Despite his young age, Johnny Orlando drives many girls crazy – blame that on his awesome vocals and singing talents, not forgetting his good looks.

He’s the new kid on the block and is all set to bloom to be a star soon. Like so many great artists before him, Johnny Orlando got his start on YouTube when he was barely six years old. He began uploading covers of various pop songs by fellow Canadian Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes and Taylor Swift in 2011. Orlando also took a jig with songs by The Chainsmokers and made his improvisations to them in his own amazing way. Soon many of these cover songs began going viral and before you knew it, there were millions following him. One of his most memorable covers was a rendition of Mendes’ hit Stitches.

A native of Mississauga, Ontario in Canada, Orlando was born on 24^th January 2003 and is the youngest in the family to sisters Lauren and Darian and parents Meredith and Dale. Orlando was raised by his dad who loved and played music constantly in the family home. It exposed him to different kinds of music growing up, but his biggest inspirations are Billie Eilish, The Weekend, and Justin Bieber.

Orlando is also an avid vlogger and regularly uploads video diaries to his channel, often accompanied by his sisters. Several of Johnny’s vlogs give a behind-the-scenes look into the young singer’s life, and are a must-watch for fans. 

With a wide coverage all over, Orlando, was signed onto Universal Music Canada in May 2018 and released singles such as What If (featuring Mackenzie Ziegler), Last Summer and All these Parties. Last Summer was a resounding follow-up track, charting on the Billboard Top 100 and accumulating millions of views and streams. For those who don’t know, Ziegler is also rumored Orlando’s girlfriend.

Kenzie and Orlando did a song together called Day and Night a couple of years ago. It was their music producers who introduced the two who immediately became friends when we made the song and video. They have been really close friends ever since and have travelled all over the US and Europe together.

Johnny and Ziegler have collaborated on several projects, and naturally, there have been rumors of a relationship between the pair. Fans even gave the couple the name Jenzie. However, it seems that Johnny and Ziegler are just close friends. Ziegler is in a relationship with Isaak Presley, and Johnny appears single.

Orlando’s music is all about love. He also has several music videos to his credit, a few must see would be Everything, Sleep, Waste My Time, all with a mushy touch to it, lyrics that sweep you off your feet and a melody that you would want join. In a few songs, you would imagine licks of the Bieber sound in them with a pitch catering to the EDM sound too.

Orlando is already recipient of the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Canadian Act in November 2019. He also got a Juno Award nomination for Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2019 and also for the Teen Choice Awards.

His debut EP, ‘Teenage Fever’, was released on 15^th March 2019 after which he embarked on his first headlining North American tour in support of the EP, beginning on 29^th April, 2019 in Chicago ending on 22^nd May, 2019 in Vancouver. His support acts were Hayden Summerall and Gus McMillan.

Orlando recently released his brand new single Phobias this February 2020 which tells the story of his fears and insecurities. 

Verus Ferreira spoke to the 17 year old singer to know more about his career, his music and what he’s up to during the lockdown due to the COVD 19 pandemic.

Going by your YouTube video on quarantine, it seems like you are having fun with your family in Etobicoke. Do you think family time was much needed amidst your busy work schedule?

It’s definitely been nice to have some time to relax and hangout with my family. It’s also been really great for me because I usually go to regular school, but with all this free time I can make more content for my fans.

What did you get to do during this lockdown period which you normally wouldn’t have the time to?

I’ve gotten to really re-connect with my fans in a new way that I normally just don’t have time to do. I started a new live series called “Alone Together” where I go live a few times a week with different guests. That has been so much fun.

What kind of songs are you writing during quarantine?

I have been working on a few songs inspired by the idea of quarantine and the situation that the world is in right now. I’m not sure if they will ever be released, but it’s an interesting topic to write about.

Is there any specific type of music you are following now to kill boredom and keep you in high spirits?

I’ve actually discovered a ton of new music during this quarantine since I’ve had so much free time. I’m really into The Weeknd’s new album right now.

You have been used to performing in front of a crowd. What do you like about the concept of virtual concerts?

I usually perform for around 1000 people at my own concerts, so getting to sing for tens of thousands of people at one time on live is really cool. It sucks that you don’t have an in-person audience in front of you, but it’s so cool to see people’s reactions in real time in the comments.

Earlier this year, you met Shawn Mendes. Any plans of working on a song with him?

Not as of right now, but I would love to. He’s definitely one of my musical inspirations so that would be awesome.

You have done a lot of cover songs of Justin Bieber, and you were really excited when he started following you on Twitter last year. Did anything happen after that? Can we expect new music together or a virtual concert with him?

I haven’t heard anything from him since he followed me on twitter, but I would love to have him on my Instagram series “Alone Together.” Justin if you’re seeing, this hit me up.

From covers of Justin Bieber and Austin Mahone, to having your own songs out, how has been your journey so far since you’re still so young?

Transitioning from covers to original music was a really fun process. I really got to discover myself as an artist and explore my own personal sound. I’m definitely still evolving and growing as I get older though!

You opened up about your fears and insecurities with your single Phobias. Why do you think it is necessary to be open with your fans about your struggles?

I think it’s important to be genuine and real with your fans so they really get to know you and connect with you on a personal level. They are such a big part of my life; they’re really just like my friends. I love talking to them about real topics and just having genuine conversations.

Johnny performed on 12^th April 2020 Live on the Instagram page of Vh1 India for Vh1 Quarantunes

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira