Johnny Z
@johnnyzawacki.bsky.social
This will be the basis of the tray art, for my Making Contact album. It will be released on my birthday, 11/15/2025. Although we musical artists appreciate streaming, real support comes from the physical sale of our songs.
I'm particularly fond of "Hungry for You", a song that captures a regular diner encounter between a waitress and customer, because of the vocal performance of my friend, Kristen Greenfelder. Oh, it's reached royalty payment status on Spotify!
open.spotify.com/track/2bugYA...
open.spotify.com/track/2bugYA...
Hungry for You
open.spotify.com
January 31, 2026 at 3:31 PM
I'm particularly fond of "Hungry for You", a song that captures a regular diner encounter between a waitress and customer, because of the vocal performance of my friend, Kristen Greenfelder. Oh, it's reached royalty payment status on Spotify!
open.spotify.com/track/2bugYA...
open.spotify.com/track/2bugYA...
An instrumental version, of "Just Desserts", has been added to this Spotify playlist. The vocal hasn't simply been removed. An entirely new instrumentation has been added.
open.spotify.com/playlist/1US...
open.spotify.com/playlist/1US...
INSTRUMENTAL THREADS
open.spotify.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:39 PM
An instrumental version, of "Just Desserts", has been added to this Spotify playlist. The vocal hasn't simply been removed. An entirely new instrumentation has been added.
open.spotify.com/playlist/1US...
open.spotify.com/playlist/1US...
Without any promotion, "The Bridge of Sighs" leads all songs, from Making Contact, in stream count, on Spotify. It's also just been added to this playlist (appearing as the third song there).
open.spotify.com/playlist/2A2...
open.spotify.com/playlist/2A2...
A Brighter New Indie
open.spotify.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Without any promotion, "The Bridge of Sighs" leads all songs, from Making Contact, in stream count, on Spotify. It's also just been added to this playlist (appearing as the third song there).
open.spotify.com/playlist/2A2...
open.spotify.com/playlist/2A2...
I've recently spoken about one of my newest songs and it's just been added to another Spotify playlist! I urge you to listen to the song in the playlist link here, or sample the entire Making Contact album art your favorite streaming service.
open.spotify.com/playlist/6cx...
open.spotify.com/playlist/6cx...
Campfire Nights
open.spotify.com
January 26, 2026 at 3:30 PM
I've recently spoken about one of my newest songs and it's just been added to another Spotify playlist! I urge you to listen to the song in the playlist link here, or sample the entire Making Contact album art your favorite streaming service.
open.spotify.com/playlist/6cx...
open.spotify.com/playlist/6cx...
Getting added to a playlist is a BIG deal, since it widens the audience that an artist might normally reach. "The Bridge of Sighs", a song off my newest album, has been added to EGM Playlists' Acoustic HOT LIST. Listen here . . .
open.spotify.com/playlist/3ix...
open.spotify.com/playlist/3ix...
Acoustic HOT LIST 🔥
open.spotify.com
January 22, 2026 at 10:17 PM
Getting added to a playlist is a BIG deal, since it widens the audience that an artist might normally reach. "The Bridge of Sighs", a song off my newest album, has been added to EGM Playlists' Acoustic HOT LIST. Listen here . . .
open.spotify.com/playlist/3ix...
open.spotify.com/playlist/3ix...
She's a writer's writer because she can think and, after all, isn't this what we all should be doing, rather than to simply be going through the motions of life? Or, what passes as it.
sarahgabriella.substack.com/p/dress-rehe...
sarahgabriella.substack.com/p/dress-rehe...
Dress rehearsal, part 1
Literary glamour is out, posting is in
sarahgabriella.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:04 PM
She's a writer's writer because she can think and, after all, isn't this what we all should be doing, rather than to simply be going through the motions of life? Or, what passes as it.
sarahgabriella.substack.com/p/dress-rehe...
sarahgabriella.substack.com/p/dress-rehe...
In 1979, I set out to write a cowboy tune, following 1978's "Two Lonesome Cowboys", simply named "A Cowboy Tune". Though in the key of G, I threw a curve at it, including an Eb chord. It resonated, giving it a unique twist. It's even earned Spotify royalty status.
open.spotify.com/track/7E1jF6...
open.spotify.com/track/7E1jF6...
