FiftyFifty Music


		"A true song poet, Kaydi creates a world where fact and fiction collide effortlessly weaving a web of wordplay that is always captivating, moving and sometimes downright scary. And the word is getting out. Thanks to Vin Scelsa (Idiots Delight) and Pete Fornitale (Sunday Breakfast) at WFUV, New Yorkers have heard her literary pop music and have become devoted fans. And thanks to such artists as David Crosby, Robert Earl Keene and Lucy Kaplansky, as well as appearances at such venues as the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival and the Mountain Stage songwriting competition, word is leaking out about this one-of-a-kind songwriter who explores uncharted and dangerous waters.." -David Seitz

About Kaydi Johnson

A stellar production. David Seitz--grammy nominated producer who has worked with Moby, Bruce Springstein, John Wesley Harding, Dar Williams, REM and Natalie Merchant--has pioneered the ability to fuse contemporary and classic recording techniques for singer/songwriters. His productions evoke a modern sound while retaining the depth and warmth of the past. "Peasant of the Wreck" uses various electronic samples and digital effects (as well as real instruments) to lay a foundation for the classic and unrefined edge of Kaydi's vocals and guitar. "It was so freeing to not have to worry about what genre, category or radio format a given song would work within. The songs went where they begged to go. Some paths led to electronica--some to a more acoustic treatment."

The second track, Bonsai, might be considered a metaphor for the entire recording process. Bonsai, a "potted plant" (originating in China somewhere around 206 BC) is the art of aesthetic miniaturization of trees by growing them in containers (the song). Shaping and diminishing are accomplished through a few basic but precise techniques (the arrangements). The small size of the tree and the dwarfing of its leaves are maintained through a consistent regimen of pruning of both the leaves and the roots (editing and mixing). A variety of methods must be employed, as each species of tree exhibits different budding behavior (every song is unique). Furthermore, some pruning must be done seasonally, as most trees require a dormancy period and do not grow roots or leaves at that time; (distance from a project is often required by the artist). Improper pruning can weaken or kill the tree (tenderness with the art form is imperative).

And so it was with the Peasant of the Wreck. Dwarfed and pruned. Budding but sometimes dormant. Tender but tough. Various methods were employed for each song on the CD. As centuries of people have enjoyed the aesthetics of the Bonsai for its exhibition of different budding behavior, so will listeners continue to appreciate the similarities between the natural and unnatural world of Kaydi's music."

Kaydi's writing prowess has garnered several honors. She was both a Top Ten finalist in the 2006 Mountain Stage New Song Contest, and a finalist in the South Florida Festival Songwriting Competition. She has appeared on Vin Scelsa's acclaimed "Idiot's Delight" on WFUV, in NYC and Pete Fornitale (host of WFUV's "Mixed Bag"), gave her honorable mention when selecting his "top ten" albums of 2002.

Kaydi will be on the road supporting "Peasant of the Wreck" beginning in Spring, 2008. Previous tours included performances with David Crosby, Robert Earl Keene and Lucy Kaplansky.

Kaydi's Official Website: KaydiJohnson.com

Kaydi Johnson's Recordings

Peasant Of The Wreck