Country Music Reno: Mr. Johnson And His Loaded Dice

Photo by Sam Ray-Johnson.

There are a few genres in Reno I’ve yet to cover, and country was one of them. While it’s not my favorite genre in the world, I wanted to make sure I give proper space and time for even the music I’m not horribly fond of. I’ve often said there’s a niche for every type of person here in the Biggest Little City, and it’s undeniable that country has a pretty large base, especially in more rural communities and the surrounding areas. It would be doing a section of my town a disservice to ignore it – a majority of Western cities were built upon the backs of cowboys, ranchers and farmers, and it’s no huge secret that a lot of them listen to country. Boot scootin’ tunes are in our blood and heritage, whether we like it or not. 

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the crowd at the Ranch House in Sparks, but it certainly was a pleasant surprise. From punks with battle vests to dudes with mullets, everyone was warm, inviting and welcoming but above all – polite. Very polite. People were shuffling out of my way, moving for me and excusing themselves. I actually ended up taking a group photo for one of the band member’s moms, and they were kind and friendly. It was a complete 180 from my last public experiences, and I felt safe and cared for. The staff at the Ranch House were great too, and I had the best mango flavored beer I’ve ever tasted there. The layout of the Ranch House was pleasing too – with a ginormous dance floor with plenty of elbow room, and an elongated layout with seating so you didn’t have to be close to the noise if you didn’t want to. Complete with a patio, you got yourself a great venue for country concerts in Reno.

Mr. Johnson And His Loaded Dice was exactly what I was hankerin’ for – a fun, upbeat and lighthearted ride that reminded me of cowboy ballads gathered around a campfire. It wasn’t so country that it made you want to shed a tear while drinking out of a mason jar filled with whiskey, but it was just the right amount of honky tonk that warms your heart and makes you recall good times. Mr. Johnson himself has a great set of pipes if I may say so, and sang beautifully. They all were like a cross between Johnny Cash and Devil Makes Three, and they were just what I’ve been looking for, the perfect first taste of Reno country concerts. 

“It’s about playing music that's relatable to the people,” Zachery Johnson, lead singer of the band, said. “It’s all about coming together [to] get rid of the shit from the day, from the week, from life, from everything, and it’s always been that.” 

There’s something about Western country that hits different for me. Sure, you’ve got Appalachian and bayou, Bible belt and panhandle, but when you get me out into the desert with the dust and the sagebrush and the wind rushing over the Sierra, it makes you feel something poetic. Mr. Johnson And His Loaded Dice captured that essence in a way that felt nostalgic, but with a fondness and tenderness, which is exactly how Western country should feel. The desert can be unforgiving and cruel, but we have an undeniable connection to it, and the spirit of that bond was evident in this band’s music. It’s the kind of stuff that calls you home.  

“There’s only so many people out there that are talented enough to play music, and dedication to actually be able to do so, I do believe I have something different to offer than what's been out there before,” Johnson said. “We don’t sound like what many other people sound like, we’re cutting our own way.”

Johnson says while the country scene is small, it’s diverse and rich in experiences. There’s a little something for everyone, which is indicative of how Reno is overall, something I’ve been speaking to for years. 

“Reno’s a passion place,” Johnson said. “We’re all just music lovers of all walks of life and… not too many bands are the same. Country is a widespread deal and we can all nudge in and find our place, I think that’s the beauty of it too.”

Johnson does say there’s still a lot of work to do in terms of venues post-COVID. While he praised the Ranch House, he says the pickings are slim for local bands, and not a lot of places want to work with lesser known groups. 

“I wish there were some better places willing to work with locals to do local shit because without the locals you don't have a scene,” Johnson said. “It’s tough around here no matter what you want to do.”

That’s not stopping Mr. Johnson And His Loaded Dice though – he says they’re still truckin’ along, and are busy recording new music to release, along with new merch coming soon. He says he’s thankful for the fans that come out to support, and tries to rope his fellow local colleagues alongside him for shows whenever he can. Mr. Johnson is truly a grassroots guy, and it made me pretty proud to see that the efforts of regional music are still just as on fire as they were before the pandemic, when I first started this blog. 

“Get the hell out here and come to the gigs and say hello and make friends because we're all friendly people,” Johnson said. “I really appreciate anybody who gives a little bit of a fuck about what I’m doing.”

To try and catch their next performance, follow them on Instagram here.