PRESS

Stepkid.com

"Happy" is a new single from Brooklyn-based artist/band, Gift of Tongues. Gift of Tongues is the project of David Johnston, and strives to create works which blend “performance, motion, graphics, & original music.” Johnston also collaborates with various NY musicians and has been known to use masks and costumes to conceal his identity when performing. 

This latest track is a peppy and energizing jam, that will really get your juices flowing. Featuring electro-percussive and synthwave elements, the melodies are dynamic and sonically appealing. The vocals are passionate and charismatic. At certain climactic points the harmonies actually made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Though the pace is fairly modest, this is synthwave with an intensity and a little bit on the darker side. It has a slightly retro-80s quality to it, but that’s more of a case of this just being very authentic and high quality. The backing music really sparkles. Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming release of Gift of Tongues’ second album, "The Perfect Son".

www.stepkid.com

Matheson’s Entertainment 

PULL QUOTE: “Every so often, there comes a band that feels the need to create something just a little different. If you are the type who likes something unique from time to time, Songs of My People from David E Johnston and the rest of Gift of Tongues is just the album for you.” 
by Matheson Kamin 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
David E Johnston is an artist who works between performance, motion graphics, and original music who creates electro-percussive music under the moniker of Gift of Tongues. To help bring his music to life, Johnston called upon several musicians who added their talents to the project. The rest of the group consists of Steve Elliot, Brian Wolfe, Craig Levy, Emiliano Valerio, Mike Shobe and Tom Swafford. With each member of the band having a different background, the resulting band of Gift of Tongues contains many different styles coming together to add depth to the music of David E Johnston. The new album from Gift of Tongues is entitled Songs of My People. 

Songs of My People from Gift of Tongues begins with the “Preamble”. While “Preamble” is mostly vocals, the sound and feel of the piece brings to mind the track “If I Had a Rock Launcher” from Bruce Cockburn; the helicopter sound effects on the track matched with the angry vocal quality of the narrator while the words on the track themselves have a slightly humorous feel to them. 

Once the “Preamble” is over, the real album of Songs of My People from Gift of Tongues begins. The second track, “The Universe,” features a techno feel to the music while also incorporating the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow poem The Song of Hiawatha into the track. The combination of the two ideas creates a very unique (and unusual) track. The music of the track takes on a stronger dance feel a little later in the track while the lyrics of the song seem to say that you need to speak up if you have something to say. 

David E Johnston and the rest of the group prove they have plenty of talent to go around as the album continues. The track “Home” takes on a country/jazz feel while also containing some of the techno approach from “The Universe”. The dobro-meets-techno feel of the track creates another very unique sound on the Songs of My People release. The resulting song has many different aspects to it and stays interesting throughout the three-and-a-half minute play time. 

While the music of the tracks is the first thing that catches your attention when listening to the new album from Gift of Tongues, it is hard to ignore the lyrical quality of the songs, as well. The track “Big Bad Wolf” is the perfect example of the quality of the lyrics on the album: The track seems to take a fairytale approach to the words and makes them appeal more to the adult section of the listening audience; it’s like listening to the original text to the Brothers Grimm stories- dark and unforgiving. The music of the track brings to mind the dark quality of a band like Nine Inch Nails. The combination of the dark quality to the lyrics and the music creates a track that will appeal to fans of Goth-like music and those bands that make that style of music. 

The off-kilter sense of humor that permeates through nearly every track on Songs of My Peoplefrom Gift of Tongues adds a lot of substance to the album. One of the tracks that are helped from the sense of humor is the song “I Am a Large Man”. While the words of the song may contain a little darkness to them, the humor seems to decrease the sting a bit. Ultimately, “I Am a Large Man” is a track that is very reminiscent of the style of the music that was created by Michael Nealy and Jock Blaney who were known as a band called 2nu back in the nineties. As “I Am a Large Man” brings to mind visions of songs like “This is Ponderous” from that band “I Am a Large Man” from Gift of Tongues would have fit with 2nu’s music very easily. 

Every so often, there comes a band that feels the need to create something just a little different. If you are the type who likes something unique from time to time, Songs of My People from David E Johnston and the rest of Gift of Tongues is just the album for you.

Indiemunity – Audrey Isabella 

PULL QUOTE: “{Songs of My People} alludes to the American Dream that has seemed to mutate from its original promises to a politically correct idyll with reference to The Star Spangled Banner.” 
Review by Audrey Isabella 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Aggressive, Humorous, Lyrical Art 
Released January of 2013, Songs Of My People is the debut album of David E Johnston, professionally known as Gift of Tongues. Very artistic, purposeful and satirical music, Johnston’s work is much more intense and sincere than that of other electronica artists, which in turn creates sincerity and authenticity. 

Much more mature as an artist, Johnston, 48, originates from California, where he studied graphic design at the Art Centre College in Pasadena and at the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. He raps with a voice of wisdom and experience whilst simultaneously evoking a youthful sense of abandon and nonchalance. 

