Here’s the upbeat new single from The General Store, the alt-country project of multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter Tam Johnstone. In ‘Makes No Difference’, the guitar grooves along over flowing keys and a pulsing beat. Full of rocking and rolling, the song surges along with Johnstone’s melodic voice at its centre; his tuneful vocal is like musical sunshine and takes us back in time to the sound of the ’70s.
Tam Johnstone says about the song: “‘Makes No Difference’ came to me in the middle of the night. I woke with the chorus in my head and immediately grabbed my guitar. In 25+ years of songwriting, this has never happened to me before. From the start, I knew it was going to be a ‘Honky Chateau’-meets-Jerry Lee Lewis-inspired tune (‘Honky Chateau’ as in Elton John’s 1972 hit album with its own echoes of The Killer himself.) Having began with what felt like a strong chorus, the verses came easily, and the track was recorded quickly. What’s interesting to me is I’d been struggling to find one more song for ‘The Great Indoors’ compilation (released November 21st), but I couldn’t decide on a track. Luckily, this song came along and I knew instantly that I wanted it to be a part of the album. Not only does it tick all the right General Store boxes (’70s rhythm section, lap steel, harmonies), but it’s also a nod to one of the General Store’s biggest influences: classic 1970s Elton.”
The single appears on the upcoming album “The Great Indoors (an introduction to The General Store)”, which is scheduled for release on 21st November 2025. During the 1990s, Johnstone played drums with various London-based bands, including Green Tambourines, Paint and Jaguar. There were appearances on radio and TV, as well as high-profile tours with various acts, such as Natalie Imbruglia and The Charlatans. After releasing The General Store albums “Local Honey” and “Mountain Rescue” in 2002 and 2008, respectively, Johnstone moved to the USA, putting The General Store on hold while he worked with Detroit band Fifty Amp Fuse. Now back in the UK, Johnstone is releasing this 10-track compilation to mark the band’s 25th anniversary. Johnstone explains how the new record came about: “In 2023, my friend David Morrison (who played a major part in The General Store’s beginnings) passed away. I felt moved to write a song for him – ‘Sailing Away’ – as a thank you. The experience was so rewarding that I felt it might be good to bring everything full circle. This year marks 25 years since I started making music as The General Store, and a compilation seemed appropriate.” Featuring a mixture of new and unreleased material on the album, Johnstone continues to be influenced by early ’70s West Coast sounds and icons like C, S, N & Y, The Byrds, and Neil Young. Americana fans will find much to enjoy.
Tam Johnstone is the son of guitar-maestro Davey, who has played with the likes of Meatloaf and Alice Cooper, but is best known for his long-time collaboration with Elton John, with whom he has played over 3,000 shows. Davey Johnstone has been a full-time member of Elton’s band since the 1972 album “Honky Chateau”, on which he played guitars, banjo and mandolin. Tam clearly shares his father’s multi-instrumental talents and flair for rhythm and melody, and more unreleased material is on the way.
