Wisconsin-based singer-songwriter Michael E. Johnson crafts music that blends folk, country, rock, and pop into a warm, honest sound rooted in a strong sense of place. Drawing inspiration from the rolling hills, river valleys, and winding roads of the Midwest, his songs weave vivid storytelling with melodies that linger long after the last chord fades. Johnson’s originals explore the landscapes, communities, and moments that shape our lives, often capturing the quiet details that reveal deeper truths.

 

After years of covering songs by his musical heroes like Bob Dylan, John Prine, Tom Waits, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Jason Isbell, Johnson has developed an original songwriting and performing style that feels both personal and universal. His debut EP, Longer Days, brings together six songs that showcase his gift for lyrical imagery and emotional resonance. Recorded in his home studio with a mix of live acoustic performance and carefully layered arrangements, the project moves from introspective ballads to expansive, scene-setting narratives. Whether evoking the hush of a summer night, the mystery of the deep woods, or the lost language of a prairie wind, Johnson’s music invites listeners to slow down, look closer, and find themselves in the stories he tells.