Johnny Polygon’s Candid Look at Sobriety, Creativity, and Music

Johnny Polygon has always been an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve, using his music as a canvas to paint the ups and downs of his life. Known for his unique blend of introspective lyrics and genre-defying sound, Johnny has never shied away from the hard truths. Now, in a pivotal moment of his career, he’s channeling his personal journey through addiction and recovery into his most honest and vulnerable work to date.

In this interview, Johnny speaks candidly about the challenges he faced on the road to sobriety, the fears he confronted about losing his creative spark, and how these experiences have influenced his latest project, The Program. With his single “Step 1” leading the charge, Johnny’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of music.

What inspired you to channel your journey through recovery into your music, specifically with “Step 1”?

My music has always been autobiographical. At this moment in my life, I am mind-altering substance-free. I’m choosing to recover out loud for all those still suffering in silence.

Can you describe the moment when you realized that you were powerless over drugs and alcohol? How did that realization shape your recovery process?

It wasn’t necessarily a single moment but rather a series of unfortunate events over a prolonged period. My “rock bottom” was long. Eventually, I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired.

How did the creative process for “Step 1” differ from your previous work, considering your newfound sobriety?

My music has always been autobiographical. It’s no different now, other than the fact I’m not yacked out of my mind.

You’ve mentioned that you feared losing your creative spark if you got sober. How has your creativity evolved since you made the decision to get clean?

I think I make less music sober but better, and I actually release it. I have hard drives full of music that people will never hear that I made during my addiction.

The line “the drugs didn’t get me high no more” is incredibly powerful. Can you talk about what led to that breaking point?

Like I said before, I got sick and tired of being sick and tired. Being high wasn’t fun anymore. Being drunk sucked. Hangovers were lasting longer. It was just lame. I couldn’t chase my first high anymore.

How has your experience with heart disease influenced your approach to both life and music?

That’s a tricky question. It’s something I struggle with more than substance abuse or alcohol. I’m still coping with the diagnosis, honestly.

What challenges did you face while recording “Step 1” in your home studio, and how did those challenges impact the final product?

No challenges at all. This album wrote itself.
Sobriety often involves confronting uncomfortable truths about oneself. How did you navigate this introspection during the creation of “Step 1”?

The saying “the truth shall set you free” is real. I know who I am, what I’ve done, and I still love me in spite of… myself. Lol.

How has your relationship with the music industry changed since you began your journey to sobriety?

It’s improved immensely. People are answering my calls again, lol.

Can you tell us more about the conceptual album that “Step 1” is a part of? What themes and stories can listeners expect?

"Step 1" is part of a 12-song project called The Program that documents my 12-step journey to sobriety. It’s my most honest and vulnerable project to date.

Your career has been marked by a refusal to conform to industry norms. How has this approach helped or hindered your journey toward recovery?

It’s the gift and the curse. I wouldn’t recommend it. Haha.

You’ve worked with some incredible artists throughout your career. How have those experiences shaped your perspective on success and personal fulfillment?

Definitely. I think it’s both humbled me and given me a lot of validation. I’ve seen success firsthand, so I always know how close I am or how far away from it.

In what ways do you hope “Step 1” and your forthcoming album will resonate with listeners who are struggling with addiction?

I hope people look at me and see themselves. I hope anyone struggling with addiction sees that there’s a better way to live.

How do you maintain your mental health and well-being now that you’re sober, especially within the pressures of the music industry?

I surround myself with other people in recovery and stay in the middle of the boat so I don’t fall off.

Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to someone who is at the beginning of their own path to recovery?

The magic is in the work we’ve been avoiding.