General News
6 August, 2024
From the Overlander to the Isa’s biggest stage, Johnston pumped for rodeo
The country music star has gone from pub gigs to the big time in a short period.
James Johnston is no stranger to Mount Isa, but still feels like he has to pinch himself when he starts thinking about his journey that has landed him the lead gig at the country’s most iconic rodeo.
“I used to fly out here to play gigs at the Overlander (Hotel) and that could be in front of 50 or 500 people, depending on the night,” the country music star told North West Weekly.
“They used to just cover our flights and give us a bit of cash. I reckon I sang Horses about eight times one night!”
However, Johnston says he loved coming to Mount Isa for another reason.
“I’m not sure if I should say this but I liked it because (the Overlander) used to have these great backpackers working at the bar,” he said with a smile.
Johnston, who didn’t make the top 10 of TV talent quests Australian Idol or X-Factor, said his recent success was the result of hard work.
“If anyone talks to young musicians they all say to wake and up and work hard every day and good things will come, which is true,” he said.
Two years ago, Johnston made his Isa Rodeo debut when he got a call up to fill in for one of the main acts, who cancelled.
This year, he’s considered to be Saturday night’s headliner, following his popular performance in 2022 and his rise in the ranks of the Australian country music scene.
Earlier this year, the Wingham-born singer-songwriter picked up two Golden Guitar awards for New Talent of the Year and Vocal Collaboration of the Year for Same Songs, a duet with Kaylee Bell.
It follows his 2021 smash hit Raised Like That, an ARIA Gold debut single.
Johnston said he was keen to get the crowd involved in his performance at the Mount Isa Rodeo, which will begin after the open bull ride final.
“There will be big energy,” he said.
“I’m not a sit and listen sort of show – I’m all about getting the crowd involved. I want them to sing with me and I need them to be right with me for the whole night.
“You’ll see people singing and clapping and dancing.
“I want people to forget about their problems and whatever is going on in their life and just lose themselves in the moment.”
Johnston said while he loved rodeos, he wasn’t likely to get in the chutes.
“They had a rodeo behind the Great Western Hotel and one night they convinced me to get on a bull and I broke my foot, even though it was probably the tamest bull they had,” he said.