Debut EP from Anthony Johnson

Anthony Johnson arrives from Mississauga as an accomplished guitarist and composer working across pop, jazz, smooth jazz, rock, funk, R&B and modern classical music. His sound moves between softness and momentum, structure and improvisation, finding its identity somewhere in the tension between those contrasting elements. That intricate balance work reflects years spent developing how different sonic threads can come together without cancelling each other out, allowing his compositions to shift depending on what the moment calls for.

His debut single “Midnight Breeze,” released late last year, marked the first public window into that approach, unveiling his ability to build atmosphere through melody, creating something that felt memorable and truly unique. He quickly followed with “Yearning,” another instrumental piece that leaned further into reflection. Together, these tracks established him as an artist attentive to detail, someone capable of shaping emotion through notes and the spaces between them.

This year he returned with “Gossip in My Ear,” showcasing a new side to his sonic vision by adding vocals to his composition. Now, his attention to detail becomes more pronounced with his most ambitious release thus far, his brand new debut EP called Time For Changin’.

As producer, composer and arranger, Anthony takes full control of the project, shaping each element from the ground up in his home studio. Every melody, harmony and rhythm is placed with care, forming an engaging five-track body of work that reflects his broader artistic philosophy.

The EP opens with “Gossip in My Ear,” a track that floats around soulful vocal lines and a gradual sense of tension, progressing in layers rather than sudden shifts. The arrangement begins with soft piano notes, creating a gentle entry point before expanding with subtle percussion and understated guitar textures, resulting in a stunning soul pop sound that’s grooving, instantly catchy and truly impossible not to love.

“On a Train” lands with the steady pulse of quick, quiet guitar tones and expressive female vocals spinning picture painting lyrics into the building arrangement. Gliding with flickering string textures, woozy organ tones and pattering percussion, the track rolls with charming vocal performance to offer a heartfelt pop experience.

With “Take Your Pain Away,” Anthony once again showcases his range with a slick R&B-inflected jam formed with the mellow rattle of crisp drums, intimate vocals and delicate instrumentation, capturing his blend of melodic pop appeal, energising rhythm and experimental arrangement. “The Tides” serves up an enchanting slice of soul pop where shuffling percussion and popping bass lines underpin alluring vocal leads to cast a stellar musical moment.

The closing track, “Time for Changing,” is framed as the EP’s resolution, centring on the idea of stepping away from routine and embracing growth, even when that shift feels uncomfortable. Smooth groove, funk-tinged guitars and cinematic strings float around the graceful vocal leads to craft a superb finale to Anthony Johnson’s incredible new release. With Time For Changin’, Anthony Johnson establishes a clear direction with a musical outing where emotion and structure exist side by side, each informing the other as his sound continues to develop.

Listen to Time For Changin’ below