Search - Will Johnson :: Hatteras Night, A Good Luck Charm

On Every Single Day of Late, the protagonist finds much more than spiritual fulfillment after seeking out religious counsel, and soon becomes addicted to the taboo relationship. Milaak s titular song demonstrates the anguish which often goes hand-in-hand with human connection, while on Heresy and Snakes, misunderstood Mazie May s actions are perceived to be more nefarious than dignified. The keening Filled With a Falcon s Dream, meanwhile, namechecks the ill-intentioned trio of Lucius, Timmy and Steve. I was in a mindset of exploring risky connections between people, and their willingness to look the other way and just go through with them, for the simple need of human affection and an almost devil-may-care attitude, Johnson explains. Still, he is a benevolent songwriter. For example, the narrator of Ruby Shameless looks at the song s main character, a stripper, with tenderness and humanity; he sees her as a person worth cherishing, rather than a devalued object. Hatteras Night, A Good Luck Charm s characters aren t morally bankrupt, Johnson says, just dealing with a devil and an angel perched on their shoulders, whispering in their ears. I m sympathetic to all of these characters, even though they re flawed and maybe a little confused, he says. A lot of the time it s good people making bad decisions. And they may just need some affection, and then will move on. It s more coming to terms with, I m going to be alone in this world, and I m okay with it. I m totally okay with this solitary situation, and this empty bed.' As a solo artist, Johnson also knows all too well the balance required to navigate solitude and collaboration. However, on Hatteras Night, A Good Luck Charm, finding this equilibrium helps him discover nuanced and intriguing sonic directions. The album ends up a thought-provoking meditation on what it means to exist in a world that often misunderstands (or chooses to ignore) emotional complexity.