Johnny & The Dinosaurs

Johnny & the Dinosaurs create a 'prehistoric' blend of indie and folk. Led by guitarist and songwriter Johnny, the band combines a handful of cowboy chords with lyrics about love and loss; perfect for fans of laid-back rhythms and slant rhymes.

Behind the moniker 'Johnny' lies Joost Abbel (Amsterdam, 1985), a long-time fixture in the music scene, known for his work as a guitarist with acts such as Zorita, Dieter van der Westen, and Juan Juan. In 2020, he decided to record his own songs for the first time. He refined his lyrics, transformed lo-fi phone recordings into full-fledged arrangements, and, following a successful crowdfunding campaign, realized his dream: a debut album on vinyl, titled 'Collecting Dinosaurs'.

For 'Other Plans', Johnny & the Dinosaurs collaborated with producer Casper van der Lans (known for his work with Personal Trainer, Astronaut, and Pip Blom). The tracks sit at the intersection of indie and folk, with the band injecting a healthy dose of 'twang' through the use of baritone guitars, pedal steel, and saxophone. Merlijn Verboom (guitar/bass) and Gijs Anders van Straalen (drums) form the core of the band alongside Johnny. Sophie Janna and Margot Merah of the duo The Lasses, complement Johnny’s raw, unpolished vocals with their pristine harmonies. The record also features guest contributions from Aidan & the Wild (pedal steel), Jasper Geluk (organ), Robert Koomen (bass), and Mart Boumans (saxophone), all of which help create a diverse sonic landscape. The album was mastered by Wessel Oltheten (Spinvis, DeWolff, Elephant) and is set for release on double vinyl on January 8, 2027.