Arrested Youth (musician)
Arrested Youth | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Ian Johnson |
| Born | September 3, 1994 |
| Origin | Louisville, Kentucky, US |
| Genres |
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| Occupations |
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| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 2017–present |
Ian Johnson (born September 3, 1994), known professionally as Arrested Youth, is an American singer-songwriter. He began releasing music in 2017 with independent singles and mixtapes, gaining attention through streaming platforms and live performances. Johnson has released albums and EPs including Nonfiction and Fear, toured North America, and collaborated with artists including Mark Hoppus.[1] His work explores themes of modern life, identity, and digital-age anxieties.
Early life
Johnson was born on September 3, 1994, in Louisville, Kentucky. He developed an interest in music and performance during his teenage years, participating in local open mics and writing songs. He attended DuPont Manual High School in Louisville,[2] where he began learning to use recording software, often sharing early demos online.
After graduating high school, Johnson attended Indiana University, where he pursued three business majors, graduating in 2016.[2] Johnson briefly worked in a corporate job, before deciding to leave and pursue music full time.
Career
Johnson began releasing music independently in 2017, with his debut single "My Friends Are Robots".[3] Over the next few years he released several mixtapes and EPs, including FEAR in 2018 and the Sobville (Episode I) EP, which blended various genres and attracted a growing fanbase.[4]
In 2020, Johnson released the single "Brightside" and hosted livestream sessions on Instagram and YouTube in which his fans contributed to writing songs, which became part of the collaborative Arrested Youth & The Quarantiners project.[5]
Johnson's first full‑length studio album, Nonfiction, was released on June 25, 2021, through Lowly and Big Noise and was produced by John Feldmann. The album featured a mix of rock, pop, and hip hop influences, and included the single "Find My Own Way", featuring Mark Hoppus.[4] That year, Johnson went on a North American headline tour in support of the album and was the support act for Twenty One Pilots on the first half of their Takeover Tour.[6][1] Throughout 2021 and 2022, Johnson performed further headline shows and also supported Waterparks.[1]
In 2024, Johnson released a new album, Too Late to Start Over, which drew on his personal health problems, and contained the singles "Little Cup", "Walked Out in the Middle of the Night", and "Free Now".[2]
On December 30, 2025, Johnson released The Sobville Saga, a longer project comprising 18 tracks that explored emotional themes. The album was released through Arrested Youth Records/The Bonnie House and includes the songs "I Cry", "Echo", "Enemy", and "Freedom", which had also been released as singles or featured on streaming platforms.
Personal life
Johnson has publicly discussed his health challenges, including a traumatic brain injury, which he said shaped his outlook on life and his music.[2]
As of the mid‑2020s, Johnson is based in Los Angeles, California.[7]
Discography
- FEAR (2018)[8]
- Sobville (Episode I) (2019)
- Nonfiction (2021)[4]
- Arrested Youth & The Quarantiners (2020)[5]
- The Sobville Saga (2025)
Tours
Headlining
- Nonfiction Tour (2021–2022)[6]
Opening act
- Waterparks – A Night Out On Earth Tour (2021)[1]
- Twenty One Pilots – Takeover Tour (2021)[6]
References
- ^ a b c d "Arrested Youth Joins Waterparks' A Night Out On Earth Tour". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ a b c d "Louisville Native Ian Johnson Of Arrested Youth Overcomes Traumatic Brain Surgery With New Album And Newfound Artistic Authenticity". LEO Weekly. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Arrested Youth". Big Noise. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Arrested Youth Announces New Album 'Nonfiction'". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ a b "Arrested Youth and Fan Collaborators to Release Quarantine Sessions EP". New Noise Magazine. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ a b c "Arrested Youth Added to Twenty One Pilots' Takeover Tour". Shore Fire Media. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Arrested Youth Biography and Tour Dates". Songkick. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
- ^ "Arrested Youth Signs Exclusive Worldwide Neighbouring Rights Deal" (PDF). Jaybird Communications. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
External links
- Arrested Youth discography at Discogs