenty of new stars that come after me, but for now, all I care about is playing shows, especially in an arena, which makes me feel most comfortable. I’m most proud of and grateful that I’ve grown up at a time when you’re more judged on merit, and appreciate both my label and my fans very much,” he says. “I don’t know if I’ll be releasing new music forever, but I do know that it’s something I do want to keep doing, playing shows and sharing music with others.”
With dashing good looks, a clear voice and soulful lyrics, Johnny’s lyrics are what connects him best to the audience, speaking from the heart not just on relationships, but also critical issues affecting youth and the current generation today, such as mental health and personal vulnerabilities. “Life itself is the inspiration, where the stronger the emotions I have, the more deeply I feel, the easier it is to write songs,” he says. “I’m still figuring out how best to improve and I keep practicing, but all of my songs come from the heart.”
And as for how he stays sane and cares for himself even while on tour, he credits his strong support system all around him. “My family, my friends and my fans are all there supporting me. While I do get into a funk some days, I always come back to logic, where I kick myself back into action, get myself out to take a walk, and make sure that I keep going,” he says. “I’m living my dream right now after all – it’s hard to be sad when you’re doing that!”
“At this stage I’m still figuring out who I am beyond the facts, and that I love music and love my friends,” he concludes. “When I write, I just know that I’m ultimately writing for myself, not for TikTok or for radio, or not even for the fans – it’s about putting things in a way that makes sense to me, and if it resonates with you, then that’s one of the most powerful things I can achieve as an artist.”
Johnny Orlando: The Ride Tour played on 28th November 2023 at Capitol Theatre. Follow Johnny Orlando on his Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube
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