“Can’t Do Without” – Johnny Bourke

Music has been playing a major role in making this summer feel somewhat like you’d expect summer too. To add to your summer jams playlist comes Johnny Bourke’s debut single “Can’t Do Without”. With lyrics such as ‘All I need is a single chance to get it right and show her that I’m the one for her,’ the song creates the idea of someone trying to impress and win over a girl while they’re hanging out by the pool.

We got the chance to chat with Bourke about his music experiences, quarantine, and pizza.

How did you get into music and find your style?
I suppose that I’ve been involved in music my entire life, I was performing in shows from a young age, and had formal training in classical piano. I started playing in bands around 17/18 and then studied Music in University along with Math. I think I developed my style simply through the vast amount of playing I’ve done so far in my career through sessions and gigs. It wasn’t until fairly recently that I feel I really came into my own and knew the type of music I wanted to produce, which is a pop rock hybrid. I love so many types of music I could never fully commit to one genre and I think that’s reflected in my music.

If You could only listen to one record, what would it be?
“Continuum” by John Mayer. Easy

“Can’t Do Without”is a very summer pop jam, how did it all come together?
I had written and demoed it about two years ago and brought it to Jackson last July in London. By the time it was fully mixed, mastered, and ready to go it was the middle of winter. As I’m delighted you pointed out it’s undoubtedly a summer track and I knew I wanted it to be my debut single so we said we’d put it off until summer 2020. I think the song is such a sunny, shiny bop and I think we made the right call as opposed to rushing it. I’m excited to see how people respond!

You had been playing shows around the world at the beginning of this year, how have you handled the shift from that to quarantine?
It was an intense start to the year, I was playing every night and then it obviously took a halt quite drastically. It was lovely getting home given the pandemic and to have a break from performing but I’ve been so busy promoting the track that I haven’t really had time to stop and rest. That’s not really in my nature anyway I like to keep busy. I’ve also started back writing and producing from which I hadn’t really done much yet this year and that’s always exciting to get the creative juices flowing again!

What classical album cover represents your current mood?
I think “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen. The cover is him leaning on his sax player Clarence Clemons and I suppose symbolizes Bruce’s entire relationship and respect for Clarence and the entire E Street Band. I’ve been playing on my own for months now and I’m craving to get back with a full band so yeah I think that’s a fitting choice for quarantine!

What would go on your signature pizza and what would it be called?
Oh wow, I love pizza this is a great question, Ok signature pizza … definitely chicken for the protein, mozzarella, and blue cheese. I like it absolute fire, so let’s get jalapenos and red chilis in there. Red onion (of course) and topped with hot sauce and chili flakes.

I’d probably call that “Bourke’s Burner!” Do you have more singles and/or an album you plan to release soon?
YES! I have several singles in the vault and I think I know which on will be my next release but I’m playing it by ear for now and going to see what avenues “Can’t Do Without” leads me down before I decide. I have a few more surprises to release before that so I am super excited overall for the next few months!

“Can’t Do Without” is available for pre-save on Spotify now and will be released on all major streaming platforms on July 3rd.