Carissa Johnson is a Boston-born musician and performer known for her emotionally resonant lyrics, bold stage presence, and unapologetic authenticity. Carissa blends vulnerability with power, offering anthems of resilience, heartbreak, and self-discovery. With a sound rooted in punk and alt-rock, she’s toured the U.S. extensively over the past decade - both solo and with her “fiercely propulsive trio” (-The Boston Globe), The Cure Alls (Steph Curran and Nick Hall), building a loyal following through multiple independent releases and award-winning performances (including Boston’s legendary Rock and Roll Rumble in 2017). She and her band have opened for national acts Dorothy, Tōth (of Rubblebucket), Fleece, The Damnwells, TORRES, and Boston-born legends Damone, Freezepop, and Avoid One Thing to name a few.
Her music has earned praise from outlets like SPIN Magazine, Alternative Press, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, Audiofemme, and more.
Now based between Boston and New York, Carissa is entering a new era - through her upcoming releases and immersive visual projects, she continues to create work that resonates with outsiders, empaths, and anyone on the path of reinvention. Whether onstage or through her recordings, she creates space for anyone navigating change to feel seen and empowered. In 2024, Carissa joined Boston punk pioneers The Nervous Eaters on bass, and continues to perform as a part of the grunge supergroup SWIVEL.
Carissa is currently in the studio recording her fifth full-length album set for release in early 2026. You can find her out on the road all over the Northeast promoting recent singles “Congratulations” and “I Surrender,” as well as her last LP Blue Hour.
“Carissa Johnson has long felt synonymous with Boston rock… She’s ripped killer riffs around town in a worn denim jacket for close to a decade… She’s all things gritty and garage.” - Victoria Wasylak, Vanyaland
“The dynamic and versatile singer has been drawing raves for her electric live performances, and unbelievable work ethic that has made her a grinder and non stop tour de force capable of achieving anything that she sets her mind to.” - Music Box Pete
“You know how gen X spent too much time listening to boys in spandex when it could’ve been mainlining Joan Jett? Well let’s not make that mistake again. Carissa has it all, the songs, the voice, the sneer, and the charisma.” - The Boston Herald