A Cowboy Tune
open.spotify.com
January 21, 2026 at 3:36 PM
In 1979, I set out to write a cowboy tune, following 1978's "Two Lonesome Cowboys", simply named "A Cowboy Tune". Though in the key of G, I threw a curve at it, including an Eb chord. It resonated, giving it a unique twist. It's even earned Spotify royalty status.
open.spotify.com/track/7E1jF6...
open.spotify.com/track/7E1jF6...
My musical interests venture into many genres and sub-genres. One that I've dabbled in a bit is bluegrass, even writing "Good Company" now reaching royalty payment status. Check out the mandolin by Jeffrey Golombisky.
open.spotify.com/track/50QKsY...
open.spotify.com/track/50QKsY...
Good Company
open.spotify.com
January 18, 2026 at 5:12 PM
My musical interests venture into many genres and sub-genres. One that I've dabbled in a bit is bluegrass, even writing "Good Company" now reaching royalty payment status. Check out the mandolin by Jeffrey Golombisky.
open.spotify.com/track/50QKsY...
open.spotify.com/track/50QKsY...
Although this song is a Michigan summer song, with a few tongue in cheek lines, it managed to crack through Spotify's glass ceiling of royalty qualifying plays in winter! It's a fun little ditty, but I invite you to check it out for yourself.
open.spotify.com/track/2VU7H7...
open.spotify.com/track/2VU7H7...
Normal Guys
open.spotify.com
January 17, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Although this song is a Michigan summer song, with a few tongue in cheek lines, it managed to crack through Spotify's glass ceiling of royalty qualifying plays in winter! It's a fun little ditty, but I invite you to check it out for yourself.
open.spotify.com/track/2VU7H7...
open.spotify.com/track/2VU7H7...
I crossed paths with The Mad Rapper and Question Mark, at Owosso's Uptown Studios, when I was recording "Wait!". They were remaking "96 Tears" and I was laying down the lead vocals for this one. Mine's finally made the Spotify (pay) grade.
open.spotify.com/track/4MkM7N...
open.spotify.com/track/4MkM7N...
Wait!
open.spotify.com
January 10, 2026 at 5:46 PM
I crossed paths with The Mad Rapper and Question Mark, at Owosso's Uptown Studios, when I was recording "Wait!". They were remaking "96 Tears" and I was laying down the lead vocals for this one. Mine's finally made the Spotify (pay) grade.
open.spotify.com/track/4MkM7N...
open.spotify.com/track/4MkM7N...
"Before the End", a song calling out SCOTUS' politicization, has been picked up by the Russian (not only) Rock playlist. I'll leave their link in the comments. It's currently my third most 'listened to' song on Spotify. Let's push it up further!
open.spotify.com/track/52gxPJ...
open.spotify.com/track/52gxPJ...
Before the End
open.spotify.com
January 10, 2026 at 3:52 PM
"Before the End", a song calling out SCOTUS' politicization, has been picked up by the Russian (not only) Rock playlist. I'll leave their link in the comments. It's currently my third most 'listened to' song on Spotify. Let's push it up further!
open.spotify.com/track/52gxPJ...
open.spotify.com/track/52gxPJ...
I wrote the lyrics to "Two Lonesome Cowboys" with the metering based on a James Taylor classic, but got stuck with the music so I handed it off to my musical partner at the time, Tim Fuller. He came back with the perfect music and cannot imagine it otherwise.
open.spotify.com/track/5Avmrq...
open.spotify.com/track/5Avmrq...
Two Lonesome Cowboys
open.spotify.com
January 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
I wrote the lyrics to "Two Lonesome Cowboys" with the metering based on a James Taylor classic, but got stuck with the music so I handed it off to my musical partner at the time, Tim Fuller. He came back with the perfect music and cannot imagine it otherwise.
open.spotify.com/track/5Avmrq...
open.spotify.com/track/5Avmrq...
When I was recording "My Montgomery Baby", my lead guitar player, Jon Claussen, commented that it sounded like a Bubble Puppy song. Knowing Jon, I think he was dissing the song. None-the-less, I thought he did a great job on it.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBr...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBr...
