Johnny Goudie, 56: The Man With a Mic

For some of us, it takes a lifetime to find our voice, to tap into our artistic gifts. For others, getting older is what sets us free to finally say f–k it and create. For Johnny Goudie, the motivation to seriously commit to music came early on, during a brief teenage interaction at a Cheap Trick concert. Since seriously committing to his music and artistic journey, Johnny’s enjoyed a multi-decade-long career of musical variety, creating a discography that makes you raise your eyebrows in astonishment. From early ’90s pop to rock, he’s explored countless genres, moving where the music and his emotions have taken him, performing in nearly every position on stage.

Johnny has captivated audiences as a frontman of numerous bands, including Goudie; as the guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist for renowned touring acts like Ian Moore, Fastball, BoDeans, and others; and as a songwriter working with some of The Go-Go’s greats. Now in his mid-50s, he’s still showcasing his musical prowess on stage, playing the keys, singing the vocals, and rippin’ it on the guitar in SKYROCKET!, a creative cover band that taps into the power of song to conjure up memories and transport folks back in time.

As he continues to take the stage, Johnny also turns on his mic twice a week to connect with fellow musicians in a more relaxed way. Before everyone and their mother had a podcast (or knew what a podcast was), Johnny launched How Did I Get Here? back in 2011. Over the last 14 years, the award-winning podcast has garnered thousands of subscribers, a worldwide fanbase, and hosted renowned guests. 

On the verge of releasing his 1,500th episode this year, Johnny’s appreciation for the music community that raised him only continues to grow. Music has also led him to make an impact beyond the stage as a mentor and a cornerstone of the Austin music scene and community. From creating and working with The Austin Music Foundation’s Artist Development Program to performing for The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians, The SIMS Foundation, and Feeding Souls, among others, he’s proving that doing what you love naturally leads you to find your people and enables you to continuously find the fuel to keep creating and be yourself.

How old are you?
Fifty-six.

Are you married? Kids?
I am not married, and I have no kids.

Where are you from and where are you currently based?
I was born in Miami, Florida, currently live in Austin, Texas, and have since 1991.

What drew you to Austin?
I had lived here for a year as a teenager in the ’80s, and I loved it. I had a lot of friends here, and it was a great place for music even then.

How would your friends describe you in three words?
Funny. Opinionated. Loving.

We heard you were an OG podcaster. What was the impetus for starting your podcast How Did I Get Here?
I started the podcast for a couple of reasons. 1) To connect with my community. Austin has a rich music scene and that is ever-evolving and difficult to keep up with, so starting the podcast kept me in the loop. 2) I’ve always loved talking to people about their life experiences and learning about them.

How has your podcast evolved since you started back in 2011?
I’ve gotten much better at doing this, and I’ve gotten bigger guests.

What were some initial hurdles when you first started podcasting? How did you solve them?
For most people, the initial hurdle is the equipment. I had (still have) a studio with all the microphones and everything to record an album, so a podcast was no big deal. My initial hurdles were learning to be a better listener and having to explain what a podcast was to almost everyone I knew.

What’s been the highlight of your podcasting career thus far? Is there a specific moment, guest, or overall episode that takes the cake?
Getting to talk to legends like The Go-Go’s, Living Colour, and having them in my house is always exciting.

Did you hold any assumptions or misconceptions about a particular band or guest that changed once you interviewed them?
Yes. There have been people whose music I didn’t like, or I didn’t like them as people very much; then, after spending an hour talking to them with an open mind and heart, I end up liking them.

You’ve also had an impressive four-decade long career in the music industry as a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career so far and why?
I’m very proud of all of my collaborative work in bands, but I’m proudest of my solo albums because of their focus and deep meaning to me.

What’s been your favorite solo album to write and produce and why?
My album, Boy In A Box, is my favorite because I played everything on it and recorded it myself. It’s the most “me” album I have ever made.

Was there a formative experience or moment in your childhood or early life that you can pinpoint as the moment you thought, I want to be a musician?
Yes! My origin story. When I was 12, I started taking guitar lessons at my mother’s insistence. I didn’t like it very much. In fact, I hated it. Then a year later, when I was 13, I was at a Cheap Trick concert with some older teens, and a 16-year-old girl in the group that I had a crush on said that she would sleep with Cheap Trick singer Robin Zander because he played guitar. My response was, “I play guitar.” From that day on, I took it really seriously.

Is there a particular source of inspiration—such as your heritage, environment, etc.—that has remained a constant in your work?
Usually what I’m going through emotionally.

What is your songwriting process like?
It’s always different. Like, sometimes, an idea comes when I’m out walking around—and it’s amazing. Other times, I’m beating myself up trying to come up with something. One of the reasons I play different instruments is because when you approach a chord change or a piece of music on a different instrument, it can give you a new idea. I’m always looking for new ideas.

Tell us about your most memorable moment on stage.
There are so many. The times I’ve gotten to play stadiums, arenas, or big festivals have been huge milestones for me.

Are you still playing music or has your involvement in the music community shifted over the years?
I am still playing music for a living. I play in a very popular band called SKYROCKET! And I play solo shows and shows with my own band and record and release music. My involvement in the community is strong as a collaborator, but, as I’ve gotten older, has moved into the role of mentor.

Has your experience of getting older influenced your music or approach to making music?
Yes. It’s a little harder because there’s a catalog of music that I’ve made that I have to live up to. That can be daunting and discouraging sometimes.

What’s your favorite instrument to play and why?
I love playing electric guitar because I’m able to express myself most fluidly. It’s the loudest and most fun.

If you had to perform as a frontman, backup vocalist, guitarist, or keyboardist, for the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why?
I would probably choose frontman because that’s where I’m most comfortable, and I get the most out of it.

Do you feel there’s a particular music genre that’s misunderstood or gets a bad rap?
Not really. Music is so subjective that somebody somewhere likes whatever they’re hearing.

What’s your earliest music memory?
Listening to The Beatles with my mom.

Favorite Beatles’ album and why?
Magical Mystery Tour is my favorite right now. I love the songs. As an album, it’s kind of disjointed in a weird and playful way.

What’s one word you’d use to describe the Austin music scene and why?
Family because there is a level of support both artistically and personally like nothing I have ever experienced.

Beyond music and podcasting, what other forms of creative expression do you dabble in?
I love to draw and paint. I love visual art because there’s no pressure for me, which makes it more fun.

For someone who’s wanting to pursue a creative career, what’s one piece of advice you’d give them?
Make sure you love it with all your heart before you commit. It’s very hard and the most gratifying part of a life as a creative is doing the work.

Who inspires you the most in your life and why?
My family because they’ve kept going through the hardships of life with smiles on their faces.

What are your three non-negotiables in life (i.e., the things you can’t live without)?
Music. Art. Film.

Editor’s Note: Some answers may have been condensed and/or edited for clarity.

Connect with Johnny and get to know him through his art:

Website
Instagram (@johnnygoudieofficial)
Podcast
SKYROCKET!

Cover photo credit: Stephanie Macias