23 - Michael Johnston: Future Blue Jays Organist

"It's lovely to think of being able to walk into a situation with 20 years of hindsight now...I really felt a part of it...I was able to bring my own ideas, right from the start" — Michael Johnston

20 years ago, keyboardist/songwriter Michael Johnston was—like so many of us—a Skydiggers fan. However, being a sideman in one of his favourite bands hadn't occured to him, since—at that point—he was performing his own material and working mostly as a solo artist under his own name. Then one day Andy and Josh asked him to sit in for a few songs, and he gradually found himself living in what he refers to as an "imaginary dream state".  Working from scratch, he developed keyboard parts that complemented the songs he'd come to know and love. Today, he's an integral part of the Skydiggers sound, and also a co-writer on several tracks.

This interview was recorded at The Tragically Hip's Bathouse Studio in Bath, Ontario, during the recording of Skydiggers new album Dreams and Second Chances. 

Listen to Dreams and Second Chances 

Watch the lyric video for "Snow Blind"

Music in this episode:

"Dreams and Second Chances" - Skydiggers (Single, 2025)
"Hello Beautiful Life" - Skydiggers (City of Sirens, 208)
"I Love You, Too, Maybe" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)
"Quiet Mind" - Skydiggers (Dreams and Second Chances, May 9, 2025)
"Je T'aime Toujours, Mon Amour" - Skydiggers (Bide Your Time, 2023)

FYI: Skydiggers Dakota Sessions (as mentioned in the conversation) can be found on the band's YouTube Channel

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Employee of the Myth is brought to you by Skydiggers Productions
Featuring: Andy Maize and Josh Finlayson
Producer & co-host: Joel Stewart
Host and Editor: Jane Gowan (Music Buddy)
Audio Engineer: Tim Vesely