Simple Hardcore Quality

Simple Hardcore Quality

Built for
what matters.

In an AI-saturated world, you're getting the real thing — a real man with a real guitar, sharing his real heart. Every song I play is another chapter of one big story: the life I've actually lived. That can't be faked, and it's worth something. Russell Johnston — music, tattoos, training, and salt water. One life on the Oregon coast.

Hear the music Book Russell

Original music · Live performance

Coastal folk-rock.

Coastal folk-rock. Solo acoustic guitar plus backing tracks for a full-band sound. I write my own songs, sing them, and play them — 130+ shows in 14 months all over Oregon and Hawaii.

About a year ago I went through a major life transition. I was really at a rock bottom stage in my life, living on a sailboat, just full of emotional trauma. Playing music became the only thing I had left — and it was what brought healing into my life. I’d worked a lot of career jobs in my life — medevac rescue in Arctic Alaska, firefighting, emergency management — but I felt it on my heart to start writing songs again and playing live.

My first night back was an eight-song set at Shark Bites, a little surf shop and restaurant. My first tip was a Pokémon card from two little brothers, seven and eight years old. I connected with the people there right away and had one of the best nights of my life.

After that I just started playing everywhere, and doors kept opening. That’s been the whole journey — sharing what’s real, sharing my heart.

Newest single

Out of the Dark

“Out of the Dark” is streaming now. “Faithful With This,” released September 2026, is part of a catalog of 12 original songs.

Out of the Dark on Spotify Spotify artist page Apple Music artist page Faithful With This YouTube channel
Watch “Winter Crown” on Facebook
Watch the live performance on Facebook
Watch another live performance on Facebook
Watch on YouTube

Upcoming shows

OCT 16
2026
Gemini LoungeBandon · 7–9 PM
OCT 24
2026
Ko-Kwel CasinoCoquille · 6–10 PM
NOV 1
2026
GoodLife BrewingLive music
NOV 4
2026
Old St. Francis SchoolBend · 7–10 PM
DEC 26
2026
Al’s DenMcMenamins Crystal Hotel · Portland
MORE
Coos Bay areaRegular local casino dates
Booking live music?
Sets up to 3 hours. Full PA — I bring my own sound.
Booking details
Al’s Den gig poster featuring Russell Johnston, the Crystal Hotel, and the December 26 Portland show details
Russell Johnston with his guitar beside the globe artwork at Old St. Francis School in Bend
GoodLife Brewing show art featuring Russell Johnston playing guitar
Bold faith-inspired lettering tattoo by Russell Johnston

Tattoo work

Made to mean something.

Memorial pieces, traditional imagery, lettering, florals, and custom symbolic work. Every piece gets the same care I’d want in my own skin.

Memorial piecesTraditionalLetteringFloralsCustom symbolic work

Every piece is quoted individually — message me with your idea.

Booking details

I started learning how to tattoo during the COVID pandemic. What I found was that it forced me to focus so intensely on something that I couldn’t think about anything else — and that was incredibly helpful. I never dreamed in a million years that I’d be a tattoo artist. It wasn’t a gift I realized I had. But I progressed quickly, and I haven’t stopped since — and the work just keeps getting better and better.

I thoroughly enjoy that part of my healing journey. I love tattooing pieces that have meaning and purpose — pieces that often bring healing into people’s lives. And I love getting to know the person I’m tattooing. It’s incredibly rewarding to sit down with someone and, because of everything I’ve gone through, be able to encourage them or just be an ear for them.

To me it’s so much more than just tattooing. Of course I want to do the highest quality work — but I also care about the person and their story.

Russell Johnston showing the results of nearly three decades of strength training Outdoor group training on the Oregon coast Strength training on a leg press

Personal training · Online coaching

Honest work. No gimmicks.

Nearly three decades under the bar. I train people in person on the Oregon coast and coach online — simple programming, honest work, no gimmicks.

