Artist: Ken Pomeroy
Hometown: Moore, Oklahoma / Tulsa, Oklahoma
Latest Music: “Cicadas” (Single)
Which artist has influenced you the most – and how?
John Denver is the reason I started playing music. When I was 6 years old, I heard “Leaving on a Jet Plane” for the first time. The feeling that the song gave me as a kid changed my life. I think that was the first time I became conscious of how music made me feel. I loved the song so much that I had my mom, Wendy, burn a CD with it 18 times in a row, and I would listen to it every single night for years to fall asleep.
What was the first moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?
This moment is closely associated with the story of John Denver. As I mentioned, after hearing “Leaving on a Jet Plane” for the first time, I was inspired to find a way to evoke the same emotions in others as I felt when I heard his song. My dad has been in a band since I was a kid and he really introduced me to music. Both my parents have always been very supportive of my music career. Sometimes, I joke that I didn’t choose to be a musician and that this life chose me, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I have a strong desire to express deep emotions through writing. My only goal in music is to evoke emotions in someone through my writing; anything.
Genre is dead (long live genre!), but how would you describe the genres and styles your music inhabits?
I truly appreciate and enjoy the concept of music genres. Personally, I feel like I gravitate towards being a folk singer, but I draw inspiration from a variety of influences. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings have had a significant impact on the way my partner and I, who is also the producer of our upcoming album, approach our music. We were mainly inspired by Gillian and David, as well as Jake Xerxes Fussell. We often joke that we could tour with a very traditional country band or with a highly indie group and still fit right in, bringing a touch of twang to the mix.
What’s one question you wish interviewers would stop asking you?
I often get asked about my songwriting process, and to be honest, I find it difficult to explain. While I love discussing my approach to songwriting, including lyricism, phrasing, and the darker themes I explore, the actual process is quite messy. Sometimes I don’t even understand my own process. I also struggle with the question of whether I start with chords or lyrics first because, truthfully, I have no idea.
What would a perfect day as an artist and creator look like to you?
I envision myself camping by the lake on a sunny day, with guitars in hand. Nature is a big inspiration for my writing.
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Photo Credit: Cassidy Mandel
