Carissa Johnson is a Boston-born musician and performer known for her emotionally resonant lyrics, her unapologetic authenticity, and her band’s inimitable live energy. Johnson 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). Over the years they’ve built a loyal following through multiple independent releases and award-winning performances (including Boston’s Rock & Roll Rumble in ‘17). She and her band have opened up for national acts Dorothy, Tōth (of Rubblebucket), Fleece, The Damnwells, TORRES, Damone, and more.
Now splitting her time between Boston and New York, Carissa is embarking on a new era through her upcoming releases and visual projects. Her work tends to resonate with outsiders, empaths, and anyone on a path of re-invention. Onstage and through her songs she creates space for those 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 grunge supergroup SWIVEL. Her music has earned recognition from outlets such as SPIN Magazine, Alternative Press, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, and more. Carissa is currently in the studio recording her sixth full-length album set for release in 2026. You can find her performing all over the Northeast promoting her most recent single “Millennium” (Sept, 2025) as well as her latest 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
