If you’re looking at us and asking ‘Who is Johnny Bourke?’ Well, wonder no more because Our Muchness Guide is delighted to introduce you to our newest Homegrown Hero: Johnny Bourke. A Tipperary native influenced by the likes of Shawn Mendes, Khalid and John Meyer, Johnny Bourke is a singer songwriter releasing his debut single tomorrow (July 3rd) and we’re here to tell you exactly why you should listen to it. Johnny hasn’t appeared on our radar sooner because he’s been travelling the world as a session musician including shows in Australia and New Zealand in the early part of 2020. For this particular venture, Johnny partnered with London producer Jackson Dimiglio-Wood (who has worked with the likes of Shawn Mendes and The Libertines) which was then mastered by Grammy winner Randy Merrill (who has worked with Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift to name but a few). Now, those are some big names to throw into the mix but Johnny sounds just as good as any of them. ‘Can’t Do Without’ is a balm after a crazy start to 2020 and just what the doctor ordered to soothe your weary soul.
Of course you can still presave it and it will be available from midnight to download and on all major streaming platforms so you can fall in love with this song as much as I (Emma) have. You can of course find Johnny’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and his personal website in the links.
Can’t Do Without
E: When you think of summer what do you think of? Cold drinks. Chill vibes. Sunshine. Summer loving. Well imagine all the best parts of the summer wrapped up in a song and you’d have ‘Can’t Do Without’. This is Ireland’s answer to Shawn Mendes and I, for one, welcome our new bluesy pop front man, Johnny Bourke. This is a song that can and should easily dominate radio air waves with it’s catchy lyrics and without a doubt it is a song to bop along to while you’re out in the summer sunshine (if we get anymore this summer). It’s the kind of song that makes you want to drive beside the beach with the windows down and the music loud.
By the first chorus, you are happily bopping along to Johnny’s dulcet tones in a song that can’t be compared to anything else in the Irish music scene. This is the epitome of the style of music that I love so, naturally, I will sing this song’s praises to kingdom come. This song shows that you don’t need synths to make pop music. A good guitar riff and bam you get summery vibes that get stuck in your head for days. For a debut single, it seems that Johnny has really figured out exactly what he wants his music to sound like and that’s more than likely because of his time as a session musician. One thing can definitely be said about this track, it doesn’t sound like it’s Irish; it wouldn’t sound out of place on the sunny beaches of California or Australia but we can assure you it is 100% homegrown talent.
Lyrically, this song is all about winning that special girl over; all he’s asking for is one chance to prove himself. However, as always what catches my attention isn’t so much the lyrics (they do help) but the music behind it. It has a kind of bluesy old school guitar on the riff at the end of the chorus while the snaps and claps keep the uptempo rhythm going through the verses and none of this over powers the vocals. The music of this song is all about getting you bopping and it achieves that easily and fuses R&B, pop and indie qualities to make an unforgettable summer song.
N: Johnny has truly unlocked the Summer Vibe with this song! ‘Can’t Do Without’ will have you hooked from the first click. The song will resonate with many of our readers; finding that special someone and believing you can’t go on without them in your life. As Emma has stated above, this song is incredibly catchy and should make an appearance on Irish Radio Stations. I have already pre-saved it on Spotify and pre-purchased it too! He is certainly an Artist to watch and, if ‘Can’t Do Without’ gets the radio play it deserves, he may just blow up overnight!
I had to double check that Johnny was 100% Irish Homegrown talent and not an International act. His time as a session musician has added to him finding his sound. ‘Can’t Do Without’ as a debut single is insane. He has figured out the right combination to make a debut hit, in my opinion!
I cannot lie about this one, when it came to ‘Can’t Do Without’ I got distracted the first five times I listened to it by the incredible beats and music in the background. Conveniently, I was in my bedroom so I got to have a full on dance bop around the room to this song. You’ll be head bopping to this one from the opening section of the song. The guitar solo towards the end of the track is a fun addition and adds an element of blues into a primarily pop upbeat track.
Looking past the music itself to the lyrics, Johnny has combined an easy to remember and catchy chorus with easy to visual verses that will sound a bit too familiar for some of us. The song sets the scene to a Summer setting which adds to its appeal as a Summer hit song!
As we continue through the song itself you will see Johnny will do anything for one chance with this special someone but is incredibly nervous around them.
“Got me hooked up, got me tongue-tied”
Those lyrics are me in a nutshell when it comes to someone I fancy and can be found in the second verse of “Can’t Do Without”. Lyrically, you will know 90% of this song to sing along after a few listens. But, honestly don’t take my word for it on how insanely good and catchy ‘Can’t Do Without’ is… Make sure you listen to it!
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