Michael Johnston of Smalltown Poets
by Trisha Bleau

CS: How did your group form? Did you start out together or did you pick up players along the way?

Michael - We got to know each other through mutual friends. We have all been writing songs and doing musical things for sometime now.

CS: How has this affected the group? Did it take awhile to bond? What kind of relationship do you all have now?

Michael - Fortunately we have all been aware that good communication is key in such a close working environment. We try to listen and not just wait to talk. We have developed a trust for each other that means much to me.

CS: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting?

Michael - We want to be good songwriters. We hope that anyone who loves music would find value in what we do. Our focus is to be as honest as we can about who we are and how we look at the world. We want anyone who comes in contact with these songs to be challenged to think.

CS: How has the group changed since you started out?

Michael - Well, we started as a five piece band. Danny Stephens left the band and we have not replaced him with another keyboard player. I am playing more guitar in concerts than I did in the beginning. Some people have said there is more energy in the live performance lately.

CS: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics?

Michael - Yes we do and that is fine with us. We want to be made aware of places in which we can potentially grow. Some have said our lyrics are too clever for some listeners at times. We, however, disagree. We believe that there are many music lovers that like to dig into the lyrics and uncover layers of meaning.