I've done all types of fitness, and what I'm saying is this: weight training and moderate, easy cardio together, over time, produce by far the most physical reward, aesthetic reward, and emotional reward — by far. And it doesn't take much. It just takes a little direction, understanding the routine, understanding the mechanics — and you're off to the races.

I'm so thankful that from a very young age I knew the importance of moving my body. It's become a non-negotiable for me over the last 30 years, and I want to help people experience that as well. No matter what age you're at, the benefits are out of this world. I love being a catalyst for people's quality of life.

Personal trainingIn person · Coos Bay · mornings 6–11 AM
$40
Coaching callFocused support and direction
$40
Online coachingAsk about current options
Let’s talk
Booking details

Coast & adventure

Meet me at the water.

Surf lessons and private beach bonfires at Lighthouse Beach.

Russell surfing a clean wave at Lighthouse Beach Russell coaching a young surfer beside a practice board on Lighthouse Beach Russell with two women in wetsuits and their surfboards after a lesson at Lighthouse Beach Russell with two men holding surfboards after a lesson on the Oregon coast

Surf lessons

Catch your first wave.

I grew up on Lighthouse Beach — the coordinates are tattooed on my arm. How I ended up living out here is honestly a miraculous story. This beach raised me, and now I get to share it with you.

I live right on the cliff at Lighthouse Beach, with stair access down to right in front of the surf spot. It’s a sand-bottom break with no rip currents, on one of the most beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast. You’ll get patient instruction, quality gear, and when you get out, hot chocolate and a hot shower are waiting. It’s a great way to catch your first wave. Backup spot: Sunset Bay.

Teaching surf lessons is so selfish for me — it is the most fun thing in the world to watch somebody's facial expression after they catch their first wave. It is absolutely entertaining and so fun. Surfing is such a powerful tool of healing. There's no competition, it's just fun. It is so rewarding no matter what stage of surfing you're at. The whole point is having fun — and learning how to do it safely on the Oregon coast.

  • Private lesson · up to 2 hours$120 / person
  • Board rental$20
  • Wetsuit rental$20
  • Group dealsAvailable

In partnership with Waxer’s Surf Skate Shop.

Booking details
Bonfire beside illuminated I love you letters on Lighthouse Beach at sunset

Private bonfire

Show up. I handle the rest.

A private bonfire on Lighthouse Beach at sunset. I handle everything — you just show up.

  • Full bonfire experience$199
  • IncludedFirewood · table · blankets
  • IncludedCooler + ice · string lights
  • IncludedS’mores package
Booking details
Russell Johnston standing on Lighthouse Beach beyond the neck of his acoustic guitar

About Russell

A life shaped by the coast.

I’m Russell Johnston—a musician, surfer, tattoo artist, and personal trainer based on Oregon’s rugged South Coast. I grew up surfing Lighthouse Beach, and the ocean still shapes how I live, create, and connect with people.

Simple Hardcore Quality is more than a name — it’s the life I’m pursuing. Choosing what matters. Doing the hardcore work, making the hardcore decisions, and moving forward instead of just talking about it. Moving my body, working out, being creative, playing music — these are non-negotiables for a good life. And all of it to the glory of God, serving others with the gifts He’s given me.

God has blessed me with four amazing sons, each so uniquely talented and blessed in his own way. They're a huge part of why I do all of this.

My path has taken me through college baseball, rescue and firefighting work in Arctic Alaska, ultramarathons, ministry, and years of working with my hands. Those experiences taught me to value hard work, creativity, faith, and showing up for people.

That’s the heart behind SHQ—Simple. Hardcore. Quality. Whether I’m playing original music, teaching someone to catch their first wave, helping them build strength, or creating a meaningful tattoo, I want to bring care and purpose to the work.

I believe an abundant life grows through simple things: moving your body, getting outside, making something, taking care of what matters, and connecting with others. My work is an invitation to share a little of that life with me.

Music · Tattoos · Training · Coast

What do you want to build?

Choose where you want to start, then connect with me directly.

Lighthouse Beach · Coos Bay, Oregon Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube
Tattoos Training Surf + bonfires Music

Tattoo portfolio