Community, wellbeing, and a soulful approach to music-making are three pillars that Johnny Venus stands on. Embarking on a solo adventure after being part of the EarthGang collective, the Atlanta-born and raised artist has just released Shooter, a three-song EP that serves as a beautiful love letter and introduction of himself to the world. Today, we sit down with him to discuss his creative process, the importance of collaboration, and projects like Compxss, a wellness platform aimed at healing and helping people reconnect with themselves.
Atlanta is a big part of your artistic DNA. What makes the city so special that it keeps producing such powerful artists?
It keeps me. It’s the Black Mecca. I know y’all have heard that before, but it’s true. The best of the best, the most creative, the risk-takers—people who are trying to find their own way—they all end up in Atlanta at some point. Some just pass through, some stay. And when they’re here, they leave their best ideas, their energy, their creativity.
Atlanta pours back into you the same way. Growing up in that atmosphere, with everything so electric and free, it shaped me. It’s baked into who I am, into my sound, into the community. Atlanta shows you that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Atlanta pours back into you the same way. Growing up in that atmosphere, with everything so electric and free, it shaped me. It’s baked into who I am, into my sound, into the community. Atlanta shows you that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Were there Atlanta artists you grew up listening to that you’ve now had the chance to meet or collaborate with?
Yeah, for sure. 2 Chainz, The-Dream, OutKast (Big Boi and André), Pastor Troy, Young Thug. Man, the list is long. Atlanta’s one of those places where you’ll just cross paths with legends on the street, in the studio, everywhere.
What motivated you to step out of EarthGang and start this solo chapter as Johnny Venus?
Honestly, it just felt like it was time. Doctur Dot and I have been making music together forever, but even before that we had our own paths—he was on trumpet, I was rapping in talent shows. EarthGang gave us this huge canvas, but I felt like I needed a moment for my own voice, my own stories. This project has a different energy. It needed to happen now, and I’m excited for what’s coming.
“I don’t live up to labels. I appreciate when people see that in me, but what really matters is what I see in myself. And what I see is pure honesty, pure joy, pure music.”
Do you feel more creative freedom now that you’re on your own?
Yeah, of course. At the same time, collaboration is still part of it. You’ve got producers, engineers, other artists contributing their best. So while I definitely feel more space to tell my personal story, I also still get inspired by the greatness of the people around me.
So Beautiful has this old-school blues feel with a modern twist. How did the track come to life?
It came together at about 5 am during one of our Spelhouse sessions. My brother Cam was on the beat, and it just put us in the perfect space after days in the studio. I jumped on it, and then 6lack, who was in the other room, walked in like, what’s going on in here? I need to be part of this. From there, it just grew organically. Wu10 came through and added organ that gave it that live, soulful, almost church feel. Everything about it was natural.
You and 6lack clearly have great chemistry. Why was he the right fit for your first solo release?
It was divine timing. He was there, the energy was right, and he’s from Atlanta too. He makes fire music and he cares about the craft. Keeping it in the family made perfect sense.
People have called you a “Renaissance figure” in R&B. Do you embrace that label, or does it feel like added pressure?
No pressure. I don’t live up to labels. I appreciate when people see that in me, but what really matters is what I see in myself. And what I see is pure honesty, pure joy, pure music. What I make will always have R&B in it, but also funk, electro, African and Caribbean sounds. Music is like water: it flows through you however it’s flavoured, and when it’s blessed, it’s always going to sound good.
Let’s talk about Compxss. How did a wellness platform like that come from someone in hip-hop?
To me, creators are healers. Music heals people, whether it’s making you celebrate or reflect. Compxss came from wanting to build something for people to reconnect with themselves—not their job title, not their bank account, but who they are as human beings. It’s a platform for tools that help you enjoy life and not get lost in labels.
Would you recommend that all artists find something like yoga or meditation to stay grounded?
Yeah, absolutely. A lot of artists find peace in drugs, and I get it. But there are healthier ways to protect your gift. For me, yoga and meditation keep me consistent, and consistency lets you do anything.
You’ve worked with Nike, Lululemon, even NBA players. What lessons have those experiences taught you?
That we’re all the same. Whether you’re an athlete, an influencer, or an artist, we all deal with the pressure to perform, to outdo our last effort, to live up to expectations. What music and Compxss remind me is not to overwork myself or lose sight of the bigger picture.
Between Compxss and the EarthGang Foundation, you’re working on big social missions. How do they influence each other?
It’s all community. That’s Atlanta—everybody looks out for each other. The Foundation and Compxss are both about paying it forward, whether it’s through gardens, wellness events, or building spaces for the next generation.
“A lot of artists find peace in drugs, and I get it. But there are healthier ways to protect your gift. For me, yoga and meditation keep me consistent.”
You were invited to Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence for Earth Day, and now you’re working with the UN. Do you feel a responsibility as an artist to engage with global causes?
I feel a responsibility as a human being. It’s not about being an artist or having a blue check. This planet is home, so we all have to take care of it. My way of doing that is showing people it matters.
If you could collaborate with any artist, alive or not, who would it be?
I’d say Ayra Starr. She’s fly, she’s dedicated, she’s cold. I’d love to do a record with her.
What’s next for Johnny Venus and Compxss?
I’ve got a new single dropping in the next few weeks, followed by an EP. With Compxss, we’ve got some big partnerships in the works with companies that want to invest in healthier human beings. I can’t say too much yet, but just know it’s going to be powerful.
