Desi Johnson

Desi Johnson is a United States based artist whose music blends pop, hip hop, and soul into a heartfelt exploration of love, faith, family, reconciliation, and the human condition. Experiencing different places, people, and cultures from an early age gave him a deep appreciation for the diversity of the world and a genuine love and respect for different cultures and the stories they carry. Those experiences continue to shape the perspective he brings to his music.

A proud Filipino with African heritage, Desi was raised around the world in a military family. Desi found his musical home in the summer of 8th grade in Japan after sitting down with a friend of his father (from Senegal) who plays the drums, and discovering that he could play it without any formal teaching. By the beginning of the 9th grade, he had signed up for the school band and was placed in the percussion section. Curiosity soon led him to the keyboard after he noticed that the pattern of the vibraphone keys matched the layout of the piano. He taught himself in the summer of 9th grade to play the keyboard.

Influenced by musical legends such as Michael Jackson and Prince, along with the popular music and rap he grew up listening to, Desi developed his own sound rooted in rhythm, melody, emotion, and storytelling.

Music, however, was only one part of Desi’s journey. He dedicated years to his education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a minor in Biochemistry, followed by a Master’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. The discipline, curiosity, and dedication required to pursue those degrees became an important part of his life, even as music remained a constant passion and creative outlet.

He has been writing music since 2005, and now, after years of creating and sitting on those songs, he feels the time has come to share them with the world. His debut album is set to release in the Fall of 2026.

At the heart of Desi’s music is the human condition. His songs explore the complicated beauty of love and relationships, while also touching on faith, reconciliation, family, and the experiences that shaped who he has become. His approach is vibrant but vulnerable—raw, emotional, and deeply personal.

One of his most cherished memories is connected to a three-legged cat he once had, whom he promised would one day be on stage with him. He passed away in 2014 before that dream could happen, but he had been there enjoying the music from the beginning, listening to Desi’s songs and meowing up at him as he created them.

Yes, now Desi is ready to step out from behind the veil and share his songs with the world.

The music has been waiting. Now it’s time to share it. Check out his music!