Libby Johnston is an Auckland, New Zealand-born, New York, USA-based indie pop artist who has just come to my attention through the recent release of her debut EP.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by Michael Cavinder

If you like Taylor Swift, Maggie Rogers or Maisie Peters, then you share something in common with Libby Johnston. Swift’s Speak Now World Tour was a particular inspiration when Libby was setting out as a songwriter, and it shines through in her perceptive, emotionally-driven lyrics.

Simply entitled Libby, her debut consists of five tracks that introduce us to her world. They touch on topics such as unhealthy relationships, escaping them, finding better ones, and ultimately treating yourself with kindness. A very personal collection, the EP was written using voice notes between countries on opposite sides of the world, and was recorded at a friend’s grandmother’s house in Las Vegas.

The EP opens with Handle with Care and I found myself immediately struck by its stripped-back yet driving composition and Libby’s heart-capturing voice. It’s a bittersweet number that swells to a lush, ruminating and pleading chorus.

From there we are treat to the vibrant and fiery pop rock of Aftermath, the slow, contemplative and pensively romantic Daydream, and the melancholic, heart-wrenching duet Ruins. Eldest Child wraps things up. An intimate and acoustic moment, it represents Libby’s sound at its most vulnerable, and her song writing as the height of its honesty.

With this debut, Libby Johnston is making quite a statement. She has a familiar and accessible sound, and pairs it with a unique voice and approach to song writing. She has everything she needs to make a big impact on the world of emotional pop. Keep an eye on the name, it may well become a household one.

Libby was produced by Wolfgang Pander and was co-written by Joey Miceli, who also sings on the record and co-composes. It was engineered, mixed and mastered by Santino Cardinale. You can give the EP a listen below.