60. A Single Review of Hello Johnny by Marc Schuster

Originally Published on November 4th, 2024

About the Artist

One of the most rewarding aspects of Fifteen Minutes of Fame has been the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals like myself: independent artists who have made a commitment to creating a platform for other independent artists to earn exposure for the hard work they put into their music.

Queue Marc Schuster

Based outside of Philadelphia, Marc is “an artist and educator.” (Spotify bio) In addition to his solo work, he is the bass player for Scoopski. 

Then there’s this:

Marc hosts a radio show on AMS Radio, where he showcases independent musicians. It’s called #tweetcore. He also re-airs this as a podcast.

Marc writes a blog called Abominations that feature interviews with independent artists, music reviews, and more.

Marc is a published author. He most recently published a children’s book called Frankie Lumlit's Janky Drum Kit.

He is an artist.

He has even written and produced a short film entitled “Daughter, Actually.” www.marcschuster.com

Marc has shown he is a passionately dedicated representative of numerous communities who support independent art. He’s promoted musicians, he’s supported their campaigns, and maintains a universally positive morale throughout all of this. He inspires those around him. There isn’t much more you could ask for in a human being.

If you are interested in finding out more about what Marc does, you can check out his website, you can follow him on instagram and threads, and definitely check out his music on Spotify!

About the Song

Hello Johnny is an alternative rock song that released on October 18th, 2024. With a runtime of just around 4 minutes and 30 seconds, it features Schuster on vocals, guitar, synth, bass, and percussion. 

About the Music

Hello Johnny opens with a very moving and sporadic guitar riff and percussion that is reminiscent of Pop Goes the World by Gossip. It’s a little slower but the progression moves in a similarly unique (yes, that’s a weird description but if you listen to the two, you will get it) way. Schuster’s vocals lay over the composition giving vibes of 90’s Brit Rock sensations like Liam Gallagher of Oasis, and Richard Ashcroft of The Verve. 

The marriage of synth and guitar give Hello Johnny a pleasant feel while offering a driving push to the melodic performance of this song. This might also be something heard in good Moby tracks like his sensational hit, South Side.

The production of the song is incredibly well balanced. It takes an experienced hand to get the vocal/instrumental balance just right and this is about as good as I have ever heard that balance. The leading elements introduced by the different synth parts are so fun and give the song so much personality. This is a phenomenally produced song.

About the Lyrics

Im not sure there is too much analysis in the lyrics of the song.

“Hello Johnny, how are you today? Hello Johnny, how are you today? Shit got real then it all got fake again. In the time it took for you to shout your first amen.”

First of all, I love the wordplay. I’m curious about these lyrics because it is giving me a vibe that this is in reference to something very personal. A situation is being referenced here.

“Anything could happen. But it never does. Wishing on a star for what could be but never was.”

This may be way off. But I feel this might be religious? Or more specifically, critical of religion?

*** ok. I just watched the video animation of the song on Spotify and I got my answer***

So, a word about the words….

What Schuster has done here is so special in the way of songwriting. I love when lyrics offer hints without completely spilling the tea. It leaves the door open for listener interpretation. This also leaves the door open for a listener to take their own lesson from the music. This is a very well written song.

Final Thoughts

Marc Schuster can do it all. He is a talented singer, he is a multi-instrumentalist. He is an accomplished producer and engineer. He is a wonderful host DJ, he’s a detailed writer, and has a wealth of knowledge and the humility to be willing to share it. He seems vastly intelligent, artistically diverse, and most astonishingly, completely selfless. 

Marc Schuster is the guy at the bottom of the wall, hoisting up the people around him that need an extra boost. He has dedicated himself to independent artists of all kinds and he is a positive force in the universe. 

To paraphrase the movie The Boondock Saints, “Marc Schuster should be in every major city.”