Get ready to add this song to your playlists … Mallory Johnson’s newest single “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart” is one of those songs that hit you.
This song commands attention.
Even though it’s a slower acoustic song, “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart” has a quiet power to it that makes it impossible to ignore. This song is a perfect introduction. It features her beautiful voice and showcases her impressive songwriting.
The story in this song is so relatable. It’s a song about how alcohol is often the liquid courage needed to try and rekindle old flames. When you listen closely to the lyrics, there’s almost something sad about this song. It leaves you feeling sad for both of the people that Mallory is singing about.
The lyric that really sticks out is in the chorus:
You try and tell me that,
you still love me
and I try to say you’re in over your head.
We had the opportunity to connect with Mallory Johnson to talk about this song. It was a really great connection and we’re so excited to share it with you all.
Before we get to the interview, be sure to watch the music video for “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart”.
Music Video For “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart”
Interview With Mallory Johnson
Front Porch Music: Thanks so much for joining us on the Front Porch Mallory! We’re so happy to have you. Why don’t you introduce yourself to our audience. Tell us a bit about yourself, where you’re from, how your musical journey started, etc.
Mallory Johnson: Thank you for having me!
My name is Mallory Johnson and I’m a country music artist and singer/songwriter originally from Newfoundland, but now based in Nashville.
I grew up in a musical family and was introduced to country music at a very early age because my mom performed country music. I also grew up playing Celtic music. When I was 11 years old, I recorded my first album with my Celtic family band The Cormiers. For the span of 6-7 years, we released four studio albums and toured across the country.
That experience introduced me to the industry and I quickly discovered that I wanted to pursue music full time.
Front Porch Music: You have an incredible voice! We want you to read some very flattering words that Grammy nominated Sammy Kershaw has said about your voice: “Her pitch is so good, she has country soul, her phrasing is great and the way she breathes in the song, it’s unbelievable that she has been sitting out there.” What’s it like reading such high praise from someone so prominent in the industry?
Mallory Johnson: Thank you! I was first introduced to Sammy years ago while touring with my family band when we opened for him in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia.
It was pretty cool to get the chance to work with him years later and have a full circle moment when he produced my debut solo EP. He’s been a big believer in me since the beginning and his words hold a lot of weight. He’s a veteran in the country music industry so to hear him say those beautiful things about a new artist like me is extremely validating and encouraging.
Front Porch Music: Your latest single “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart” was written with some awesome Canadian country songwriters, including Krystan Bellows, Tenille Arts, and yourself. What’s the inspiration behind this song, and what was the writing process like with these other incredible artists?
Mallory Johnson: This co-writing session was a little different because it was completely spontaneous.
Myself, Krystan and Tenille were celebrating St. Patty’s Day in 2018, when one of us got a text from an ex-boyfriend late into the evening. Tenille’s reaction was “a drunk mind speaks a sober heart”, so we immediately sat down and wrote the song in my living room.
We drew inspiration from our past relationships and the honesty that finds its way of surfacing when drinking and texting. The song kinda poured out (pun intended), because we’re all great friends and it was easy to write lyrics that were more personal.
Front Porch Music: You had the chance to act and write music for a feature film called “Into The Wilderness” set to be released later this year. What can you tell us about that whole experience? What was the audition like, and how did you get the chance to write music for it?
Mallory Johnson: My manager called me one day and asked if I was interested in auditioning for a movie.
With nothing to lose, I said “sure, why not?”, grabbed my guitar and made my way to the audition downtown Nashville. I was asked to do a cold read for one of the leads. Saying I was rusty was an understatement haha, but when they saw that I brought a guitar with me they asked me if I knew any old war songs.
I just so happened to have one in my repertoire from the years I spent playing with my family band so I played one called “Missing in Action” and then followed that with an original song.
When we left the audition I thought I would walk away and hear nothing of it. To my surprise, we got a call from the producers and they decided to write a part for me into the film so I could sing live on set as well as write music for the film! A few months later I travelled to Knoxville, Tennessee and shot some of the scenes.
My only acting experience prior to that had been musical theatre or my own music videos, so being on a movie set was a very new, but cool experience.
Front Porch Music: Who do you consider your biggest influences? Where do you find your inspiration?
Mallory Johnson: My mom is always a big one for me because if it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be doing music.
Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves are big songwriting influences for me as well. They’re not afraid to make honest art, which I find extremely admirable and inspiring. It’s difficult to isolate where I get my inspiration from. I like to write about events or perform songs that I can personally relate to in some capacity.
The audience won’t connect with the song if you don’t.
Front Porch Music: Right now, we’re all stuck at home trying to do our part to stop the spread of the Coronavirus. Have you picked up any fun new hobbies during this time of social distancing?
Mallory Johnson: I’ve really loved spending time at home in Newfoundland with my family.
It’s been nice to take a minute to appreciate nature as well. I always enjoyed hiking, but I’ve been doing it a lot more over the last few months!
Front Porch Music: Thanks so much, we can’t wait to hear what’s next for you Be sure to stream “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart” below!
Stream “Drunk Mind, Sober Heart” by Mallory Johnson
In country music, the Front Porch has long been a place of reflection. A place where you can look at the life you have inside that front door. A place where time almost seems to stand still, where you can get away. It’s also a place where you can go to observe the world as it passes by you. To think about your place out there beyond the driveway.
