‘Blue, Green & Certain Shades of Orange’ already has an imaginative title that’s intriguing enough to draw you in. Once you press play, it becomes clear that Youngstown, Ohio native Johnny Stanec has more than just color to share.

His sound lives somewhere between a modern-day Bob Dylan and a Bright Eyes-spirited Neil Young, with a joyful vocal tone reminiscent of Ben Folds — even dipping into the sonic territory of modern alternative bands like Oasis. It’s Americana meets classic songwriting, with a touch of rock and a gift for storytelling done beautifully. Lyrically, Johnny’s thought-provoking songs explore deeper themes of life, death, alienation, and hope.

The heartland folk-rock artist has already put in his time, playing over 700 live shows across the U.S. and Canada, and releasing five albums between 2018 and 2024.

There’s something particularly exciting about his new EP, Blue, Green & Certain Shades of Orange, which is part of a larger narrative Stanec is building. “It’s the first in a four-part series of EPs releasing over the coming months,” he explains. “Each will have four songs and eventually be released as a two-disc set. The first one begins with indecipherable talking — as if sitting among a crowd of strangers and observing. Feeling alienated, even when surrounded by people. Lately, that seems like a recurring feeling shared by many.”

The opening track, ‘Where It Leads Me,’ has a bright, vibrant tone, with layered instrumentation — including harmonica — that evokes classic ’60s songwriting. Similarly, ‘A Nameless Place, A Setting Sun’ conjures the stripped-down poignancy of Gary Jules’ Mad World cover while bringing in Britpop influences in a uniquely creative way. The EP showcases well-crafted production, with carefully arranged harmonies, percussion, recorders, and other lush band instrumentation that blend modern polish with a timeless feel. Stanec’s voice captivates, anchoring each song with depth and emotion.

Tracks like ‘Different Colors’ radiate hope and empathy, while ‘Shadows on the Wall’ channels a stance you might imagine Dylan taking. The harmony arrangements are masterfully done, calling to mind classic acts like Oasis, The Beatles, and Tom Petty.

In today’s musical landscape, artists who deliver both a message and a mood — and who think creatively outside the box — not only empower listeners but also carve a path toward longevity. Pairing that with vision, live shows, and a cohesive concept is a powerful way to build a lasting career.

‘Blue, Green & Certain Shades of Orange’ was written in late 2024 and early 2025, and recorded during the late winter of 2025.

The EP was mixed and mastered by Josh Roman in West Middlesex, PA.

“I’m not one to be bothered with hobbies”

Who are your top 5 influences?

I’m into a lot of different bands and artists. Picking five is always difficult. I try and combine styles and genres; on one song it’ll be a full band and then the next is bare-bones acoustic.

Some of my consistent influences would be Oasis, Elliott Smith, Wilco, Ryan Adams, Beatles, Replacements, Stone Roses, One Man Army, Shins; and the list can keep going.

Who was the producer of the album?

I produce my own records. So, the production ideas are my own, but I do have a long working relationship with my friend Josh Roman. He does all the mixing and mastering at his studio in western Pennsylvania; and has for a long time.

I give him the tracks and he gives me his take on the mix. After that, we work on a final mix together before mastering the track for release.

What shows and tours do you have coming up next?

Right now I’m focused on releasing new music. I’ve played shows almost non-stop for years. Right now I feel like I’m in a bit of a transitional phase and spending more time working out my ideas. I’ll definitely perform live again. It could be as soon as late fall/early winter. For now, these forthcoming recordings are my main priority.

Love that this is part of a big concept release — where did you get the idea for that?

I’m always trying to be creatively active and I tend to log a lot of ideas and then come back to them. I’ll then choose which ones to develop. Usually, I was releasing full-length albums, with occasional singles here and there.

This time around I felt like the songs were better grouped in four EPs and released over several months. All four will have four songs; so sixteen tracks in total once they’re all out. Each will have a loose theme and feeling. This first one is very summer sounding, very open. There are crowd sounds and birds and water hitting against the shore — it all feels tied into a sort of melancholic depiction of summer. It’s always so fleeting and bittersweet.

The next EP should be out at the end of August, with the third at the end of October, and the final one in December. After that, a full two-disc collection will be available containing all sixteen tracks.

When you’re not doing music what do you also love to do?

Mostly, music is my main focus; I’m not one to be bothered with hobbies. I do like to run, and will go to nearby parks or trails to get away from daily life for a bit and clear my head. And then afterwards I’ve earned a few pints and can start the creative process all over again.

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