Self described as “aggressive… sometimes humorous,” Johnston’s music takes on a sense of performance art reminiscent of and diluted from Marina Abramovich and Ulay – confronting, direct and provocative. Unlike the vulnerability and tenderness created by the famed performance art duo, Johnston performs masked, and in that way, physically distanced from the audience; an emotive and personal connection is paramount. 

Johnston is comparable to the likes of Fever Ray (main titles to the new History Channel epic, Vikings), Depeche Mode, and Daft Punk. 

Combining the excitement of up-tempo synthesised beats and melodies with poetic verse and satirical commentary, especially prevalent in 10050 Cielo Drive (a reference to the Tate/LaBianca murders). 

Preamble, also poetic and bitterly ironic, alludes to the American Dream that has seemed to mutate from its original promises to a politically correct idyll with reference to The Star Spangled Banner. 

Gift of Tongues’ lyrical content is certainly an art form; be it satirical and political (Preamble, The Universe, America (The Beautiful) ), or narrative and allegorical (Home, Big Bad Wolf, Gift of Tongues). Tastefully edited, mixed and arranged, Songs of My People is only the beginning for David Johnston; the Big Bad Wolf EP followed a month later, and there is more yet to come.

Join our mailing list for free REMIX

Songs of My People: Wildy’s World 

PULL QUOTE: “Songs Of My People is eclectic and fun; occasionally maddening, and ultimately listenable in its complicated simplicity.” 

by Wildy Haskell 
Wildys World Music World 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Performance Art is one of the most inscrutable subjects in the art world. There are those who swear by its pure, creative powers, and those who scoff at the very idea. Words like “legitimate” get thrown around in arguments over what performance art is or should be. These discussions are moot, in any case. The mere fact that these discussions happen in such heated fashion is proof of value, so to speak. Nevertheless, when performance art and something structured, such as music, become one, there are going to be fights. That would seem to be the challenge of Gift Of Tongues’ new album, Songs Of My People. 

Gift Of Tongues is the musical outlet of performance artist David E. Johnston. Collaborating with a host of talent New York City musicians, Johnston manages to carve out a sonic space that’s part electronic, part dance and part neo-folk. Gift Of Tongues runs the gamut, from invective-laden stream of conscious songs to kitschy story-teller style tunes. Johnston drives through the entire set without remorse or hesitation, occasionally perhaps unaware of the spectacle he leaves in his wake. 

Gift Of Tongues kick things off in surreal style with “Preamble”, a spoken word gem from a mecha-musical overlord whose thematic grace is right out of George Orwell’s 1984. “The Universe” is a rambling rumination on the concept of “use it or lose it”. Gift Of Tongues create an interesting musical air here, like the theoretical middle ground between Fatboy Slim and Nine Inch Nails. “Home” makes intriguing use of organic and found sounds in its musical construction. While initially intriguing, the song does fall into a repetitive loop that becomes impossible to escape. “Big Bad Wolf” is quite catchy and full of atypical sounds. Extensive vocal effects are used to here to create a sort of steam punk-electro feel. 

“Glory Hole” is an adolescent day dream out of the dark ages. There’s a definitive electro-dance feel to the arrangement, but there’s also a subtle perversion that runs through the sun that’s disturbing. “I Am A Large Man” appears to have several potential interpretations, each of which is somewhat disturbing. This is all delivered in the guise of a modern love song that may very well be what it appears, but forgive yourself a few doubts along the way. “Gift Of Tongues” refers to the Pentecostal practices of snake handling and speaking in tongues. Johnson addresses his cynicism in subtle sarcasm and a tasty dance beat. “Dahmeresque” is the very definition of a Freudian oral character magnified through the lens of psychosis. Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the song is the 1980’s new wave/dance arrangement (think Mike & The Mechanics). The juxtaposition is almost comical, but will definitely get your toes tapping. 

“I Was A Soldier” has a dark and hopeless feel to it. It’s an intriguing sound but not something you might feel inclined to listen through on a regular basis. “Cock-a-Roach”, on the other hand, is catchy and entertaining. This has potential club hit written all over it, from the catchy, incestuous beats to the whimsical subject matter. “What’s Mommy Getting Up To?” has a complicated but workable dance beat. The lyrical flow feels a bit forced however, and the chorus is a bit too repetitive for comfort. “10050 Cielo Drive” starts out sounding like soundtrack material from a horror movie. The arrangement is something of a sonic mess, and overcomes anything else that Gift Of Tongues is trying to accomplish. “America (The Beautiful)” reverts to the electro/steam punk style we heard early on from Gift Of Tongues. This settles down into a rote dance beat before it’s done, but Johnson’s vision is vibrant and clear. Gift Of Tongues says goodnight with the eminently catchy and country flavored dance pop of “Long Way Home”. This will definitely get your feet moving, and may tend to sunset listeners in a positive light. 

Songs Of My People is eclectic and fun; occasionally maddening, and ultimately listenable in its complicated simplicity. As a listener you’re never entirely sure whether David E. Johnston is writing from a serious place or just leading you on into the nebulous mind of the character. Either way, the trip is entertaining.

