Hope Country

“I believe that with love and encouragement we can change the worst of atmospheres,” says Brent Johnson. 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. His desire to create an environment and place of hope led him to start Hope Country in 2011. With an emphasis on strong songwriting and storytelling lyrics, Hope Country has developed into a prime example of modern-day Americana.

Hope Country has released two EPs in the past three years and has supported them with multiple headline tours, festival appearances, and support slots for Brandi Carlile, Ingrid Michaelson, Twin Forks, Joseph, American Aquarium, The Wild Feathers, Nikki Lane, Sturgill Simpson, Rayland Baxter, Andrew Ripp, David Cook, Soul Asylum, Martin Sexton, & more, along with a run of sold out dates with Judah & The Lion.

While Water, Land, & Sky is dynamic full-band record and Thirty One showcases Johnson’s softer singer/songwriter side, the self-titled Hope Country (2017) marries the two, calling to mind artists such as Jason Isbell and The Avett Brothers. Lyrically, the record continues Hope Country’s heartfelt stories of life and living. The album was recorded at Summer-Winter Studios in St. Paul, MN with Levi Stugelmeyer (The Cactus Blossoms, Caitlyn Smith) and mastered by Huntley Miller (Bon Iver, The Tallest Man On Earth). Hope Country’s purpose is to bring hope to our whole world everywhere the music goes.