Meet Craig Johnson | Production Engineer

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

Hi Craig, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Work-life balance is something I hold in extremely high regard, as it directly impacts both my personal well-being and my family’s happiness. Over the years, my approach to this balance has evolved significantly. Initially, like many, I was caught up in the hustle and grind, often sacrificing personal time in the pursuit of professional success. However, as time passed, I came to realize that time is my most valuable resource – even more so than money.

Time is more precious than money because it’s finite and irreplaceable. Every minute wasted is a minute I can never get back, and every minute taken from me is time stolen from my family. This realization hit me hard and prompted a profound shift in how I prioritize my life and my musical journey.

My work-life balance has changed from being career-centric to family-focused. I now place a premium on ensuring that my professional commitments do not encroach on my personal life. This balance is not just about clocking out on time; it’s about being fully present and engaged with my loved ones when I’m with them. It’s about making sure that my career doesn’t overshadow the moments that truly matter – the moments spent with my family.

Achieving this balance requires a disciplined approach to time management. I have become more selective about the projects I take on, the meetings I attend, and the tasks I delegate. This is because I value my time highly and want to ensure that every professional engagement is worth the trade-off.

In practice, this means setting clear boundaries and sticking to them. It’s about understanding that saying “no” to certain opportunities is sometimes necessary to say “yes” to the things that matter most. It’s about recognizing that every hour spent working late is an hour taken from my family, and the impact of that loss cannot be measured in dollars.

My journey toward achieving work-life balance is also deeply influenced by my time serving in the Army. The discipline, time management, and prioritization skills I learned during my service have been invaluable in my musical career. The Army taught me the importance of structure and the necessity of balancing duty with personal life.

In conclusion, my musical journey has taught me that work-life balance is essential for sustained success and happiness. Time is my most valuable resource, and every moment spent with my family is priceless. By prioritizing my personal life and setting clear boundaries around my work, I’ve been able to achieve a balance that allows me to thrive both professionally and personally. This balance is not just a goal but a continuous practice that requires ongoing attention and adjustment. It is the key to living a fulfilling and meaningful life, where my passion for music and my love for my family can coexist harmoniously.

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 is a deeply personal journey that intertwines with my life experiences and emotions. What sets my music apart is the fact that I never sample sounds; I meticulously craft each sound from scratch. This approach allows me to create a sonic landscape that is entirely unique and deeply connected to my mental and emotional state.

For me, music is not just a creative outlet but a form of therapy. Each track I produce is a reflection of my inner world, a way to express feelings and thoughts that are often difficult to put into words. I strive to capture these emotions authentically, letting the music evolve naturally and without immediate control. This process, while challenging, allows for a raw and organic sound that resonates with listeners on a deeper level.

Professionally, reaching where I am today has been a journey marked by dedication, persistence, and a relentless pursuit of artistic growth. It hasn’t been easy; there have been moments of self-doubt and setbacks along the way. However, each challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve learned the importance of resilience, patience, and the willingness to embrace failure as a stepping stone toward success.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is the significance of staying true to my artistic vision. In an industry that often emphasizes trends and commercial success, I’ve remained committed to creating music that is authentic and meaningful to me. This authenticity is what I want the world to know about my brand and my story – that my music is a genuine reflection of my journey, emotions, and experiences.

Moving forward, I’m excited about continuing to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories. I want my music to inspire others to embrace creativity, think outside the box, and find solace in artistic expression. My ultimate goal is to create music that not only resonates with listeners but also serves as a source of connection and healing in a world that can sometimes feel chaotic and overwhelming.

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.
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta, I’d ensure they experience the city’s vibrant mix of culture, food, outdoor adventures, and entertainment.

We’d start with Southern breakfast at Flying Biscuit Café or West Egg Café before exploring the Atlanta BeltLine’s art and neighborhoods. Ponce City Market would be a must for lunch and shopping, with a stop at Skyline Park for views and maybe a round of mini golf at Puttshack.

For outdoor adventure, we’d hike the trails at Stone Mountain Park, taking in panoramic views from the summit. Afterward, we’d relax with a picnic at Piedmont Park or explore the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

In the evenings, we’d enjoy seafood delights at The Optimist or Two Urban Licks, followed by dinner with a view at Canoe. We’d wrap up the day with brunch at Sun in My Belly or Buttermilk Kitchen, and then catch a game or tour at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena.

Nights would be spent exploring Buckhead’s vibrant nightlife or catching a show at the historic Fox Theatre. This itinerary ensures a diverse and exciting mix of Atlanta’s best attractions, dining experiences, outdoor adventures, and nightlife for an unforgettable visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, to my amazing wife and family: Thank you for your unwavering support, love, and encouragement. Your understanding and patience as I navigate the ups and downs of my musical journey mean the world to me. You are my rock, my inspiration, and my biggest cheerleaders. Every late night in the studio and every creative endeavor is made possible because of your belief in me. I am eternally grateful for your presence in my life.

I also want to extend my gratitude to all the phenomenal musical creators out there. You inspire me daily with your creativity, passion, and dedication to the craft. Your work fuels my own creativity and keeps me vibing, pushing me to explore new sounds and ideas. Whether through collaboration or simply listening to your art, you contribute to my musical journey in profound ways.

To everyone who has been a part of my story, whether through mentorship, friendship, or inspiration – thank you. Your influence has helped shape me into the creative I am today, and I carry your contributions with me in every note I play and every track I produce. Here’s to the collective effort that makes our individual successes possible!

Website: https://www.beatstars.com/dobmusic

Instagram: @d.o.b.music

Twitter: @beatzdaddy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeatzDaddy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLHzmHVhXO-3Lcw7UBM2p-w

Image Credits
Wild Gals Old Time Photo