Josh Johnson's Animative
· culture
Josh Johnson’s Animative: An Experiment in Sonic Identity
Josh Johnson’s upcoming album, Animative, marks a significant departure from his previous work, including 2024’s Unusual Object. Rather than simply building on past successes, Johnson is using this release to reflect the changing landscape of American music.
The album’s eclecticism is one of its most striking features. With a range of guests, including Meshell Ndegeocello and Marquis Hill, Animative showcases Johnson’s ability to collaborate with artists from diverse backgrounds. This fusion of styles results in fascinating musical combinations that highlight the role of the producer as curator and facilitator.
Johnson’s background as a composer, saxophonist, and synthesist has prepared him well for this task. As co-founder of SML and member of Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet, he has been at the forefront of experimental music for years, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic instruments. His work on Meshell Ndegeocello’s 2023 album The Omnichord Real Book demonstrates his ability to balance creative vision with technical skill.
The tracklist for Animative reveals a range of moods and textures, from the dreamy electronica of “Idiofone” to the more frenetic energy of “Jazz Chord Possession”. This variety stems not only from Johnson’s eclecticism but also his willingness to experiment with different forms. The inclusion of “Aughts Hymnal”, for example, suggests an interest in revisiting the past while reinterpreting it through a contemporary lens.
Johnson will tour in support of Animative, performing with Anna Butterss and Ben Lumsdaine in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and Brooklyn. Given his reputation as a versatile performer and composer, these shows promise to be highlights of the fall music season. As Johnson navigates this new album, it’s clear that he is pushing forward into uncharted territory.
The significance of Animative extends beyond Johnson’s own work. In an era where nostalgia for the past often trumps innovation, his willingness to experiment and explore new sounds serves as a reminder that music is always evolving. This album will be shaped by its willingness to take risks and challenge conventions, influencing the next generation of artists.
Johnson’s production credits on Flea’s recent album Honora also suggest a broader interest in exploring new sounds and styles. This eclecticism is a hallmark of contemporary American music, where genres are increasingly fluid and collaborations are becoming more common.
With Animative preparing for its November 10 streaming release, fans eagerly await the opportunity to hear this new material in context. For those who have followed Johnson’s work over the years, this album promises to deliver on his promise as a visionary composer and performer. As we listen to Animative, it’s clear that Johnson is forging a new path forward, one that will shape the future of American music for years to come.
Josh Johnson has given us a gift with Animative: an album that embodies the spirit of innovation and experimentation that defines avant-garde music. Its 10 tracks remind us not just of his musical merit but also of the role he plays in shaping the sound of American music today.
Reader Views
- DCDrew C. · cultural critic
While Josh Johnson's Animative showcases his skill as a producer and curator, it's worth noting that its eclecticism may also be a double-edged sword. With so many guests and styles on display, the album sometimes feels like a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive whole. Will these diverse influences ultimately coalesce into something more profound, or will they instead create a sense of disconnection? As Johnson navigates this ambitious project, it's possible that he may sacrifice some artistic continuity for the sake of innovation – a trade-off that only time and repeated listens will reveal.
- TSThe Society Desk · editorial
The real test of Johnson's Animative will be how well he weaves together these disparate threads on stage. While his eclecticism is undeniably exciting in theory, live performances can sometimes feel like a juggling act between competing styles. The inclusion of multiple vocalists and instrumentalists also raises questions about how the album's various personalities will mesh with each other in real time. Can Johnson successfully balance his role as curator with that of band leader, or will Animative's varied influences create a disjointed experience for listeners?
- PLProf. Lana D. · social historian
While Josh Johnson's Animative undoubtedly showcases his impressive range as a composer and producer, it's worth considering how this eclecticism might be seen as a symptom of the music industry's increasing reliance on genre-bending as a marketing strategy. In an era where musical boundaries are constantly being pushed and blurred, it's becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish between genuine artistic innovation and calculated attempts to appeal to niche audiences. Will Johnson's Animative truly represent a new frontier in sonic identity, or will it be just another entry in the industry's ongoing game of musical one-upmanship?