Based on the Podcast Episode: “Beyond The Voice – A Conversation about Songwriting with Johnny Manuel” – Episode 50, The Magic of Songwriting with Francesca de Valence

Johnny Manuel’s astronomical career has been shaped by his vocal talent. His appearances on shows like America’s Got Talent and The Voice have created a global audience that sees him as “just a vocalist,” not recognizing the depth of his creative vision. But what this global audience most likely doesn’t know is that Johnny started out as a songwriter.

We chatted with the US artist and songwriter at the Whitsundays Songwriter Festival 2024 about co-writing his viral hits. Read on for more, or listen to the podcast audio for the full experience.

The Challenge of Being Known for Your Voice

“My voice is a gift, but it’s also a challenge,” Johnny says. His fans often request covers of classic ballads or contemporary hits songs that showcase his incredible vocal range, such as Whitney Houston or Adele songs. These requests, while flattering, can sometimes feel limiting to Johnny, as they focus more on his vocal abilities rather than his artistry as a songwriter. While he enjoys connecting with his audience through these performances, Johnny feels that the fans who request these covers don’t fully understand or appreciate the depth of his original work and songwriting.

Johnny Manuel: The Songwriter

Johnny’s journey as a songwriter began at a young age, long before his voice gained widespread recognition. As a child, he was drawn to songwriting, using it as a means to express his emotions and connect with his inner world. While his powerful voice quickly became the focal point of his career, songwriting remained a deep-rooted passion.

As a teenager, Johnny signed his first major recording contract with Warner Records, but as his voice developed, he found that his songwriting power was often sidelined. “As a young person, I didn’t know how to stand up for myself,” he admits. However, as an adult, he now views his ability to be vulnerable and resilient as a superpower – an essential tool for navigating his career and creative challenges.

The Role of Collaboration in Finding His Artistic Sound

To reclaim his artistry, Johnny has sought out collaborators who don’t know him from his TV profile. This has allowed him to explore in ways that feel authentic and unencumbered by external expectations. “The more I co-write, the more cohesive my sound gets,” he says. By working with others who approach music without preconceived notions, he’s been able to discover and refine his true musical identity. “I feel like I will accidentally stumble onto it,” he reflects, acknowledging the unexpected discoveries that come from the creative process.

Journaling to Discover What He Wants to Say

For Johnny, songwriting is deeply personal, and he uses journaling as a daily tool to connect with his emotions and clarify what he wants to express in his songs. This practice helps him navigate the complex emotions that come with being both a vocalist and a songwriter. It’s through this process of self-reflection that Johnny is able to craft songs that truly reflect who he is and what he wants to say.

The Importance of Having Fun

One of Johnny’s most important lessons has been the value of fun in the creative process. “Have more fun,” he says, emphasizing that enjoying the work itself leads to better results. For him, the priority is not to chase perfection but to find joy in the work. This mindset, combined with a consistent practice, is what he believes will ultimately define his artistry.

Johnny’s story is a reminder that vulnerability, resilience, and collaboration are all integral to an artist’s journey. By staying true to himself and embracing the process, he continues to evolve as both a vocalist and a songwriter.

Want to do more collaboration?

If you’d like to do more co-writing and collaboration online, jump on board I Heart Songwriting Club’s co-writing course. Or if you want to be part of the next Whitsundays Songwriter Festival and be mentored by our team of professional songwriters, the 2025 festival is happening at Airlie Beach from June 5-10. Find out more here.