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Johnta Austin
"Don't let people sway you from your dreams. I've had people tell me that I wasn't going to be able to make it, and I've proved them wrong every step of the way."
It's truly amazing when you think how easily the road of life can change direction with a simple twist of fate. In the mid-1990s, Johnta Austin was a teenage R&B vocalist anticipating all of the fame and fortune that comes with a major record deal. Signed to RCA Records, Johnta was relishing a personal goal set at age eleven. However, here is where the road began to fork. Before he had the opportunity to share his voice with the world, RCA terminated his contract in order to sign another male R&B vocalist. For Johnta, this was a setback, but not a defeat.
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"I wouldn't change the good or the bad.
That's what builds character."
Johnta Austin continued working on his other
talent, songwriting. He had had marginal success with writing.
He placed his first track at age 15. The track,"Can't
Be Wasting My Time" by Mona Lisa, was featured on the
Don't Be A Menace To Society While Drinking Your Juice In
Hood soundtrack. With a new focus and his mentor, Troy Taylor
of the Characters, Johnta began to take his writing to the
next level. He concentrated on trying to make things "sound
better" and began placing tracks on various R&B
projects. Eventually he reached the point that so many writers
dream of ... a certified hit. In 1999, Johnta Austin's first
chart topper was "Sweet Lady" by Tyrese, the same
R&B male singer that had replaced him at RCA. He was
only eighteen. Talk about a sweet road to success!
"Being a part of the music of today and the music to come is definitely a plus."
For this twenty-year-old, songwriting is an expression of daily experiences. With a self-described style that focuses on catchy melodies, Johnta believes that though the songs may change, the lyrics will remain faithful. It is by faith and emotions that audiences respond. There was definitely an emotional connection with audiences that helped his tracks "Get Gone" by Ideal and "I Don't Wanna" by Aaliyah soar to the top of the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts. "Get Gone" was Ideal's debut track about a jilted lover that went all the way to #2. "I Don't Wanna" was featured on the soundtracks for Romeo Must Die and Next Friday. It was so hot that it made it into the top 5 on the charts without a video or major promotional campaign.
"I value the caliber of people I have been able to work with and be respected by."
How does he do it? By starting with an initial concept or title, Johnta vibes with a song until its maturation. This skill has helped him when working with top R&B artists, like Toni Braxton. Johnta was hired to work with Toni on her latest album The Heat. When he initially met the songstress, they conducted a brainstorming session. Brainstorming with artists is commonplace in songwriting. For this reason, Johnta stresses the importance of always being prepared, being able to work quickly and having a backup plan. From his session with Toni, the idea of a cheating man's attempt to break up with his girlfriend surfaced. This concept turned into Toni's single "Just Be A Man About It," which also made it into the top 10. Creatively, Johnta considers this track a definite high point in his career. "The way that it was written, the way that the conversation happens with Dr. Dre," he explains, "I think it is like a masterpiece."
"It pays to have a team that cares about you."
In 1993, Johnta signed on with his manager, Christopher Young at age 13. They initially met while Johnta was acting in television commercials and Christopher worked for a management company that worked with actors. Their mutual interest in music prompted the partnership that has continued to flourish. In 1997, Johnta signed with Chrysalis Music Publishing. For him it was an ideal situation. Chrysalis had just established a new administration that had something to prove, as did he. He credits them with opening doors and relationships that he may not have had access to on his own. Through them and his management, Johnta has always had a strong team by his side to share in the glory.
"I definitely have more to say musically."
Focusing on lyrics and melodies, he does not play any instruments, Johnta continues to work on improving his sound and expanding his horizons. In December, he is scheduled to go to Sweden and delve into the world of pop music. Though this is new terrain for him, he is very optimistic about where he is going. He hopes steps like these will allow him work with some of the greatest songwriters of our time like R. Kelly, Diane Warren, Michael Jackson and Max Martin in the future. As things continue to come full circle, Johnta is preparing to sign as an artist again. So, prepare to see and hear more from Johnta Austin, because this young man has a whole lot more to say.
"Peace."
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