Johnson evinces a very healthy, realistic attitude towards a music career: "Making a living at this would be great. For me especially, it would be a dream come true. But, we aren't really willing to do it without regard to consequences, if that makes sense. We don't want to wake up in five years and realize we don't have any fun playing this stuff anymore and that we haven't really lived any kind of life. Hopefully we can find a reasonable balance. This music has longevity in it if we don't burn it and ourselves out."

The traditions Hillstomp builds upon certainly do have longevity. Just ask the ghosts of Fred McDowell or Dock Boggs. Or Hildegard von Bingen. And look out for Hillstomp - coming, if you're lucky, to a stage near you.