Carissa Johnson is a Boston-born musician and front woman known for her emotionally resonant lyrics and unapologetic authenticity. 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 Winona Fighter, Dorothy, Tōth (of Rubblebucket), Fleece, The Last Internationale, The Damnwells, TORRES, Damone, and more. Her work tends to resonate with outsiders, empaths, and anyone embarking on a path of re-invention.
In 2024, Carissa joined Boston’s pioneering punk legends The Nervous Eaters on bass, and continues to perform as the bassist of Boston grunge supergroup SWIVEL.
Her music has earned recognition from outlets such as SPIN Magazine, Alternative Press, The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, and more. Now located in New York City, Johnson continues to push ahead, performing all over the Northeast and beyond. Carissa is currently in the studio recording her sixth full-length album set for release in 2027. You can find her performing all over the Northeast promoting her most recent singles “Millennium” (Sept, 2025) and “I Went to School For Psychology” (2026) as well as her latest full length 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
