Byron Johnston is a US singer-songwriter from Sacramento, who dies in 2019 and is associated with bedroom pop, folk, indie pop, indie rock, lo-fi and singer-songwriter music. He releases music on Eternal Yip Eye Music and is linked with Danny & the Nightmares, Hyperjinx Tricycle and The Electric Ghosts.

He is also described as an acoustic guitarist with a flamenco-inflected style and a highly individual approach to guitar performance. His solo playing uses the body of the guitar to create percussion-like effects and other sounds, and his debut album Oceano combines contemporary, world and flamenco guitar music.

Performance and live work

Johnston plays extensively across the UK and appears at a range of venues and festivals, including the Royal Albert Hall, The Clapham Grande, the Brighton Festival, Guilfest, Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Centre for the London Guitar Festival, the Guildford International Music Festival and the Windsor Arts Centre. He also appears live on BBC and Channel Four Radio.

Collaboration

He records a joint album with violinist Anna Phoebe and appears with her at a number of events. Their material is described as a mix of Latin-inspired compositions by both artists, along with arrangements of a classical piece.

Critical descriptions

Commentators describe Johnston as a distinctive guitarist and performer, noting his entertaining stage presence and the unusual sounds he creates with the instrument.