BY IRVIN RIVERA

Rising star, Johnny Orlando, a dynamic force in the music industry, has seamlessly transitioned from a young YouTube sensation to a chart-topping music artist, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide. Born in 2003, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, Johnny's early foray into music through covers and original songs on YouTube showcased not just his undeniable talent but also a maturity beyond his years. His journey is marked by significant milestones, including the release of his debut EP "VXIIXI" in 2015, and his more recent work, "It's Never Really Over," which further solidified his place in the pop music landscape. Orlando's music, characterized by its infectious melodies and relatable lyrics, speaks directly to the pulse of the youth, earning him a dedicated global fan base and accolades, such as nominations for the Juno Award for "Breakthrough Artist of the Year." 

In the wake of a whirlwind tour across Asia and the successful launch of his EP series, "The Ride," Johnny sits down with us to peel back the layers of his recent endeavors and what lies ahead. Fresh off a period of much-needed relaxation, the emerging young artist reveals his contemplative side, sharing insights into the creative processes that have shaped his music and personal growth.

You recently celebrated your 21st birthday. How does it feel to be officially an adult? Do you feel any different, how did you celebrate? 

It feels good and fun. I don't particularly feel any older. I feel the same as I always have. It’s nice to be a bit older. You somewhat get rewarded by the government with things you can do now. So now if my agent wants to go get drinks I can do it, haha. After a certain age you kinda just feel like it's another year. We always have to get something going here. 

Throughout the years of your career so far, how would you describe your evolution as an artist? 

Slow, probably. It definitely has been slow. It's been many years, and I feel like everyone reaches the point of feeling like this. The feeling that I'm just now starting to get good at this music thing. My career evolution feels slow but very organic. I’m just trying to get better all the time.

It's ever-changing and evolving. It’s good though; slow is good. You just take your time. It’s been ten years since you uploaded your first video on YouTube. Looking back at everything that has happened, from music to TV show voiceovers and tours, you mentioned that it's been slow but overall, how does it feel for you, especially now that you're 21? 

I don't know, to be honest. I think I've already had my whole existential “holy shit, I’m old,” “holy shit, it's getting real” moment when I was eighteen to twenty. Those were the years where I graduated high school, then I turned twenty. There was a point where I was in my head all day, all the time. And recently, it's just like yeah, life goes on. You try to be the happiest you can and do some cool stuff along the way. It's really crazy to look back. I was going on tour when I was 13, and that was a baby child doing that, which is pretty cool, but I'm just focused on what is ahead of me these days.

Let's talk about The Ride EPs. You released these in 3 different parts. What was the inspiration behind releasing them this way? 

To be honest, I just thought it’d be cool to drop things in packs, and then I went through a breakup and, in the process of healing from that, I noticed that I went through 3 distinct phases. But it ended up working out perfectly. I wish I could say I cooked this whole rollout from the beginning, but of course, that's not how it went. There was an initial idea, but then it started evolving into how it came out. That’s usually how my projects go. An idea is the starting point.

I like what you said about evolving, going back to what we we’re talking about earlier; How you just let things flow and something good will come out of it. 

Yeah , I try not to be happy with my first idea. Even if it's good, it can always be 5 percent better. 

Aside from what you just mentioned and everything we talked about. Is there a memorable life lesson that you carry with you wherever you go. 

There’s so many, but my dad spits some great bars, he has the wisdom bars. I don't know shit, nobody should take my advice but just listen more. You should be listening more than you’re talking. People will tell you a whole lot if you just shut up if you listen for a bit. I love talking, I can ramble on for hours but if you just listen a bit you’ll be amazed what you can learn about people & the world. People will also like you more if you just listen to them talk, it's a human thing. If you want people to like you just do that!

Amazing, I love that. Any special message you’d like to share with you fans across the world? 

I want to say I love you, first of all. And thank you. This last year has been insane. I’ve been so vulnerable, and the reception has been beyond what I thought it would be. Like I said, none of this shit ever gets old to me. The only awards I've ever cared about are the fan awarded ones. It's just me and The Butterflies against the world.