BIOGRAPHY
Described as colorful, expressive, and irresistibly mood-shaping, Stephen Johnson's work has been recognized for its innovative fusion of world sonorities, acoustic warmth, and contemporary textures. With melodic depth and lyrical optimism, critics note that their music redefines bossa as a living, evolving artform, with the single Face to Face called nothing short of “a masterpiece.”
Stephen Johnson is a British-born songwriter, composer, vocalist, and multi-instrumentalist whose five-decade career spans progressive rock, new wave, world music, multimedia works, and contemporary dance composition. Beginning professionally at 17 with the bands Edge and later Vienna, Stephen toured the UK and Germany before forming the new wave group Victorian Parents, signed to Polydor, releasing two singles and an album, and appearing on the BBC’s Old Grey Whistle Test. His solo project Son of John earned acclaim from John Peel, who called him “persuasively peculiar and innovative.” Mentorship from Peter Gabriel led to a move to Woodstock, NY, where he co-formed The Island of Men with producer Jerry Marotta, further exploring polyrhythmic rock and film scoring. His work with Movita Dance Theatre toured the U.S. and Canada, followed by the surrealist fusion ensemble Lucky Mission. After two years living in Cork, Ireland, Stephen integrated Irish acoustic textures into new compositions and recordings. His latest release, NU Bossa: Elixir’s (2024), blends Euro-Brazilian rhythm, poetic lyricism, folk sonorities, and contemporary sound design. Upcoming: Future Nu Bossa — Songs to End Wars, a protest-song and visual project responding to the global moment.