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If you believe good music has a throwback quality, then the moody, masculine elegance of Johnny Orlando's music is a perfect fit. The Toronto-born signer has all the staples of a bad boy troubadour, an edgy and handsome demeanor with brooding lyrics, and a voice that keeps deepening with his life experiences. We got butterflies when we asked for the chance to dive into the culmination of his The Ride trilogy after finishing up a tour of the same name. To dig into the latest check out the below, including whether he’s planning on getting even “hotter and cooler.” 

Ones To Watch: Who is Johnny Orlando?

Johnny Orlando: Sum of all of the father figures I’ve ever had.

What is The Ride: Part 3 all about? 

Part three is about reflection. That feeling of clarity when everyone has finally moved on. It takes a while, but when I get there I feel like I can finally breathe out and grant myself closure. 

You have a bit of a throwback sound, how did that come about?  

I don’t know if I would say throwback but I definitely try to make things as timeless as I can. I used to get so wrapped up in trends in music and what everyone else was doing, but it never made me happy or feel fulfilled as an artist. Sometimes it feels like everyone is pushing you in that direction, and my debut album was the first time I was confident enough to say no.

Any collaborations on the project? Who produced it? 

No collaborations on this project, it’s really just a stream of consciousness from when I was coming out of a relationship and at my lowest. My sister Darian is kind of like an executive producer for my stuff. We write and work together really closely on the entire artist project, but she lets me be me as well.

How do you feel your sound has evolved or changed since your first album? 

I mean tastes just change. I promised myself I’d never again release a song I didn’t completely believe in, and my definition of what I believe in changes constantly too. I’m just trying to push myself forward.

What would make you happy on your next release? 

Of course I crave validation, but really I write because I used to just be so confused. I was confused about who I was and why I felt the way I did, and I felt like nobody understood me. I just hope people hear my stuff and hear me talk about how I’m feeling and feel seen.

Besides this excellent project, what else should we be on the lookout for?

I’m going on tour in Europe in February!! First time since before covid and I am absolutely pumped. Also, I’m gonna get a lot hotter and cooler in the next like six months and hopefully better at guitar so make sure you stay tuned. 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music? 

Nature, and the way that people interact with each other.

Food or drink best suited to enjoying your work? 

Your own tears.

Who are your Ones To Watch?

My beautiful talented amazing friends Sadie Jean, my roommate Sombr, and GUS are all worth a billion listens.