Features : Johnny PE Drops Motivational Single, Somehow

“‘Somehow’ is about overcoming whatever you’re going through,” tells Johnny PE. “We all struggle with something, whether in the public eye or behind closed doors. It takes strength to walk away from a person or substance or whatever you’re struggling with. The song is about gaining strength to walk past that point. We all know when things go too far. You need to take that step, because it’s best for you to do it. After pain, progress always follows.”

The single was released in mid-September to positive reviews. “It’s been incredible seeing how people are reacting to it,” shares Johnny PE. “People were reaching out… One listener shared how it had brought them to tears.”

Yet making music isn’t just about how he makes others feel—it’s a chance for Johnny PE to be true to his own story. “I make music not necessarily to reach out and touch people but to be vulnerable with myself and speak my truth through my music. It’s a great feeling.”

To create the single, Johnny PE started with the beat. “I used to write songs without music, but when I get the beat, it takes me to a certain situation I went through or experienced. I’ll catch the melody, and then the lyrics follow.”

Johnny worked with his producer—“he has incredible talent”—to create a beat that truly resonated with the artist. “Hearing the chords and strings just took me to an experience I’ve had personally in my life. It made it easy to put my feelings out there.”

Johnny PE’s lifelong passion for music is evident in his music, which demonstrates a variety of influences across genres. Hailing from Nashvillee, Tennesee, he grew up listening to “all the greats,” and gives a special nod to Michael Jackson and Usher. “I’ve always loved good music,” adds Johnny. “It resonated with me at an early age.”

“I remember it like yesterday. My younger brother and I were riding with my parents in Nashville, singing to the radio. My brother turned to me and said, ‘Bro, did you know you can sing?’ And I said, ‘you really think so?’ And he did.”

About a decade ago, Johnny PE began recording music (but would not go on to release it until more recently.) “I would record music and listen to my mistakes to get better at writing.”

Johnny first came on the scene as “Johnny Phrank,” releasing his first mixtape, Flightrisk, in 2014. The collaboration with Compton Rapper Problem and TDE producer Ichabon Don launched Johnny into the spotlight and helped him secure an artist spot at SXSW.

Johnny PE continued releasing music and performing independently. During this time, he updated his name to Johnny PE, a nod to his determination as the PE stands for “Pushing Everyday.” In 2020, shortly after his personal reinvention,, Johnny joined Upandon1/Sony Orchard and went on to release a two-single project, “Testers,” which became a feature on OVO Radio.

After years of diligent hustle, Johnny took a step back from music on a two-year hiatus. In 2022, he returned to work with Platinum-selling producer MCV and released a set of singles that resulted in the single “Toxic,” an instant hit. Based off their collaborations, MCV decided to help Johnny PE’s career take off. The result is the Johnny we know today—a skilled songwriter with a powerful storytelling voice.

At the end of the day, Johnny PE believes in being vulnerable, organic, and relatable. “No matter how much money you have or don’t have, there’s always going to be a struggle. It’s okay to talk about those struggles,” insists Johnny. “It’s okay to go through trials and tribulations. Let it out. If you hold it in, an explosion will follow. Don’t hold it in. It’s all about pushing and making it through.”

Later this year, listeners can look forward to new music from Johnny PE. He’s currently working on his music catalogue, with a new single, “Changes,” to be released soon.

Make sure to stay connected to Johnny PE on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.

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