Dean Johnson

Dean Johnson’s new album, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, is a powerful testament to long-gestating artistry. The singer-songwriter’s raw vulnerability and sharp wit shine through a collection of songs that are both tender and biting. With a gentle musical touch, Johnson tackles themes of heartbreak, insecurity, and personal history in a memorable and deeply moving way.

Seattle singer-songwriter Dean Johnson confronts social fatigue in his new single, “Death of the Party.” The wry, bittersweet track takes aim at “energy vampires” with sharp wit over brushed drums and acoustic chords. It’s the latest preview from his debut album for Saddle Creek, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, arriving August 22, 2025.

Dean Johnson isn’t new to the slow burn. For years, the Seattle songwriter was a local legend, a barman dispensing both libations and lyrical gems. His forthcoming Saddle Creek debut, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends, truly ushers The Melancholy Maestro of the Pacific Northwest into the muted, wistful spotlight he deserves. Check out the Ryan McMackin-directed video for his lead single, “Before You Hit the Ground”.