My Montgomery Baby
YouTube video by Johnny Z - Topic
music.youtube.com
January 7, 2026 at 4:05 PM
When I was recording "My Montgomery Baby", my lead guitar player, Jon Claussen, commented that it sounded like a Bubble Puppy song. Knowing Jon, I think he was dissing the song. None-the-less, I thought he did a great job on it.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBr...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=zTBr...
I'm thrilled to see "The Bridge of Sighs" picked up by New Artists - International, for their Spotify playlist, a song from my Making Contact album release. I'd call it neo folk rock, if there is such a genre.
open.spotify.com/playlist/4oj...
open.spotify.com/playlist/4oj...
New Artists - International
open.spotify.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:22 PM
I'm thrilled to see "The Bridge of Sighs" picked up by New Artists - International, for their Spotify playlist, a song from my Making Contact album release. I'd call it neo folk rock, if there is such a genre.
open.spotify.com/playlist/4oj...
open.spotify.com/playlist/4oj...
Maybe you don't utilize any streaming services, but would still like to hear the new Making Contact album. You can do just that at my Spotlight Recordings bandcamp page.
spotlightrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/making...
spotlightrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/making...
Making Contact, by Johnny Z
10 track album
spotlightrecordings.bandcamp.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Maybe you don't utilize any streaming services, but would still like to hear the new Making Contact album. You can do just that at my Spotlight Recordings bandcamp page.
spotlightrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/making...
spotlightrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/making...
One of my country(ish) tunes has reached the Spotify payout grade. Though no one's ever heard the demo, I composed this one on piano! The final release was done with acoustic guitars.
open.spotify.com/track/6YqOrM...
open.spotify.com/track/6YqOrM...
A Country Boy's Blues
open.spotify.com
January 4, 2026 at 4:24 PM
One of my country(ish) tunes has reached the Spotify payout grade. Though no one's ever heard the demo, I composed this one on piano! The final release was done with acoustic guitars.
open.spotify.com/track/6YqOrM...
open.spotify.com/track/6YqOrM...
I've a 'new' video of an older song of mine, "Don't Ask Me Why". The entire video, which contains many stars of the 1940s and 50s, was shot by my grandfather. As I mentioned, I could use some help identifying who these stars are (I only know three!).
youtu.be/uOlKOhKKSmg
youtu.be/uOlKOhKKSmg
"Don't Ask Me Why" by Johnny Z (official music video)
YouTube video by Johnny Zawacki
youtu.be
January 2, 2026 at 11:25 PM
I've a 'new' video of an older song of mine, "Don't Ask Me Why". The entire video, which contains many stars of the 1940s and 50s, was shot by my grandfather. As I mentioned, I could use some help identifying who these stars are (I only know three!).
youtu.be/uOlKOhKKSmg
youtu.be/uOlKOhKKSmg
Some thoughts (not mine) while in transit, begun in Owosso and concluded part way to London. Are they looking out from within, or originating from within and looking out?
open.substack.com/pub/sarahgab...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahgab...
Fall, America, 2025
Notes on a season
open.substack.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Some thoughts (not mine) while in transit, begun in Owosso and concluded part way to London. Are they looking out from within, or originating from within and looking out?
open.substack.com/pub/sarahgab...
open.substack.com/pub/sarahgab...
Another thing that happened just this week was that "Gotta Get Away" surpassed "Daddy Was a Rounder" in plays, on Spotify, despite the latter having been released in 2011 and 2015 and the newer on in 2023. You guys made this happen and I thank you!!!
open.spotify.com/track/0L8AUa...
open.spotify.com/track/0L8AUa...
Gotta Get Away
open.spotify.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Another thing that happened just this week was that "Gotta Get Away" surpassed "Daddy Was a Rounder" in plays, on Spotify, despite the latter having been released in 2011 and 2015 and the newer on in 2023. You guys made this happen and I thank you!!!
open.spotify.com/track/0L8AUa...
open.spotify.com/track/0L8AUa...
