HOPE COUNTRY

“I believe that with love and encouragement we can change the worst of atmospheres,” says Brent Johnson. His desire to create an environment and place of hope led him to start Hope Country in 2011.

Born and raised on a farm in Wisconsin, Brent had a desire to see the world and travel at an early age. He began playing in bands at 17 and has since toured in over 40 states as well as all over Canada.

Hope Country entered the studio in 2014 to record what would be come Water, Land, & Sky. With an emphasis on strong songwriting and storytelling lyrics, Hope Country has developed into a prime example of modern-day Americana. The record features two songs co-written with Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional, Twin Forks), was mixed by Jonathan Clark of Twin Forks, and mastered by Grammy-winning engineer Richard Dodd (The Dixie Chicks, Tom Petty, The Lone Bellow). The record was released in August 2014, and hit number 8 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart on its release day, and the video for “On Our Own” was featured on CMT Edge. Hope Country closed out 2014 with a run of sold out dates supporting Judah & The Lion.

In early 2015, Hope Country went into the studio wanting to make a record that was a bit stripped back. “I focused a lot more on the songwriting, melody, and what I wanted, needed to say. For this record, I didn’t want to hide behind a bunch of layers or editing. A lot of this record is just me and my friend Steve’s acoustic guitar.” The result is Thirty One, an honest record made from the heart. Thirty One was supported throughout 2015 by two headline tours, festival appearances, and support slots for Brandi Carlile, Andrew Ripp, Joseph, Nikki Lane & more, along with a sold out hometown performance at Minneapolis’ legendary 7th Street Entry.

Hope Country’s purpose is to bring hope to our whole world everywhere the music goes.