So how much interest does a Michael Johns article about his album and single release actually generate? As a writer, I'd love to be able to extend an exact number for you. For that matter, I'd like to know that number myself. However, since I'm not able to do that, I'll give you a rough guesstimate and you can do the math for yourself.AI Finalist Michael Johns Announces New Album Release Date
Written by Ultimat1
Published April 08, 2009
Although the original release dates for his debut album and single were first published here at Blogcritics, I'm back to let you know the dates have been changed. The previous article's information was based on an email confirmation from Michael himself, but even he could not foresee the need to change the dates at the time. Michael Johns' debut single "Heart On My Sleeve" has been rescheduled to drop on April 14, with radio impact to start April 21.
According to recent reports from various news outlets, the upcoming release is on the TRP Record Label. Through those news reports, we learned Michael has signed a new deal with Downtown Records/Fontana to handle distribution for the new album and single. In other interviews, Michael was also heard to say that he'd signeda deal with Sony for distribution too, so maybe it's both.
Battling red tape over the distribution part of the release is considered by most to have caused the unforeseen two-week delay from the original release date.
Logistics for distribution might be important to some (namely Michael, his label, and management), but it doesn't matter to me who's distributing the records as long as I get mine the day they go on sale. I'm not here to tell you about his distribution deals anyway. I'm here to announce release dates.
"Heart On My Sleeve" is the first single from Michael's debut album Hold Back My Heart, and there's already talk of a video to go along with the new single. The album release date is now "officially" set for June 23, 2009. According to an article found at The Dead Hub, the single was co-written by Johns Shanks. You might know him from his work with Carlos Santana, Sting, and Bon Jovi, among others.
There's a long list of well-known names that have been associated with helping create this one-of-a-kind album. In previous interviews, we've heard the names Diane Warren, Gnarls Barkley, John Shanks, Rye Randa, Cee-Lo Green, and several others who might have collaborated with Michael on some of the tracks. We still don't know which of those co-writers' songs may have made it to the final product.
Most of the songs for the CD were self-penned according to the interviews and news pieces we've seen. Michael has himself described the music on the album in an article with The West Australian back in September of 2008:
“It’s going to be a rock soul record, about love and loss and yearning,” he said.
“There’s all these influences from Van Morrison to Joe Cocker, a bit of INXS, a bit of Otis Reading, so it’s definitely white soul sound.
“There’s nothing really out there like that right now. I guess Amy Winehouse and Duffy are touching on that, but that’s more the female side. There’s nothing as far as a white guy rocking out.”
That mixture of artists conjures up imaginings for some of the best rock/soul/blues music to ever be written. This album is long awaited and much anticipated by all of the fans who have followed his music news on a daily basis in his fan forums. Loyal fans of the too-soon and shockingly booted hot Aussie American Idol heartthrob wanted new music from Michael Johns the instant he left the show. Michael, however, had other ideas... like putting out something that had musical merit and would stand the test of time. Fine. Begrudgingly, we patiently wait.
I've been following this man's career for over a year now, and published my first article about him for Blogcritics in July of 2008. Most all of Michael Johns' recent post-American Idol history has been chronicled here. Check my writer's page to see what other Michael Johns news you may have missed. Believe me, folks — there's been plenty of news in the past and even more Michael Johns chronicles planned as we follow his career into the very distant future.
Some of the more noteworthy events that Johns has been a part of since the last update I gave in March included a concert for which he played at Celebrity Fight Night, held in Phoenix on March 28. That annual effort is considered to be one of the most prestigious charitable events in the nation.
This year's performers included Michael Johns along with, David Foster, Jon Bon Jovi, Charice, Josh Groban, and Jordin Sparks, just to name a few. It was emceed by Reba McEntyre and was attended by Muhammad Ali. The charity celebrated its fifteenth year and has raised over 52 million dollars for various charities since its inception, notably Muhammad Ali's Parkinson Center. You can read more details about it at their website.
Michael's future events include an immediate appearance on American Idol Extra. This is your chance to watch him debut the new single "Heart On My Sleeve". You can go to American Idol Extra to check your local channel listings and to see what times the show will air in your area. Set those DVRs now so you don't miss this one!
