INDUSTRY HEROES PROFILE: KEITH JOHNSON (IMRO)

This guy seems pretty normal, but don't let this Irish mug fool ya, he's really a good guy at heart. In fact, he's another one of those people within the music industry that makes it a way of life to do the right thing and at the end of the day, help artists. KEITH JOHNSON works for IMRO, and he's known for setting up all the IMRO Irish showcases each year at CMJ and SXSW, and is personally driving the ship on the Irish Breakfast boat ride in Austin each year. When I used to work with an Irish artist, Keith was the unsung hero, spreading the word all over Ireland, and around the world for that matter, about the music. He puts together samplers of Irish bands and artists, showcases, tours and basically works his ass off so that the people will understand all the great music coming out of this country. IMRO is the ASCAP/BMI of Ireland, so at their core they help musicians, but Keith somehow always takes it that extra mile and always does so with a smile. If you're thinking of doing anything in Ireland, it's more than worth your time to look up Johnson and have a pint.