I didn’t expect to find a new favorite country artist on my recent vacation to Key West, Florida. A stop by the Hogs Breath Saloon had me loving KC Johns’ country rock sound in no time. The way she blends classic country and rock together with lyrics about western rodeo and life on road, had me wanting to know the story behind her career and songwriting. KC talked with me about her start in music, her decision to move to Nashville and develop her authentic sound, writing songs personal to her life, and touring around the world. All of this, plus releasing her own bourbon with Cali Distillery, has me inspired. Read on to learn about KC Johns’ music and her plans for the new year ahead.
Creating Her Own Sound
Inspired by her Granddaddy playing music for her as a young girl, KC started her music career by forming a band as a teenager. She then gained experience by performing different genres of music on cruise ships and classic country music at Dollywood. In 2017 she decided to move to Nashville to form a band again and focus on developing her authentic sound – a blend of country and rock with storytelling lyrics about her life. In 2022, she released her debut album, Thunder, featuring the single release, “Confused.” Then in 2023, KC decided it was time to write music about her life experiences and lean into telling true stories with influences of Texas country music and rock.
Rodeo Queen + Dodging Bullets
KC’s release of “Rodeo Queen” reflects the style and sound she has longed to create. The lyrics tell the love story of her parents. KC’s mom was a world-champion barrel racer, and her stepdad was a bull rider. The song captures how they fell in love with a Texas country-rock sound. The song is a hit across social media and streaming platforms and was nominated for a Top Ten Song by the Texas CMA, along with reaching #28 on the Texas country radio charts. Its country yet edgy sound will have you turning it up and singing along.
– KC Johns
“Momma didn’t raise no big city pretty girl,
Can’t turn a wrench, make a fire in a country world,
Dirt on my feet, calloused up botha my hands,
It’s like I’m riding barrels,
Looking for a man,
That’ll stand in his snake skins,
Beat the sun up, he’s already awake then,
Give me some lovin’,
When it’s going back down again,
So if you ain’t fit for it,
A few seconds is all that you’ll get,
Try to ride with me,
With this rodeo queen.”
“Going into the writers’ room with Brett Trout and Tim Angsten, I knew exactly the vibe and direction I wanted to go. The first verse of Rodeo Queen, ‘Daddy was a Mustang mama knew how to break’ introduces you to a wild ride right at the top of the song. The chorus rounds out exactly what I would love to find in someone one day, which I think most people can relate to. I was ecstatic when Smith Curry with Song of the Year Awards from ASCAP, CMA, and ACM agreed to produce. Rodeo Queen is a country rocker based on my favorite love story,” says KC.
KC’s recent release of “Dodging Bullets,” tells her story as a single girl traveling the world singing in honkytonks and festival stages. It’s a girl-empowering song with an upbeat, edgy sound – definitely another one to turn up and rock out to. KC loves the touring life with lots of days in Key West, across the country, and across the globe set for next year. She just got back from touring in Norway where she says they have been loving “Rodeo Queen.” She is excited for festivals, including CMA Fest in 2025.
Thunder Bourbon Whiskey
In addition to her music, KC has a love for whiskey. She had the opportunity to create her own brand of bourbon whiskey, KC Johns Thunder Mesquite Smoked Bourbon Whiskey, with Cali Distillery. KC enjoyed working with the distillery throughout the entire process. Thunder bourbon whiskey has a smokey mesquite taste and can be purchased online.
New Music + More to Come
KC is ready for the holiday season with her new song, “Rock For Christmas.” She sings about a girl wanting to rock out with Santa for Christmas and also wanting a rock on her finger as a gift. KC loves to create fun tunes for everyone to rock out to and has plans to release more new music in 2025. To stay in the know of all her new music and tour dates, visit kcjohns.rocks and follow her on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Go stream “Rock For Christmas” and all her music on Spotify and other music platforms now. Also, be sure to check out her new duet with Ty Smith & The Minor Offenses – “Lost And Found.”
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