Matt Johnson, a talented musician and songwriter, shares his journey of growth and self-discovery in the latest episode of Five Playing Questions. With a deep connection to his Native American heritage, Matt reflects on how his family’s musical legacy has shaped his artistic path. After overcoming the challenges of addiction, he found clarity and inspiration in sobriety, leading him to write more meaningful music. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in songwriting, aiming to create catchy, relatable tunes that resonate with listeners. As he discusses his current projects and the dynamics of balancing family life with a music career, Matt’s passion for his craft shines through, inspiring others to embrace their artistic journeys.

Joe Williams hosts a heartfelt conversation with Matt Johnson, a talented musician from the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. The discussion delves into Matt's rich musical heritage, highlighting the significant influence of his family, especially his grandfather, Eddie King Johnson, a country musician who inspired him from a young age. Matt shares his journey through music, from his initial guitar lessons to his self-taught approach that led him to develop a unique style blending rock, Americana, and jazz influences. He emphasizes the importance of simplicity in songwriting and performance, reflecting on how his experiences as a father and a sober musician have shaped his artistic identity. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating the music industry, particularly for independent artists, and the necessity of perseverance and authenticity in creating meaningful music that resonates with listeners. Through his narrative, Matt encapsulates a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and the power of community in artistic expression.

Takeaways:

• Matt Johnson's musical journey is deeply rooted in his family heritage and experiences.
• Sobriety has positively influenced Matt's songwriting and musical creativity, enhancing his craft.
• The importance of simplicity in songwriting allows listeners to connect with the music easily.
• Learning from family musicians inspired Matt's passion and commitment to his music career.
• Matt emphasizes the value of continuous learning and growth as an artist throughout life.
• He advocates for the significance of writing impactful lyrics that resonate with audiences.

Links referenced in this episode:

• elevenwarriorarts.com

Christina Woods, the first Anishinaabe Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, shares her journey of transforming a predominantly white institution into a BIPOC-led hub for the arts. With over 35 years of experience working with underserved communities, Christina emphasizes the importance of community engagement and inclusivity in the arts. She reflects on the profound influence of her elders and family, particularly her mother and uncle, who instilled in her the values of love and activism. Throughout the conversation, she discusses the significance of lived experiences and storytelling in shaping artistic practices, advocating for a deeper understanding of knowledge beyond academic credentials. Christina’s passion for empowering individuals and fostering creativity shines through as she highlights the vital role of artists in enriching community life and driving change.

Hello, and welcome again to 5 Plain Questions, a podcast that proposes 5 questions to Indigenous Artists, creators, musicians, writers, movers and shakers, and culture bearers, people in the community doing great things for their communities.

I’m Joe Williams, your host for this conversation. My goal is to showcase the amazing people in our Indigenous community around the region and country. So, join me as we sit down and hear the stories and perspectives from our amazing community, where there is a story with each and every one of us.

I want to introduce you to Christina Woods.

Christina Woods has 35 years working with underserved communities and individuals and serves the Duluth Art Institute (DAI) as its first Anishinaabe Executive Director. Currently, she serves on the City of Duluth Public Arts Commission, past president, State of Minnesota Capitol Arts Committee as the Chair, the State of MN CAAPB task force participant, State of Minnesota State Arts Board, Arts Midwest Board of Directors, Chair of the Board New Native Theatre, U.S. Senate Curatorial Advisory Board, The Nature Conservancy Board of Trustees. Christina is an enrolled member of the Bois Fort Band of Chippewa and works closely with the Anishinaabe community as a leader and mentor. Christina also conducts trainings and workshops on equity, diversity and inclusion including the program she created for the DAI, Commission Your Bias. Christina’s work social justice brings a unique lens to the context of an arts organization. Christina is a 2019 AARP 50 0ver 50 awardee in bias busting. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Masters of Education in Leadership. Christina is called upon locally, regionally and nationally as an expert in decolonization, diversity, equity and inclusion. Christina consults on these topics through her company Diversity Consulting.

A top talent, brilliant administrator and strategist, Christina Woods is a talented leader. Her success includes a 14 year career teaching, 10 years narrating and on camera work on the national program Native Report, and 30 years writing curriculum and grants, fundraising, and diversity/inclusion consultation. Christina brings an extensive range of non-profit experience as a board member, executive director and business leader. As an Anishinaabekwe and community leader, Christina shares

her enthusiasm for empowering individuals and illuminating the breadth of human experiences.

Christina enthusiastically leads the vision of the Duluth Art Institute as its first Anishinaabe leader. Her focus is delivered with tender attention to advocacy rooted in celebrating inclusivity and expansive thinking. Christina thoughtfully serves our community with a vision to the future. She lives in Duluth, MN with her acknowledged home in the Bois Forte Nation of Northern MN.

So let’s jump into this conversation with Christina…

Website:

duluthartinstitute.org

Links referenced in

5 Plain Questions is moving platforms, so there will be no new episode this week. But don't fear, new episodes will be coming next week.

In the meantime, check out Beyond the Art by myself and Cray Bauxmont-Flynn and Beyond the Design with Cray. Also, check out Sage-Based Wisdom with Jana Schmieding and Brian Bahe.