Naomi Johnson Returns To Her Roots And Kickstarts Solo Career With Emotional New Song, ‘Bricks Make Houses’

After the eye-opening experience during the birth of her first baby, Naomi Johnson realized she had much more to share about her life story. So today, she’s stepping back into her solo career with the first taste of her forthcoming project, the deeply personal, “Bricks Make Houses.”

“So many times it felt like this day would never come and now it’s finally here and this song is ready to be shared with the world,” she admitted in her latest Instagram post. “I feel like a nervous mother showing everyone my baby for the first time. Thank you for being here with me and thank you for listening.”

The emotional tune was co-written by Johnson alongside Sam Bergeson, Kat Higgins, and Lydia Vaughan and produced by Johnson alongside Josh Kelley and Dustin Christensen. Leading with nothing but vulnerability, the Virginia native brings fans on a journey back in time to her childhood through a series of memories strung together. She centers the autobiographical depiction around the school bus-turned-home that she shared with her 11 siblings, parents, and dog.

A photo of her former home is proudly highlighted on the song’s cover art as a representation of the challenges she faced growing up, and how that made her into the resilient person she is today. The return of Johnson’s powerful storytelling comes out in full force through a set of soft melodies and heartfelt lyrics that remind listeners that it’s not money that makes someone rich, but the love and support around them.

“We were barely getting by/ But we forgot most of the time/ We weren’t broken we were just a little broke/ And I feel rich now looking back/ Because of who not what we had/ I learned love ain’t built with stacks of painted stone/ Bricks make houses/ People make homes,” she sings on the chorus.

@naomijohnson BRICKS MAKES HOUSES……. 3/21 #naomijohnson #newmusic #countrymusic #growingup #family ♬ original sound – NaomiCookeJohnson

Naomi Johnson has learned that she cannot look forward without acknowledging her past, especially the moments that changed her perspective on life. She reveals her new musical journey and forthcoming project was fueled following a “near-death experience” during her daughter’s birth.

“It made me wonder, if I didn’t survive, would the music I left behind allow my daughter to get to know me? The music I had put out before didn’t tell my story—not really,” Johnson explains. “If my daughter ever listens to this upcoming project from start to finish, she’ll really know me—not just as an artist, but as a woman, a mother, a wife, and a friend. And that feels really good to me.”

Formerly a member of the hit group Runaway June, Naomi Johnson is ready to take the next step in her solo career and explore her life story through song. She is kickstarting her return with “Bricks Make Houses,” which follows “Girls Of Summer” and “Livin’ Ain’t Killed Me Yet,” both of which were unveiled after embarking on a career outside the trio and have since been taken down from streaming platforms.

Johnson will serve as co-producer on her debut solo project, alongside compelling producer, Josh Kelley. This project is expected to showcase a side of her artistry that she has never uncovered before.