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South African Pravinand Maharaj, aka Johnny Minstrel, is a pillar of the Soundcloud folk community, writing great songs and recording several of them in collaboration with other artists he meets there. As his name might suggest, his songs can have a bit of a hobo mystique, but he also blends in elements of S. African folk pop and international roots sounds for a unique approach. One of his best songs is ‘I Walked the Old Trade Route,’ a stunning piece of singer-songwriter fare full of evocative imagery and an anthemic chorus that’ll linger in your head. Johnny’s voice and harmonica are rounded out by subtle lead guitars and harmonies from France’s Kev Sumner; together they make it sound like a lost classic from the late Village folk or early California singer-songwriter scenes. Johnny has the download function enabled for it, so grad it while you can.

Q & A

What is your goal in recording and sharing music?

To reach out. To be heard.

Come up with a descriptive, original genre name for your music.

Outlaw Folk-Gospel

Who do you view as a likely audience for your music?

People from the Folk generation with an outlaw bent.

If trapped on a desert island with only 3 songs, which would they be?

1. ‘Visions of Johanna’ by Bob Dylan
2. ‘The Future’ by Leonard Cohen
3. ‘God Said No’ by Dan Bern

Is there an instrument you do not currently play that you’d like to learn?

The Violin

Who is your musical hero(es), if any?

Bob Dylan and Larry Norman

You can find more from Johnny Minstrel on his Facebook page: Click Here