To have soul

Musicians with a penchant for writing personal material can find it difficult to bring that level of sincerity to a one-on-one conversation.

Centro-matic's Will Johnson is the sort that can have a heart-to-heart only moments after an introduction.

"When we go up on stage, we hope that the four or five of us can translate a feeling to the crowd. It's kind of nice for the band and the audience to share a moment and be on the same level," said Johnson.

Centro-matic will be playing with the Baptist Generals and Jesse Malin at Nietzsche's, located at 248 Allen St. in downtown Buffalo on Thursday.

Centro-matic's most recent album, 2003's "Love You Just the Same," is draped in intimacy. Since then, members of the band have been recording with its sister act, South San Gabriel, and Johnson has released a solo album.

Johnson is the creative force in all three acts. Despite the subsequently high demand, songwriting ideas are never in short supply.

"Inspiration can come from a book that I'm reading, an askew conversation down at the grocery store, or a song that I've listened to," Johnson said.

Johnson speaks softly and slowly. His speech is a product of growing up in Missouri and its distinct musical culture.

"There wasn't a lot of other stuff to do (besides play music). My family wasn't necessarily musical, but there were always Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond records going on," Johnson said.

He also mentions influences that range from Al Green and James Brown to The Replacements and Ted Nugent. These seemingly disparate artists all share a common factor: heart.

"You don't have to be a soul band to have soul," Johnson said.

The Centro-matic library includes 15 releases. Johnson has played with Scott Danbom, Mark Hedman, and Matt Pence in the band for eight years.

"We were friends before we started the band, so there was already an established dynamic. We've learned to strike a balance between our band lives and personal lives," Johnson said.

Johnson's personal life may appear separate from his profession, but the two often weave a tender tale in his songwriting. His storytelling has earned Centro-matic comparisons with the Flaming Lips, Michael Penn, and Wilco.

"No, nobody told us that the cameras were here/ all the flashes and cables/ won't someone please save us?/ So by our request please turn in your uniforms/ the medallions and pins for the Aries and Capricorns," Johnson sings in "Flashes and Cables."

Johnson feels that each of Centro-matic's records defines a distinct moment in the group's history.

"I feel like each record has its own identity as opposed to just picking up where the last left off. We're more musical than we were. At first we were overloaded and we would just band our way through. We've moved on to paying attention to the intricacies of a song," Johnson said.

Constant touring and recording with three different acts is enough to wear on anyone, but Johnson has always been able to keep his focus.

"Most of the days I don't even have to ask myself why I keep going. I know that (playing) is what I have to do to keep my soul happy, so I do it. The companionship on the road is inspiring enough, but the musical moment that you've shared with everyone is enough to get you through," Johnson said.

Centro-matic is currently touring with the Baptist Generals, a group from the same hometown of several members of Centro-Matic: Denton, Texas.

"To say that I'm pleased to have them out is an understatement. We've been trying to do this for a few years and it's finally materialized," Johnson said.

Thursday's show starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $10.