Musical brothers: Low Gap duo riding high on release of first single

Kevin Lynch, The Daily Record
·3 min read
Gus and Phin Johnson perform at the Holmes County Fair in August, 2021. The Johnsons recently released their first single, "Mockingbird," which was written by Gus Johnson.
Gus and Phin Johnson perform at the Holmes County Fair in August, 2021. The Johnsons recently released their first single, "Mockingbird," which was written by Gus Johnson.

WINESBURG – Gus Johnson finds inspiration in everyday life.

The teen singer/songwriter, along with younger brother Phinehas (Phin), recently released their first single — "Mockingbird."

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“My writing can be inspired by pretty much anything, something that happened to me, a story someone told, a phrase, or a book,” Johnson said. “Anything can be inspiration. Inspiration for writing comes randomly to me, and I never know what I might write about next.”

Gus Johnson playing guitar at a recent gig. Johnson, 17, writes most of the songs he and his brother Phin perform.
Gus Johnson playing guitar at a recent gig. Johnson, 17, writes most of the songs he and his brother Phin perform.

Gus,17, and Phin,15, are students at Hiland High School who perform as a duo called Low Gap. More songs from the duo are on the way.

Growing up in music

Both boys have always enjoyed playing music, according to their mother Holley Johnson, executive director of the Holmes Center for the Arts. Gus enjoys writing the songs that he and his brother perform. They also enjoy playing popular covers.

"I enjoy playing live because it is fun to see other people sing along to the music I am playing," Gus said. "I like to touch people through my music and see their reactions."

They have been performing around Holmes and surrounding counties since 2020. Low Gap has an established local following. They’re grateful for their fans and love to play a fun show. They play original music, covers of their favorite songs, as well as requests from the crowd.

Phin Johnson, 15, singing and playing the mandolin. He and his brother Gus perform as Low Gap. They have recently released their first single.
Phin Johnson, 15, singing and playing the mandolin. He and his brother Gus perform as Low Gap. They have recently released their first single.

They play Americana music, a contemporary music incorporating country, folk, bluegrass and blues. One of their favorite musicians is Jason Isbell. They also like Robert Earl Keen.

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Future plans

The Johnsons hope to continue performing professionally, but they are also making alternative plans.

Gus, a junior, is hoping to go to college with plans to double major in music production and in engineering. Phin, a freshman, has a little more time to think about it.

Gus started taking guitar lessons when he was about 7, and after about a year he had learned all the chords his hands could reach. His teacher recommended he take a year off so his hands could grow.

When he came back, he began entertaining at family events. His first "real' gig was at the Olde World Bakery in Millersburg about three years ago, and he has landed several local shows since then.

Phin Johnson (left) plays the mandolin and his brother Gus sings and plays guitar during a local performance as Low Gap. The Hiland High School students have recently released their first single.
Phin Johnson (left) plays the mandolin and his brother Gus sings and plays guitar during a local performance as Low Gap. The Hiland High School students have recently released their first single.

They have performed at Sunny Slope, Ugly Bunny Winery, Millersburg Brewery, Holmes County Fair, French Ridge Winery, Olde World Bakery and Bistro and Music on the Square in Berlin.

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Phin started playing guitar when he was 10 and mandolin by age 12. He also plays harmonica. They have been playing together at gigs for two years, and over the last six months they have been playing several times a month at venues in Holmes and surrounding counties.

The brothers feed off of each other while making their music. Gus comes up with the lyrics and Phin creates a lot of the musical interpretation. Their mother is proud of how well they work together.

They grew up listening to bluegrass and Americana music, and combining that with folk, country, classic and southern rock, Low Gap has created a unique tone that has become their signature sound.

Low Gap's single has attracted attention on online platforms.

They have an Instagram page, and their website is: lowgap.band.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Hiland High School musicians have high hopes for Low Gap band