Michael has a few other events lined up in the near future. He'll be judging the All-Campus Idol competition being held in Madison, WI on April 21. Those lucky students will also be treated to watching him perform in concert. Details for that event can be found at the Wisconsin Alumni All-Campus Party website.
The next major event we're aware of where you can see him perform is at the America’s Polo Cup being held in Potomac Maryland May 8-9, 2009. (Australia vs. USA in the America's Polo Cup World Championships). You can find details for that and all future events at Michael Johns Central. Tour information and dates will be posted there just as soon as we get them.
In the meantime, Michael has just finished up helping write a song for American Idol alum Brooke White's new album too, but more on that later. This particular article is about Michael Johns and his new release. Mark your calendars now for the single release "Heart On My Sleeve" happening April 14, and the album Hold Back My Heart to drop on June 23.
For you die-hard fans who just can't get enough news, pictures, videos, and everything else associated with Michael Johns, please take the time to visit and join us in the forums. Cheers and g'day mates, until next I bring breaking news. Rest assured, I'll be back to tell you what more there is to find out about Michael Johns.
In deference to his star status, I think I'll let Michael himself get the last word in this time. Here's the bulletin he posted from his official MySpace page on April 7, 2009:
Hey everyone ONE WEEK TO GO till Heart on my sleeve!!!I want to thank you all for hanging in there with me this past year. I cannot believe it's been a year since i was kicked off Idol. I have to say as i have many times, i wouldn't change a thing. The love and support i have received has truly made this the best year of my life.
So with that being said i cannot wait for yall to hear the new single next week. Some of you have heard the snippet and told me you love it, cheers!
Other than that i have just been traveling, playng events and doing press. Loving life and playing music doesnt get better.
Will update you soon guys,
MJ
From: Michael Johns
To:
Date: Apr 7, 2009 2:23 PM
Subject: One week to go!
Hey everyone ONE WEEK TO GO till Heart on my sleeve!!!
I want to thank you all for hanging in there with me this past year. I cannot believe it's been a year since i was kicked off Idol. I have to say as i have many times, i wouldn't change a thing. The love and support i have received has truly made this the best year of my life.
So with that being said i cannot wait for yall to hear the new single next week.
Some of you have heard the snippet and told me you love it, cheers!
Other than that i have just been traveling, playng events and doing press. Loving life and playing music doesnt get better.
Will update you soon guys,
MJ
“AMERICAN IDOL” FINALIST MICHAEL JOHNS TO RELEASE DEBUT ALBUM HOLD BACK MY HEART JUNE 23 ON TRP RECORDS
LEAD SINGLE “HEART ON MY SLEEVE” TO IMPACT RADIO APRIL 21 AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON iTUNES APRIL 14
Los Angeles, CA (April 6, 2009) –A year after his electrifying performances made him a favorite with “American Idol” fans around the world, singer-songwriter Michael Johns will release debut album Hold Back My Heart on June 23 through TRP Records being distributed by Downtown Records/Fontana.Johns was a top ten finalist during season 7 of “American Idol” and his departure from the show drew outcries from the series’ mega-million-strong audience and helped inspire a new rule for the current season. This year sees the show using a new “judges save” rule for the top 13 finalists, allowing judges to keep a contestant from being eliminated prematurely. When introducing the new rule, the show ran footage of Michael Johns, Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson and asked “what do these three Idols have in common,” with the answer being that all three were sent home too soon.Not that Johns is complaining.“Talk about the chance of a lifetime,” says the Aussie native. “’Idol’ allowed me to introduce myself to the world and I plan on making the most of that opportunity.”He’ll start with Hold Back My Heart, an album that sees Johns drawing inspiration from his own idols—Paul Weller, Joe Cocker, the Faces—to create a stunning collection of blues-soaked rock and classic soul songs. Among the album’s many highlights is lead single “Heart On My Sleeve,” co-written by John Shanks (Carlos Santana, Sting, Bon Jovi). The track impacts radio on April 21 and iTunes on April 14.In between his time on “Idol” and the recording of Hold Back My Heart, Johns recorded the holiday song “Another Christmas” and donated its proceeds to the Red Cross and ALS. He also co-wrote the soundtrack for the acclaimed documentary Don’t Look Down, based on Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, performed on the west coast run of Kanye West’s “Glow in the Dark” tour and on the PBS special “Hit Man: David Foster and Friends,” the latter featuring Michael Buble, Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli. Additional appearances include “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” ‘Live with Regis & Kelly,” “The Today Show,” and “Ellen.” In addition Johns just co-wrote a track for the upcoming album from “Idol” alum Brooke White.
