We had the good fortune of connecting with LaDarrel Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaDarrel, why did you pursue a creative career?
To be honest, my career in music chose me at a very early age. I began playing instruments by ear at the very young age of 5 years old. My true passion for music began to emerge when I was 7, and became inspired to play saxophone by watching Lisa Simpson play on the hit TV series “The Simpsons”. Since 1992, I haven’t put my saxophone down.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art comes from a beautifully deep, soulful part of my heart. It’s connected to everything within me; my thoughts, my ideas, my opinions, my phrases, my passion. Many people call the style of music that I perform “SaxSoul”; blending and fusing together Soul + Jazz music, with a sprinkle of Detroit Hip-hop (influences include J. Dilla, Slum Village, etc.) I’m most excited about what the future holds musically. I’ve been very fortunate to travel the world doing what I love, but never in the capacity that I’ve manifested as a solo artist. My team and I are working diligently to ensure that in the very near future, we’re able to see foreign lands, new and familiar stages, all as the Saxappeal brand.

One of my biggest lessons I’ve learned in this industry is to be thankful for every single opportunity that comes your way, because it could all end tomorrow. We aren’t promised anything in this industry, so any and every (and I do mean every) opportunity you are allowed to live out your passion, give 110%!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
It’s tough to give only a 7 day tour here in Detroit, because there’s so much to do! But, first thing’s first, I’d take my company to my favorite Coney Island, give them that experience of what a Detroit Coney Dog & Chili cheese fries is all about. Next, we’d definitely have to check out some live music spot. Depending on the day, we’d take a visit to Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (the world’s oldest jazz club), Aretha’s Jazz Café (named after the Queen of Detroit, Ms. Aretha Franklin) or Cliff Bells. You can’t go wrong at either of these places, the talent is incredible, food is amazing, and the drinks seem to flow all night.
Detroit’s riverwalk is ranked extremely high, so a walk on the riverwalk path is also a must. I mean seriously.. How many places can you look across the water, and see an entire different country? That never gets old to me.
A visit to the Motown Museum, the Henry Ford Museum, as well as the Charles H. Wright Museum are also must-visit places. See? we’d need a lot more than a week to see it all. 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My shoutout starts with my family! Shout out to them being my very first fans, the people who put up with my really bad notes, my countless hours of practice, the hundreds of miles I’ve put on people’s cars to get me to rehearsals, sound checks, performances, interviews, to the airport, you name it, my family was there to support. So big up to THEM!

My other shoutout goes to my mentors; Mike Phillips, as well as the recently deceased Amp Fiddler. Both of these brothers are pivotal in not only the way my music feels and sounds, but how I approach music, the business aspect of it, the importance of valuing myself as a business, and just how imperative it is to be true to your highest and most true self.

And finally, a HUGE shoutout to my supporters, or as I like to call them, my Saxoholics! Thank you for rocking with me in every phase and chapter of my career. Let’s continue to grow and elevate together!

Website: SaxappealMusic.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/SaxappealMusic

Twitter: Twitter.com/SaxappealMusic

Facebook: Facebook.com/SaxappealTM

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Saxappeal

Image Credits
Photo 1 credit: Lamar Landers Photo 2 credit: Aaron Wilson, III

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