Currents, an Interview Series with Brian Alan Ellis (Episode 19: Will Johnson)

Will Johnson

WILL JOHNSON is a musician and songwriter who has played in the bands Centro-matic, South San Gabriel, Marie/Lepanto, Overseas, New Multitudes, and Monsters of Folk. He also releases records under his own name, and makes paintings centering on the subject of baseball and its history. His work has appeared in American Short Fiction, and If or When I Call is his first novel. He was born in Kennett, Missouri, and currently lives in Austin, Texas. 

My current favorite books are: When Ghosts Come Home by Wiley Cash (advanced copy), The Night Always Comes by Willy Vlautin (advanced copy), and Sleepovers by Ashleigh Bryant Phillips.

My current favorite film is: Hunt for the Wilderpeople by Taika Waititi. 

My current favorite television show is: …I’ve got no consistent TV activity in my life.  

My current favorite albums are: When the Black Hand Touches You by Lukah, Luminarium by Tape, and Innocent Country 2 by Quelle Chris and Chris Keys.

My current state of mind is: maintaining.

My current chemical romance involves: running… or sitting in a cheap plastic chair in the sunshine out back under the tree, dozing off when no one’s looking.  

My current favorite quote/phrase is:It may or may not all work out.”

My current mode of transportation is: one of two grey Toyotas.

My current favorite fast food establishment is: El Tacorrido.  

My current workout routine consists of: running… and toddler lifts (20-25x daily).

My current regrettable decision involves: talking myself out of running, not enough late night walks, and not taking more random drives in the country. 

My current hopes and dreams involve:  a trip west with my family… to play some shows again and stay in a decent, mid-level casino hotel for a few days near a solid dive bar while starting on the next book… to sit in a goddamned Cracker Barrel with a table by the window and perfectly cooked pancakes and bacon, eavesdropping.  

My current projects/hobbies include: painting, sweeping, and helping our kids through these days. Pacing.  

 

Will Johnson is online at will-johnson.com.

Brian Alan Ellis runs House of Vlad Press, and is the author of several books, including Sad Laughter (Civil Coping Mechanisms, 2018). His writing has appeared at Juked, Hobart, Fanzine, Monkeybicycle, Electric Literature, Vol. 1 Brooklyn, Funhouse, Heavy Feather Review, and Yes Poetry, among other places. He lives in Florida.

Follow Vol. 1 Brooklyn on TwitterFacebook, and sign up for our mailing list.