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Reporter
Everything. That’s what music means to artist Johnny Stimson.
And this weekend, Baylor students can hear Stimson’s music right here in Waco. He will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Common Grounds. Tickets are $5 online and $7 at the door.
Performing with him will be Uproar artist Trannie Stevens and Aprilemade.
Stimson is a Dallas native and a graduate of Texas A&M with degrees in finance and business honors.
Stimson writes his own music. He has been recording his original songs in Brooklyn, New York and has been in several showcases in Los Angeles.
One of his songs can even be heard in the promo for the fifth season of the CW’s show “The Vampire Diaries.”
He describes his sound as unique.
“Some mash-up of dance music from the ’70s, harmonies from the ’60s, some synths from the ’80s, drums from the ’90s, all with the pop sensibility of 2013,” Stimson said. “All wrapped up inside a warm tortilla of love.”
Stimson said he gets his inspiration from some classic rock musicians.
“I am totally inspired by The Beatles, and particularly, Paul McCartney,” Stimson said.
One of his favorite songs is The Beatles hit, “Hey Jude.”
“The whole hopeful sentiment is beautiful to me,” Stimson said. “Paul wrote it for John Lennon’s son Julian when he was having a rough go. That and it has one of the most powerful melodies of all time.”
This weekend will not be the first time Stimson has performed in Waco. He has done several other shows on Baylor’s campus, including performing at the All-University Event Fish Fry earlier this month.
“I really just love Waco and know that people are excited to hear my songs there,” Stimson said.
Stimson grew up playing music and started a band in high school. In college he began writing more music before graduating early. Eventually, he started recording in New York.
Stimson says he got the music bug from his dad.
“I really look up to my dad,” Stimson said. “I like how he enjoys music for the soul of it. Both of us just love to sit at the piano or with a guitar just because.”
Houston senior Meredith Robertson grew up with Stimson as her older cousin.
“That whole side of the family is musically talented and I have been watching him sing since I was little,” Robertson said. “Last Christmas we listened to some of the songs he recorded. It is awesome to see his songs grow. I love that he comes to Baylor to perform so all my friends can hear him. They love all of his songs.”
While writing all his songs, Stimson said he gets inspiration from his real life.
“I take that real-life inspiration and throw it into my weird imagination chamber and let it cook,” Stimson said.
Stimson said he is particularly proud of his music video for the song “Human Man.” A massive snowstorm hit the few days before he shot the video. “It was like an ice cave out there,” Stimson said. “I thought that my hands were going to fall off it was so cold.”
Stimson said he is in for the long haul for music. He wants to do it until he is “old and wrinkly.” He wants to play for lots of people and bring a smile to their face.
“It is well with my soul because I know where I’m going and I know my Creator,” Stimson said.
To hear Stimson’s music, learn about upcoming shows and watch his videos, visit www.facebook.com/johnnystimson.
