IPSWICH country/blues artist Damien J. Johnson is set to release his highly anticipated second single, Wacol Station, on May 22, delivering a raw and authentic sound that leans heavily into the traditions of classic blues and country music.
The new track, released under Damien J. Johnson and The Damien J. Johnson Band, blends bluegrass, country and blues influences while drawing on timeless blues imagery — trains, prisons and the devil — all filtered through a distinctly Australian lens.
Recorded live in a single take at Studio O’Keefe, Wacol Station intentionally avoids the polished perfection of modern studio production. No click track was used during recording, allowing the song’s natural tempo shifts and imperfections to shine through and preserve the energy of a genuine live performance.
Johnson said the approach was about capturing honesty in the music.
Backing Johnson on the track are Jim Bopalouie on bass and Logan Senjov on drums, with the trio showcasing the instinctive chemistry that has become a hallmark of the band’s live sound.
The release follows the success of Johnson’s previous single, Lappin’, which gained strong momentum after being added to Apple Music’s editorial New in Country playlist, collecting thousands of streams in its opening week.
With Wacol Station, Johnson continues building anticipation for his forthcoming album while cementing his reputation as one of regional Queensland’s emerging voices in contemporary Australian country music.
An award-winning and charting artist, Johnson has shared stages with Australian music heavyweights including James Blundell, Daryl Braithwaite and David McCormack. Recent performances include appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Agnes Water Blues Roots & Rock Festival and Ipswich’s SPARK Festival.
In 2025, Johnson was named a grand finalist in the Australian Country Music Stars competition and was selected as the main support act for Scottish rock band Big Country during their Greatest Hits tour.
Away from the stage, Johnson is also recognised as a passionate advocate for the Ipswich live music scene and recently appeared alongside Ben Lee as a presenter at the 2026 Ipswich Creator’s Summit.
