Biography
After leaving American Girls—the moderately successful band he co-founded and performed with for three years—Michael Johnson launched Reclinerland in 1997. He aimed to form an “anything goes” pop outfit. Ever since, the project has drawn on a rotating roster of players to realize Johnson’s shifting musical impulses.
Johnson relocated to New York City in 1999 to immerse himself in a scene unlike the Pacific Northwest’s, only to return to Portland, OR, in 2001. Following the 1998 release of their debut album, Reclinerland has played clubs such as Schubas in Chicago, the 12 Bar Club and the Garage in London, CBs Gallery in New York City, and the Alladin Theater in Portland, OR.
Johnson has issued three albums under the Reclinerland name: the self-titled 1998 debut on Expanding Brooklyn; a second, likewise self-titled set on Hush Records; and the eight-song EP on Lelp Records. The group wrapped recording of its fourth album in 2003. Johnson’s knack for assembling collaborators has let him work with many musicians. EP, the third album, captures both of his musical personas—the lone singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar in his basement and the full-band power-pop approach. Drummer Anthony Georgis, bassist Pat Gamble, and Chris Streng of the Stratford 4 joined Johnson for the EP sessions.
Johnson relocated to New York City in 1999 to immerse himself in a scene unlike the Pacific Northwest’s, only to return to Portland, OR, in 2001. Following the 1998 release of their debut album, Reclinerland has played clubs such as Schubas in Chicago, the 12 Bar Club and the Garage in London, CBs Gallery in New York City, and the Alladin Theater in Portland, OR.
Johnson has issued three albums under the Reclinerland name: the self-titled 1998 debut on Expanding Brooklyn; a second, likewise self-titled set on Hush Records; and the eight-song EP on Lelp Records. The group wrapped recording of its fourth album in 2003. Johnson’s knack for assembling collaborators has let him work with many musicians. EP, the third album, captures both of his musical personas—the lone singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar in his basement and the full-band power-pop approach. Drummer Anthony Georgis, bassist Pat Gamble, and Chris Streng of the Stratford 4 joined Johnson for the EP sessions.
Albums
