Artist Name: Teddy Grossman
Hometown: Philadelphia; based in Los Angeles
New Album: Soon Come
Which artist has influenced you the most … and how?
John Prine. John’s music has been a fixture in my life ever since childhood, and has provided a lot of comfort and guidance throughout the years. He had a Buddha-like humor and lightness, and of course could turn a phrase with devastating beauty and truth. A true master. His last record Tree of Forgiveness is among my favorites, and kept me company during a pretty lonely time during my first year in LA. The last time I saw him live was right before the pandemic and his passing, in October 2019. He was as lively as ever — literally dancing on the floor by the end of his set. Will never forget it.
What was the first moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?
Hearing Stevie Wonder for the first time is one that stands out. I have this profound memory of my dad playing me “Isn’t She Lovely” in sixth grade, and something inside me changed. It was the first time I remember music lighting me up, tapping into this inner sacred core that little else in this world does.
What’s the toughest time you ever had writing a song?
“Soon Come” probably. I knew it was going to be the album name before it was actually a completed song, so the stakes were unfairly high.
Since food and music go so well together, what is your dream pairing of a meal and a musician?
Meatloaf and George Jones.
What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?
My favorite moments on stage are usually the ones that I have very little memory of. Pure presence in the moment, and flies by in a flash. An emotional blackout of sorts in the best kind of way. The last show I played — Rock N Roll Church at Eagle Rock Presbyterian (LA) — definitely comes to mind. It was right before things shut down again, and was a celebration of the incredibly vibrant Los Angeles singer-songwriter community. It was glorious.
Photo Credit: Steph Port