As 2025 comes to a close, all songs from the En Route album have now made it to the royalty payment column, with the addition of "I Want to Cha-Cha". I've long thought of doing a Spanish language release of this song. Maybe in 2026. What do you think?
open.spotify.com/track/7sqXJ6...
open.spotify.com/track/7sqXJ6...
I Want to Cha-Cha
open.spotify.com
December 31, 2025 at 3:41 PM
As 2025 comes to a close, all songs from the En Route album have now made it to the royalty payment column, with the addition of "I Want to Cha-Cha". I've long thought of doing a Spanish language release of this song. Maybe in 2026. What do you think?
open.spotify.com/track/7sqXJ6...
open.spotify.com/track/7sqXJ6...
So, CDs are making a huge comeback with people beginning to shy away from the streaming model. They want something physical for their cash outlay.
I've a couple, plus one of Chuck Fleck's, that are available on a manufacture to order and shipped directly to your door.
kunaki.com/msales.asp?P...
I've a couple, plus one of Chuck Fleck's, that are available on a manufacture to order and shipped directly to your door.
kunaki.com/msales.asp?P...
kunaki.com
December 30, 2025 at 6:18 PM
So, CDs are making a huge comeback with people beginning to shy away from the streaming model. They want something physical for their cash outlay.
I've a couple, plus one of Chuck Fleck's, that are available on a manufacture to order and shipped directly to your door.
kunaki.com/msales.asp?P...
I've a couple, plus one of Chuck Fleck's, that are available on a manufacture to order and shipped directly to your door.
kunaki.com/msales.asp?P...
I wrote "Goodbye" with Frank Sinatra in mind and actually had thoughts of sending a demo to him. In lieu of that, I had my bandmate sing it on our first studio recording before I gave it a go. Written in 1982, it's finally begun to earn a cent or two on Spotify.
open.spotify.com/track/1xN14w...
open.spotify.com/track/1xN14w...
Goodbye
open.spotify.com
December 29, 2025 at 3:13 PM
I wrote "Goodbye" with Frank Sinatra in mind and actually had thoughts of sending a demo to him. In lieu of that, I had my bandmate sing it on our first studio recording before I gave it a go. Written in 1982, it's finally begun to earn a cent or two on Spotify.
open.spotify.com/track/1xN14w...
open.spotify.com/track/1xN14w...
A song I chose to kick off the Making Contact album is "Sittin' on the Train". It's the first and only to include other musicians on my past five album releases. Ron Patterson (bass) & Tom Loewe (backing vocals). Here's the YouTube music link, but it's everywhere.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=FSU7...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=FSU7...
Sittin' on the Train
YouTube video by Johnny Z - Topic
music.youtube.com
December 28, 2025 at 4:03 PM
A song I chose to kick off the Making Contact album is "Sittin' on the Train". It's the first and only to include other musicians on my past five album releases. Ron Patterson (bass) & Tom Loewe (backing vocals). Here's the YouTube music link, but it's everywhere.
music.youtube.com/watch?v=FSU7...
music.youtube.com/watch?v=FSU7...
Here's a song I wrote with Bryan MacMillan and Tim Fuller. It was written during the folk rock era, popularized by The Eagles, and definitely echos that time.
open.spotify.com/track/7e57Y0...
open.spotify.com/track/7e57Y0...
Packin' for the Highway
open.spotify.com
December 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM
Here's a song I wrote with Bryan MacMillan and Tim Fuller. It was written during the folk rock era, popularized by The Eagles, and definitely echos that time.
open.spotify.com/track/7e57Y0...
open.spotify.com/track/7e57Y0...
The song that's getting the least love (oka plays), on Spotify, is 'You're on You're Own'. It was written in response to the death of John Lennon, not directly addressing it, but my mood. Give it some love here or on you favorite streaming service. Thanks!
open.spotify.com/track/3rYVm5...
open.spotify.com/track/3rYVm5...
You're on You're Own
open.spotify.com
December 26, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The song that's getting the least love (oka plays), on Spotify, is 'You're on You're Own'. It was written in response to the death of John Lennon, not directly addressing it, but my mood. Give it some love here or on you favorite streaming service. Thanks!
open.spotify.com/track/3rYVm5...
open.spotify.com/track/3rYVm5...