”I remember driving down the freeway at age 15 and Pearl Jam’s ‘Daughter’ was on the radio,” Johns recalls. “I don’t know what it was about that song, but afterward I kept singing it over and over. The feeling it gave me made me say, ‘I have to do this for life.’ I started a band a few months later and have been going ever since. I never dreamed it would take me here.”
Former Idol Michael Johns to Release Album
by Written By: cjoyce
In every musician's life, there is that moment when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life creating music. For Johns, it happened when he was fifteen and his inspiration was Pearl Jam's "Daughter." Johns said, "I don’t know what it was about that song, but afterward I kept singing it over and over. The feeling it gave me made me say, ‘I have to do this for life.’ I started a band a few months later and have been going ever since. I never dreamed it would take me here.”
We all fell in love with the Aussie from down under during season seven of American Idol and this coming June Michael Johns will release his debut album titled Hold Back My Heart. Each week on Idol, Johns rocked out with his contagious charisma, his powerful rocker style, and his soulful sound. It has been a year since we last saw Johns and he has been working hard on his music to bring his fans the best album ever.
Johns new album will definitely skyrocket to the top of the charts with his first single "Heart On My Sleeve" which was co-written by Johns and John Shanks. John Shanks produced Miley Cyrus's new song "The Climb" and also penned lyrics for Colbie Caillat, Sting, and Bon Jovi. His new album Hold Back My Heart will be available through TRP Records and will be distributed by Downtown Records/Fontana. Mark your calendars because "Heart On My Sleeve" will be debuting on iTunes on April 14 and hitting the airwaves on April 21st.
• I got a release today with news about Season 7 finalist Michael Johns. The bluesy singer from Australia (via Buckhead, Ga.), will release his debut album, Hold Back My Heart, on June 23.
The CD's first single "Heart On My Sleeve," co-written by John Shanks (Carlos Santana, Sting, Bon Jovi) hits iTunes on April 14 and radio on April 21. Good luck, Michael!
Copyright 2009 Tim Boyles / Getty
From ET.online:
American Idol Alum Michael Johns Releases Album
It was an "American Idol" shocker the night that Michael Johns was voted off the show last season, but now the Aussie heartthrob is releasing his debut album, Hold Back My Heart.
The first single from the album, "Heart on My Sleeve," will be available on iTunes on April 14 and the track impacts radio on April 21. The album drops on June 23.
When "American Idol" instituted the new "judges save" rule this season, Michael was one of the contestants, along with Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, who was featured in the footage that ran of those who were sent home too soon.
But he takes his being voted off too early in stride, saying, "Talk about the chance of a lifetime. 'Idol' allowed me to introduce myself to the world and I plan on making the most of that opportunity."
Michael has been busy since finishing up the "American Idol" tour. He recorded the holiday song "Another Christmas," with proceeds going to the Red Cross and ALS. He also co-wrote the soundtrack for the documentary "Don't Look Down," based on Olympic gold medalist Shaun White. He performed on the West Coast run of Kanye West's "Glow in the Dark" tour and on the PBS special "Hit Man: David Foster & Friends." In addition, Johns just co-wrote a track for the upcoming album from "Idol" alum Brooke White.
"I remember driving down the freeway at age 15 and Pearl Jam's 'Daughter' was on the radio," Michael recalls. "I don't know what it was about that song, but afterward I kept singing it over and over. The feeling it gave me made me say, 'I have to do this for life.' I started a band a few months later and have been going ever since. I never dreamed it would take me here."
Posted April 06, 2009 12:43:00 PM
See All: American Idol Brooke White david foster Michael Johns music
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