Indie World Music – Matthew Forss 

PULL QUOTE: “When poetic lyrics, enticing rhythms and melodies, and theatrical displays of sound come together unabashed, Songs Of My People results.” 
~ Matthew Forss
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ------------------------------------------------

The theatrical and performative antics of electronica and dark music magnate, Gift Of Tongues, is not your usual music group. There are a mix of gruesome anthems with comedic, ironic, and thought-provoking lyrics about some of America’s most provocative killers, including Manson and Dahmer. That is only one aspect of the recording, as the rest of the tracks contain darkly-brooding electronica with metallic and industrial beats, noises, and sounds that are rather light overall. The vocals are rather robotic, but the melodies are particularly catching, including the piano-based, Chopsticks-like portion of ”Dahmeresque,” as well as ”What’s Mommy Getting Up To,” “Long Way Home,” and “Home.” More techno-focused tunes, such as “Big Bad Wolf,” ”Glory Hole,” and “I Am A Large Man” showcase some poetic wordplay and blurby percussion. There are swishy sounds, blurby electronics, static vocals, robotic vocals, and piano melodies that meld the past with the future. There are enought sounds to evoke an enthusiastic response of enjoyment. There is a dark sense of humanity that permeates each song, but that is not a bad thing. When poetic lyrics, enticing rhythms and melodies, and theatrical displays of sound come together unabashed, Songs Of My People results. Think of Enigma crossed with Rob Zombie and Squonk Opera. Simply amazing. 

Indie World Music

Middle Tennessee Music – C. Brett Campbell 

PULL QUOTE: “Some of these songs are like fuzzy dreams called to reality by a misty-forest musical Merlin. Gift of Tongues is like the Alice Cooper of electronica.” 
-C. Brett Campbell 
Mid Tennessee Music 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

A Twisted Surprise 

For me it’s always a gamble when I hit the button to spin something tagged “electronica” or “new wave” (although I have to admit it’s good to actually see that second one, having been a fan of the first wave). Well here’s one that landed on my favorite spot on the spinnin’ wheel, The latest Gift of Tongues record, Songs of My People. 

Ok, straight up, no holds barred, this is one of the strangest, craziest, twistiest records I’ve listened to in a long, long time. It sure ain’t no ordinary electronica! It’s kind of like Tom Waits meets Soft Cell or A Flock of Seagulls all mixed up with Velvet Underground. It’s surreal. Dark, strange lyrics tell tales that weave like the “Snakes Around Them” through the consciousness sometimes beckoning and beguiling, at others it’s more like being dragged along kicking and screaming. 

Is it social commentary? Is it story-telling in the olde tradition? Is it real or imagined? Some of these songs are like fuzzy dreams called to reality by a misty-forest musical Merlin. Gift of Tongues is like the Alice Cooper of electronica. 

Bay Area Reporter said, “Listening with half an ear in a crowded bar, you’ll hear smooth, usually up tempo music, but pay attention to the Iyrics, and you’ll get a whole other story.” I can’t think of a better way to put it. A good example is “What’s Mommy Getting Up To.” While it’s a perfectly dance-able groove that might go over in the club without a notice of it’s darker vibe, the minor chording and dark subject hide themselves in the pop-ish sounds waiting to grab you and knock you into another world of thought. 

Conversely, cuts such as “Once I Was a Soldier” make no bones about it, they are weird and deep from the first note. It’s the same with “10050 Cielo Drive” (yes, that’s the adress of Roman Polanski’s house made famous by Charles Manson’s “family” in the Tate/Bianca murders) which quotes the famous “Helter Skelter.” 

Have a listen to “America (The Beautiful)” and find that it’s nothing like the title might suggest. It’s a wild and crazy halcion ride across the country with the boys from Easy Rider fueled by the modern pharmaceutical companies, with a bad attitude. 

David Johnston is the man behind the mask of Gift of Tongues. With a background in performance art, he chooses to call his music “performative.” I can get that. The twists in the lyrics, combined with the dramatic layers of sound evoke similarly layered mental images. My imagination runs “over the river and through the woods” with wild abandon. 

Johnston says he performs in a mask to distance himself from the more personal parts of the songs, but that he strives to pull the audience into the music in a very personal way. I imagine it’s one heck of a live show. 

Don’t hesitate to give Songs of My People a spin, but be warned… it’s not your daddy’s new-age

Various Press Quotes 

Haunting and occasionally hilarious songs, written by Johnston and performed with a hearty, drawling irony.
SF Weekly 

[Johnston] journeys into the violently twisted underbelly of the American Dream 
SF Bay Times 

Johnston comes up with a troubling entertaining mix of Southern legend, psychodrama, cabaret, chamber music, Madonna, and Fleetwood Mac 
SF Weekly 

Johnston’s songs are deceptive. Listening with half an ear in a crowded bar, you’ll hear smooth, usually up-tem-po music, but pay attention to the Iyrics, and you’ll get a whole other story. 
Bay Area Reporter 

Witty Iyrics and caustic storytelling. 
SF Bay Times