Johnny Torres recently sat down with Becky O’Shea of The Vibe Check for an in-depth conversation about songwriting, retirement, sync licensing, creative discipline, and the work required to build a sustainable life in music.

After spending 37 years working in the utility industry, Johnny retired in January 2025 and made music the central focus of his next chapter. In the interview, he discusses writing and organizing a catalog of more than 40 original songs, pitching music for television and film, performing live, releasing vinyl and merchandise, and developing JohnnyTorresMusic.com as a platform he can own and control.

Johnny also speaks honestly about the less glamorous side of being an independent musician. As he explains in the interview, “music is a blue-collar job.” Every song is supported by hours of writing, recording, planning, budgeting, website management, catalog organization, promotion, and pitching.

The conversation also explores Johnny’s Chicago roots, his early years as a drummer, the emotional foundation of his songwriting, his work with Slackers Unite Band and One Arm Giant, and what he hopes to accomplish during the years ahead.

Read “Johnny Torres Is Building His Next Chapter One Song at a Time” on The Vibe Check.

Learn more about the music, explore the catalog, and follow Johnny’s continuing journey here at JohnnyTorresMusic.com.