Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarrenna Johnson.
Hi Sarrenna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I started teaching myself to play acoustic guitar at age 13, and from the get-go, I was pretty satisfied to learn chords as my real love was always singing. For the next 10 years, I played just enough guitar to sing lead or harmony in various church bands. Then, I co-founded the Knoxville American band Guy Marshall. I was passionate about what we were doing and booked us a good bit of weekend gigs locally and regionally over the next 10 years. Coming to the end of a 16-year relationship in 2023, I found myself unnerved about what I would do with the musical part of my life suddenly gone, having not pursued anything solo since I was a kid. I decided to get back into playing the guitar, working harder than ever. Now I have to brag on the local music scene here because so many musicians, writers, or even just local music lovers I’m lucky enough to call friends were a massive part of encouraging me in hard times to find my voice and start writing as well as book me for various things when I felt unqualified. The happiness I have found in music over the last year has made my heart so full. I’m so grateful for where I am in my life today. With the help of my best friends, Travis Bigwood and Aubrey Mullins, on stage and off, I am currently working towards expanding the sound of my solo project to a full band for the following few shows. I’m hopeful we will record an EP in the next few months.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The hardest thing was wanting to be better at guitar quicker than possible. I had to and still am giving it a lot of time, but I am trying to be gentle with myself and share my songwriting despite not feeling like the best player. I’ve improved dramatically in the last year but am very hard on myself. I trust the encouragement of close voices in my life that I’m doing my best, but it’s taken a lot of hard work. If sharing music is important to me, I must work at it daily. Finding the confidence to lead a band was also a struggle, but I’m working at it and loving the progression thus far.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
All I know is if people keep telling me they love my voice, I will keep singing on stage. I’m most proud of being brave enough to begin sharing my songs when I had so much fear of the unknown a year ago. Being vulnerable is uncomfortable, but that makes music so wonderful. Songs by my favorite singer-songwriters have always been healing me. Sharing life experiences through song and people being able to relate to it is unique; I want to do that with my voice. I’ve also had so much fun writing my melodies, and my favorites have a lot of range. My life has changed so drastically; I feel the lyrics I’m writing so profoundly, and it feels good to share them.
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
It’s so cliche, but I’d have to say something like what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I never died the most scared I’ve been on stage (even before playing solo). I survived it and was so proud of myself and thankful people enjoyed it afterward. I don’t want to miss out on trying things because of fear.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @sarrennabean
- Facebook: facebook.com/sarrennamusic
Image Credits
Black and white photos by Knoxville Captured. Red dress photo by Taryn Ferro.
