Arranger
For over 20 years, alongside his work as a composer, Johnny has been crafting bespoke arrangements for songwriters and artists across a wide spectrum of styles and instrumentations.
The most prolific aspect of his work lies in string arrangements for singer-songwriters and bands. Having created hundreds of tailor-made orchestrations, Johnny and his team of players have streamlined the process, making it both accessible and deeply rewarding for artists. His arrangements add depth, emotion, and an unparalleled richness, harnessing the raw power of real musicians to elevate and transform a song.
From lush and cinematic to experimental and sparse, Johnny’s arrangements always serve the heart of the music—most often providing the warmth and resonance of a perfectly written string section that supports the sentiment of a piece.
“I bring to Johnny my darker, more complex songs because he is willing to go on that adventure and find the string arrangements that not only match the complexity but take it to a deeper level. It’s almost like he is commenting on them, fully realising the song’s potential in wonderfully unexpected ways. Opening a session with fresh recordings that Johnny and his players did is always one of the biggest rewards in a production.”
— Someday Jacob, Germany
How It Works
If you’re considering working with Johnny, the process is simple and artist-friendly. It usually begins with a conversation about your vision and the emotion behind the piece. From there, Johnny and his players create bespoke arrangements, recorded to the highest standard. Artists typically receive at least 12 separate tracks of double basses, cellos, violas, and violins, allowing for full flexibility in mixing—whether you want a rich, full-bodied orchestration or something more subtle and intimate.
“Working with Johnny on my songs far exceeded my expectations. I was so happy with the composition and the recordings. The whole process was effortless and exciting. The music he makes is exquisite and will elevate any project.”
— Danni Nichols, Nashville
Beyond Strings
Johnny and his Chamber Orchestra are not limited to strings—he also welcomes arrangements for brass, woodwind, choir, and percussion. Having composed for full symphony orchestras and choirs of over 250 musicians, he is well-versed in the art of orchestration across a vast range of instruments.
“I feel so fortunate to know Johnny. As an arranger, he is technically brilliant, but more importantly, he has a rare gift—the ability to attune so beautifully to the specific needs and musical landscape of any particular artist. My own music would be so much poorer without the unique world that Johnny has created around it. And the same is true for all of the other artists I have produced, together with Johnny’s arrangements. The fact that he can also engineer and record at such a high quality in his own studio is an added gift.”
— Richard Neuberg, Strawhouse Studio Owner
🎻 Hear a selection of some of Johnny’s arrangements and productions:
Spotify Playlist