23 - Michael Johnston: Future Blue Jays Organist

"It's lovely to think of being able to walk into a situation with 20 years of hindsight now...I really felt a part of it...I was able to bring my own ideas, right from the start" — Michael Johnston20 years ago, keyboardist/songwriter Michael Johnston was—like so many of us—a Skydiggers fan. However, being a sideman in one of his favourite bands hadn't occured to him, since—at that point—he was performing his own material and working mostly as a solo artist under his own name. Then one day Andy and Josh asked him to sit in for a few songs, and he gradually found himself living in what he refers to as an "imaginary dream state".  Working from scratch, he developed keyboard parts that complemented the songs he'd come to know and love. Today, he's an integral part of the Skydiggers sound, and also a co-writer on several tracks.This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances. Listen to Dreams and Second Chances Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"Music in this episode:"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)"Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 208)"I Love You, Too, Maybe" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Quiet Mind" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)FYI: Skydiggers Dakota Sessions (as mentioned in the conversation) can be found on the band's YouTube ChannelStream, download, and follow SkydiggersEmployee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers ProductionsFeaturing: Andy Maize and Josh FinlaysonProducer & co-host: Joel StewartHost and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely