Tag: Brandi Carlile

Loretta Lynn Receives a CMT Tribute by Brandi Carlile, Keith Urban, and More

Posted on by Editor

One of the most beloved performers in country music history earned an eloquent and emotional tribute in a live CMT taping titled Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn. Presented without commercials at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on Sunday night (October 30), the broadcast offered tributes from Little Big Town, Darius Rucker, and many other artists who admired her. Enjoy a few musical highlights below.

Editor’s Note: Two additional CMT commercial-free encore airings on Wed., Nov. 2 at 8p/7c & Sun., Nov. 6 at 11a/10c.

Brandi Carlile sings “She’s Got You,” which Loretta Lynn also recorded as a 1977 tribute to her late friend, Patsy Cline. Carlile returned to the stage to perform “Coal Miner’s Daughter” with The Highwomen and guest Brittney Spencer.

Alan Jackson sings “Where Her Heart Has Always Been,” a song he originally composed for his mother. He told the audience that Lynn always reminded him of his own mother, and that he felt the song’s message applied to Lynn, too.

Margo Price is one of many female artists who admired Loretta Lynn for her songwriting ability and tell-it-like-it-is approach to lyricism. With a pure country delivery, she sang one of Lynn’s most controversial hits, “The Pill.”

Lynn’s granddaughter Emmy Russell joined Lukas Nelson for “Lay Me Down.” Lynn recorded the ballad with Lukas’ dad, Willie Nelson, in 2016. Russell also recalled how Lynn would often bring her from side stage to sing a few songs.

George Strait, the King of Country Music, saluted a fellow member of country music royalty with “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).” The feisty single, which Lynn co-wrote, became her first No. 1 country hit in 1967.

Tanya Tucker kept it country for her homage to Loretta Lynn, singing “Blue Kentucky Girl.” Although Lynn didn’t write the song, it perfectly captured her own Kentucky roots, and became one of her earliest hits on Decca Records in 1965.

Keith Urban carried his Ganjo to the Grand Ole Opry stage to deliver a charming rendition of her 1971 hit, “You’re Lookin’ at Country.” Urban also shared a playful voicemail and reminisced about being her date at an awards show.

Jack White revived the title track of Van Lear Rose, one of Lynn’s best-loved and most acclaimed albums. As the 2005 project’s producer, White helped bring Lynn back into the spotlight and shared the Grammy for Best Country Album.

Photo Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT

Americana Honors & Awards 2022: See the Full Winners List

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

It was a wonderful night of music, celebration, reflection, and joy last night at the Ryman Auditorium as folks gathered for the 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards.

Billy Strings was crowned Americana’s Artist of the Year, with Jerry Douglas presenting the award.

Triple nominee Allison Russell earned the Album of the Year Award for her record Outside Child, produced by Dan Knobler. She accepted the award from respected music critic and NPR writer Ann Powers.

Allison Moorer and Hayes Carll awarded two-time Artist of the Year Brandi Carlile for the Song of the Year with “Right On Time,” written by Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth.

The War and Treaty (Michael and Tanya Trotter) won Duo/Group of the Year after winning Americana Emerging Act of the Year in 2019.

On the heels of her new album Long Time Coming, Sierra Ferrell was also honored by the Americana music community and received this year’s Emerging Act of the Year Award.

Multi-instrumentalist Larissa Maestro took home the Instrumentalist of the Year Award, as Molly Tuttle recognized the Berklee College of Music grad. Maestro has performed and recorded with many high caliber artists and musicians, including Allison Russell, Mickey Guyton, Eminem, Ms. Lauryn Hill, H.E.R., Michael Bublé, Margo Price, and Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings.

Highlights from the evening include Brandi Carlile and Allison Russell delivering a soul-stirring rendition of “You’re Not Alone,” as well as the iconic McCrary Sisters honoring their late sister Deborah (who passed away in June) with a chills-inducing performance of “Amazing Grace.”

Americana stalwart and reigning All-Star Band musical director Buddy Miller was surprised by Robert Plant, who presented Miller with The Lifetime Achievement Award, which was previously unannounced. Miller graced the audience with his classic “Wide River To Cross.”

Throughout the night, attendees were treated to additional performances by the Fairfield Four, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Adia Victoria, James McCurtry, Lukas Nelson, Morgan Wade, Neal Francis, The War and Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, and JP Harris honoring the late Luke Bell.

Previously announced Lifetime Achievement honors were accepted by the Fairfield Four (Legacy of Americana Award, co-presented with the National Museum of African American Music [NMAAM]), presented by NMAAM’s Katie Rainge-Briggs and award-winning producer Shannon Sanders; Chris Isaak (Performance), presented by Lyle Lovett; the late Don Williams (President’s Award), presented and accepted on behalf of the Williams’ family by producer Garth Fundis; Al Bell (Executive), presented by music executive and Chairman of the Black American Music Association Michael Mauldin; and the Indigo Girls (Spirit of Americana Award, co-presented with the First Amendment Center), presented by Brandi Carlile and First Amendment Center’s John Seigenthaler.

Here’s the full list of the 2022 Americana Honors & Awards Winners and Honorees:

Album of the Year: Outside Child, Allison Russell; Produced by Dan Knobler

Artist of the Year: Billy Strings

Song of the Year: “Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile; Written by Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth

Duo/Group of the Year: The War and Treaty

Emerging Act of the Year: Sierra Ferrell

Instrumentalist of the Year: Larissa Maestro

Legacy of Americana Award, presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music: Fairfield Four

President’s Award: Don Williams (posthumous)

Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance: Chris Isaak

Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive: Al Bell

Spirit of Americana Award: Indigo Girls

LISTEN: Brandi Carlile, “You and Me on the Rock” Feat. Catherine Carlile

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Brandi Carlile feat. Catherine Carlile
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Song: “You and Me on the Rock”
Album: In the Canyon Haze
Release Date: September 28, 2022
Record Label: Low Country Sound/Elektra Records

Editor’s Note: In the Canyon Haze is a new deluxe edition of Brandi Carlile’s album, In These Silent Days. Produced by Carlile and the twins, Phil and Tim Hanseroth, and recorded at their home barn studio, the expanded album offers reimagined Laurel Canyon-inspired versions of each song from the original album plus a special rendition of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Her wife, Catherine Carlile, is featured on the new version of “You and Me on the Rock.”

In Their Words: “I knew I wanted to offer our fans more than just the usual ‘bonus track’ that always feels like a creative way to ask fans to buy your album twice! So, the twins and I locked ourselves in the attic studio in my barn just like the old days…and we reimagined our entire record. Inspired by these past few life altering years of ‘Joni Jams,’ I conjured up imagery from the infamous music scene in Laurel Canyon… I could see the cast of California Dreamers with embroidered flowers and peace signs on their backs drifting through a Polaroid haze. I could smell the marijuana and the incense. I could hear the CSN harmonies traveling through the canyon from Lookout Mountain and the accompanying laughter of Mama Cass. I could hear the reverb of aged wood and the dulcimer being strummed like a drum. The familiar chord progressions, confessions and communal spirit that would birth timeless songs…songs we all wish we had written. I could feel the liberation, the friction and freedom from modern-day digital distractions that laid such fertile ground at the feet of West Coast poets and troubadours.” — Brandi Carlile

Photo Credit: Pamela Neal

LISTEN: Allison Russell, “You’re Not Alone” Featuring Brandi Carlile

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Artist: Allison Russell
Song: “You’re Not Alone” Featuring Brandi Carlile
Release Date: August 18, 2022
Label: Fantasy Records

In Their Words:

We are not alone.
We are not what we have lost.
We are more than the sum of our scars.

We are the dust of the stars, the bones of the Earth, the breath of the void, the expanse of our imaginations, the arc of art, the love in our hearts.

We lift each other up.

We are the “Beloved Community” every time we choose to be. Our Circle is battered and bloody but still, whole. None above, none below — our one human family — equal under the listening sky.

I believe what Alice Walker wrote:
“We are the ones we have been waiting for.”

Every child deserves to be loved and protected. Our families with LGBTQIA+ parents are just as precious.
No one should be forced into the sacred role of parenthood against their will.
Human Rights are worth fighting for.
We’ve come a long way but we must go farther still.

I am grateful to my chosen family, Brandi, for singing “You’re Not Alone” with me, for inspiring me everyday, for elevating everything, for leading the way.
We will not be turned back.
Love & Revolution

— Allison Russell

All Bandcamp proceeds will go to The Looking Out Foundation, Everytown Support Fund and Fight For Reproductive Rights Campaign.

Photo Credit: Aimsel Ponti

In a Legendary Moment, Joni Mitchell Returns to Newport Folk Festival

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Newport Folk has long been a place where legendary moments are formed. The festival achieved yet another moment in its storied history last weekend when Joni Mitchell joined Brandi Carlile during the festival’s closing jam, marking the iconic songwriter’s first return to the festival in over half a century and first public live performance in decades. Brandi & Co. gave us a moment we all needed. Hearing Joni’s words and calming, dulcet tones was a balm for an uncertain society; a collective pause for us to reflect on time and its passing, and how different the world looks since the last time Joni played this stage.

We’ve rounded up a collection of the best videos around the internet from Joni’s historic set so that even if you weren’t there, you can take that joy in from every angle.

Brandi Introduces Joni

Questlove caught much of Brandi’s introductory speech building the excitement for the Joni Jam – and a bit of electric uncertainty among the crowd whether or not the guest of honor would actually be in attendance – as well as the first two numbers (“Carey” and “Come in From the Cold”) up close and personal.

 

 

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But it’s wholly worth watching Brandi’s speech in its entirety, as she acknowledges the power of congregation and radical love. “To power structures, folk music is — and always has been — utterly fucking destructive… It’s a truth teller and a power killer.”

“Both Sides Now”

“Big Yellow Taxi”

Joni’s Grand Entrance

 

 

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“Just Like This Train”

Joni and her electric guitar graced us with this Court and Spark beauty after a word of encouragement from Brandi Carlile: “Kick ass, Joni Mitchell!”

“The Circle Game”

“Summertime”

“A Case of You”

 

 

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An Interview with Joni & More Onstage Moments

 

 

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Cover photo by Newport Folk Festival

BGS 5+5: Wesley Dean

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Artist: Wesley Dean
Latest Album: unknown
Hometown: I’m a drifter. Born in Adelaide. Lived in Sydney for 20 years and we left the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, to move to Nashville, Tennessee, in February 2021.
Personal Nicknames: Wes

Which artist has influenced you the most … and how?

John Lennon gave me the permission at 13 to create whatever I wanted to create through music. Mum bought me the Anthology box set for my 13th birthday, and I was obsessed by his raw home recordings. It gave me permission to write my own music and create my music, on my terms. Songs like ‘Working Class Hero’ and ‘I Found Out,’ the home recording versions really resonated with me. It was so familiar. Before that it was Michael Jackson. His presence on stage was like something other worldly. The way he danced and commanded the audience. I learnt about the power of stage presence through imitating him since I was 2 years old.

Nirvana was my favourite band growing up. When I stayed up late one night and watched the MTV Unplugged gig, the next day I strung my Mum’s old nylon string guitar that had been in the cupboard for 20 years, and my life changed forever. Kurt also gave me the permission to be honest and autobiographical. I resonated with the spirit of the music. It hit me at the right time. I was just becoming a teenager and he sang as if he knew how I felt. I wanted to be a light like that for somebody, and dreamed that one day my music could help someone through life also.

What has been the best advice you’ve received in your career so far?

“Major in the major” as opposed to “minoring in the minor.” In this business you can easily get bogged down in all the things that aren’t working, and fall into the trap of becoming a victim about things that don’t go your way. It’s a long road to build anything of worth, and I’ve been in this business for 20-plus years, writing songs and playing shows from small venues to stadiums. I’ve played in every venue I can think of in Australia over the span of 20-plus years, and to me, every gig, good and bad, have been the best blessings that have made me who I am today. I couldn’t think of doing anything else, even though sometimes the struggle is so intense. I could never give it up. My good friend once said, just keep majoring in the major and the blessings will follow. You have to stop yourself daily and ask yourself, “What’s most important? Where are you going? And who are you serving?” That’s what drives me, to be able to leave a legacy for my boys, and anyone who walks a similar path, to know that they will hopefully one day realise that I did everything I can to carve my own way in this life. When you major in the major, the small things don’t seem to matter.

What’s the toughest time you ever had writing a song?

Songwriting is a sacred craft for me. It’s one of the only ways I can feel truly at peace with myself. Twelve notes and yet infinite possibilities. I’ve never had a problem with writer’s block; it’s only when I think about something too much, that’s when the barriers come up and I can’t seem to finish what I started. My friend and co-writer Fred said to me once, “Take a big idea and make it smaller.” I really like that approach. Sometimes the big ideas can seem torturous and can play on your mind for weeks, years. I always put a lot of expectations on myself. I strive to be the best at what I do, because I don’t like to settle at anything worth doing well.

What rituals do you have, either in the studio or before a show?

I practice TM (transcendental meditation) frequently. My non-negotiable routines, in order to feel well and look after my mental health, are eating well, 20 minutes of meditation and a 20-minute HIIT workout daily. I have a history of anxiety and depression, and both practices in the morning are the best way to start my day. Over the years I have discovered that food also has a major impact on how I think and feel. Sugar being the worst for me, mainly. I’m pretty sure I’m allergic to sugar, so when I’m eating clean, I’m in a much better frame of mind. It’s the old “what you eat, you are” mantra. Of course it’s easier said than done sometimes, when you’re on the road. I make sure I know where I’m eating before heading out on the road, so I keep strong and fit to perform every night. Nothing worse than trashing yourself and then trying to perform every night. Which I’ve done a few times. It’s an insult to the people who pay good money to see you play live.

What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?

So many favorite memories. I’ve sung with some Aussie icons in my time. Singing a song I wrote called “Lost” with Cold Chisel at the Sydney entertainment centre the night before it was demolished was one the best. Performing on the steps of the Opera House to a sold out crowd on a national TV show was a highlight. Playing inside the Opera House with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was incredible. So many great moments with my best friends in my Aussie band. Playing with a band to me has to have a feeling of camaraderie. We are all on the journey together, telling a story, conveying a message. It has to feel like an experience not just a job that you clock in and get paid, but something that transcends the normal every day way of life. People that pay good money to see you play expect that you as the performer take them on a journey. They turn up to forget about the world for a while and just wanna be swept up in a moment and that’s the responsibility of an artist/performer.

Photo Credit: Anthony Scarlati

Bluegrass Returns to Bourbon & Beyond

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

Bluegrass is back at Bourbon & Beyond! We’re so excited to once again curate and host a stage at the bourbon, food, and music festival in Louisville, Kentucky. To add onto the already stellar main stage headliners like Brandi Carlile, Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Yola, and so many more, this year’s bluegrass stage will feature Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Sierra Hull, and Hogslop String Band, as well as Gary Brewer & Kentucky Ramblers, Jon Stickley Trio, Missy Raines & Allegheny, Jake Blount, Bella White, Tray Wellington, Tyler Boone – and more to be announced! We can’t wait to gather with all of our bluegrass friends for a weekend of stellar bourbon, delicious food, and incredible music.

You can grab your tickets and learn more about Bourbon & Beyond here.

MIXTAPE: The Wilder Blue’s Smooth Harmony Jams

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Something special happens when multiple human voices intertwine. Maybe it stirs something in our DNA, some echo of countless lost generations and the songs they sang together on countless fire-lit nights. All I know is that people love it. It’s the part of our show people remark upon the most afterward, often adding something along the lines of “You just don’t hear harmonies like that much anymore.” While it does seem to be true that solo artists tend to dominate the charts these days, there are still a lot of groups out there keeping harmonies alive. Here are some of our favorites from both past and present. — The Wilder Blue

From Paul Eason, lead guitar

Alison Krauss & Union Station – “Maybe” (from Live From The Louisville Palace, Kentucky)

These harmonies (which are performed live!) are just super interesting and not predictable. I love how the first chorus is just a single harmony and the second adds the third part.

Punch Brothers – “My Oh My”

These guys are just some of the best musicians alive, and their harmonies match their virtuosic instrumentalism. I have seen them do it live, and it seems they are incapable of singing even slightly off pitch.

Darrell Scott – “No Love in Arkansas”

I don’t know if I love the harmonies as much as I just love this song. It has the feel of a live recording — but a real, real good live recording. I get the impression that Darrell surrounded himself with players as effortlessly musical as he is, and the song just came out the way it was supposed to be.

from Andy Rogers, multi-instrumentalist

Bluegrass Album Band – “So Happy I’ll Be”

I grew up singing bluegrass gospel music with my family and this tune always stuck out to me. I love the call-and-response singing and of course that sweet guitar pickin’.

I’m With Her – “See You Around”

I can’t say enough good things about these three artists’ solo work, but putting them together and hearing those beautiful three-part female harmonies is just magical to me. They sort of remind of a more modern sounding Trio.

The Brother Brothers – “On the Road Again”

I found this group through a friend’s suggestion and just instantly loved it. I mean, does it get much better than sibling harmony? They are incredible songwriters as well. I often send this tune out to the guys in the band when we’ve been off the road for a little too long, at least in my opinion, lol.

from Sean Rodriguez, bassist

The Band – “Time to Kill”

I think it’s pretty undeniable the effect The Band had on harmony-driven bands in America, despite everyone but Levon Helm being Canadian. This great Richard Manuel-led song I think is underrated in their catalog and has great harmony parts throughout.

Billy Preston – “Let the Music Play”

After watching The Beatles doc Get Back, I couldn’t resist the urge to dive further into Billy Preston’s catalog. The vocal arrangements here bit me hard and haven’t let go.

The Staples Singers – “Respect Yourself”

There’s just something special about a family that sings harmony together. The blend of the voices can’t be beat, not to mention the message here. Respect yourself, baby!

from Zach Williams, frontman

Brandi Carlile – “The Eye”

This was the song that got me hooked on Brandi. I was instantly roped in by the beautiful stripped-down harmonies and The Firewatcher’s Daughter is still my favorite album of hers.

Alabama – “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why)”

There were a lot of great harmony-based country groups in the ’90s. I could’ve picked Diamond Rio, Blackhawk, Little Texas, or any number of others. But this is the one that came to mind, and I remember jamming along with it back in my college days.

Acappella – “I Feel Good”

Speaking of my college days, I was raised in the church of Christ and went to Abilene Christian University. Churches of Christ traditionally don’t use instruments in worship and the whole congregation sings together in four-part harmony. My first paying gig as a musician was singing bass and beat-boxing in an all-vocal group at ACU, and I only wished I could sing bass like the guy in this premier C of C singing outfit… Acappella

from Lyndon Hughes, drummer

Eagles – “Witchy Woman”

This is one of my favorite Eagles tunes. The way they break it down on the bridge to just vocals, drums and bass is absolutely brilliant. #BandGoals

Dan Fogelberg – “Leader of the Band”

Oh the smooth harmonies of Dan Fogelberg. Nothing too complicated… just crystal clear vocals and guitars (and a bonus horn solo).

The Beatles – “Because”

Here is a beautiful and eerie song by a little known band called The Beatles. Over 50 years later… the harmonies never get old.

Photo Credit: Cal and Aly

The Show On The Road – Allison Russell

Posted on by Shelby Williamson

This week, we launch season 4 of the show with a bilingual banjo-slinging singer-songwriter originally from Montreal and now based in Nashville: Allison Russell.

LISTEN: APPLE PODCASTS • SPOTIFY • STITCHER
 

After two decades of quietly creating heart-on-her-sleeve roots music in hard-touring groups like Po’ Girl, Birds Of Chicago, and recently the supergroup Our Native Daughters – playing the guitar, clarinet, banjo and singing in English and French – the spotlight finally fell straight on Russell in 2021. With the help of her husband and longtime creative partner JT Nero, she released her visceral debut solo record Outside Child which confronts her traumatic childhood head on.

Rarely has an album struck such a nerve in the Americana community, as songs like “4th Day Prayer” use the slippery soul of Al Green’s best work and Mahalia Jackson’s gospel inspiration to paint in white-knuckled detail how she escaped the abusive home of her stepfather for the graveyards and streets of Montreal. As she tells us in the intense conversation from her home in Tennessee, it was her songwriting hero Brandi Carlile who went to bat for her (a bold Instagram DM set fate in motion,) helping get her raw, unreleased songs to Fantasy Records. Thankfully, they wanted to take a leap. Even President Obama noticed after the songs began to circulate and he put her ominous radio standout “Nightflyer” on his favorite songs of the year list. The album has since been nominated for three Grammy awards.

While Allison may feel like an “overnight sensation” to those just discovering her on AAA radio, hearing her soaring voice shining on stages from Carnegie Hall, Red Rocks and the Late Show With Stephen Colbert, she’s been playing hundreds of shows in small clubs and festivals around the world for twenty-two years and counting. It hasn’t been an easy road, as she often had to her young daughter on the trail with her.

With a new book deal in the works continuing her story where Outside Child left off, there is much more to come from Russell. A champion for the often forgotten victims of domestic and sexual abuse, listening to Russell speak reminds one more of a fiery community organizer than a singer. Did your host try and convince Russell to run for office? Maybe.

Stick around to hear her dive into one of her favorite tracks from the new record, the hopeful clarinet shuffle “Poison Arrow.”

BGS 5+5: Noah Guthrie

Posted on by Editor

Artist: Noah Guthrie
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Latest Album: Blue Wall

What was the first moment that you knew you wanted to be a musician?

It’s hard for me to pinpoint the exact moment. I have been around music in one way or another all my life. I grew up listening to my dad and stepmom sing in studios and my older brother Ian is a drummer and recording engineer. I guess one of the first times I felt like I wanted music to be more than a hobby was when a band that I was in as a teenager played our first show. We had this blues/funk band called Say When and it was me and my brother and our two best friends, Zach and Alex.

We had a show at this place called the Handlebar in Greenville, South Carolina. It’s no longer around but it was popular back then and that night we were playing a Battle of the Bands contest. (This was absolutely a pay-to-play type of scenario but we got to play for a couple of hundred people so we didn’t care.) I was the frontman of this group and I think I realized then that being on stage performing for people was a feeling that I couldn’t get anywhere else. It was a confidence that I didn’t have in my normal day-to-day. I was a pretty shy teen and never quite felt like I could fully express myself unless I was writing or on stage. I could connect with people from a stage in a meaningful way and I fell in love with that feeling. I have been in love with it ever since.

Which artist has influenced you the most…and how?

I think I hear Ray LaMontagne’s influence the most in my music. I have always been a huge fan of all of his work but in particular, I love his album, God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise. That album found me when I was just starting to write music in high school and it really settled in deep. I am pretty sure that I got the CD stuck in my 2003 Kia Sportage and had absolutely no problem with that. Obviously, Ray has so much soul and texture in his voice that it’s immediately recognizable to anyone that hears it. For me though, it’s his words that really sell it. He has a way of writing elegant and poetic verses that somehow still feel grounded and relatable when you hear them. I think that when I started writing music and began searching for my own style, Ray’s music was a giant impact on me back then and still is today.

What’s your favorite memory from being on stage?

My favorite memory on stage has got to be when I sang with Willie Nelson. I remember getting a phone call from my agent in a hotel in Nashville. He asked, “Do you have any interest in opening three shows for Willie Nelson?” I said, “Why are you even asking? Absolutely!” Willie has always been a hero of mine and it was an honor to open a few shows and share my music with his incredible fan base. On the third night, I met Willie and he asked me to come sing the gospel with them at the end of the show. It really was incredible. We sang “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Sharing the stage with Willie Nelson and his entire band of legendary players gave me a feeling that I don’t think I will ever forget.

What has been the best advice you’ve received in your career so far?

So far the best advice I have been given is to stay patient and stay true to yourself. I do believe that every artist has their own timeline and their own path. I think that with social media it can be hard to keep perspective and very easy to fall into a kind of comparison trap. You usually only get to see the good things that are happening to other artists, and not the years of grinding it can take to get to those good things. That is something I struggle with on a day-to-day basis if I’m being honest. I think that the best thing that anyone can do is to stay patient and focus on making art that honors who you are and what you believe in.

Which elements of nature do you spend the most time with and how do those impact your work?

I’ve spent my whole life in a small town in Upstate South Carolina. Just a few minutes’ drive from the Blue Ridge Mountains. I spend a lot of time wandering trails and birdwatching in the woods here. I have always found that when I feel my most tired and burnt out, the hills, rivers, and lakes of this region always provide the refresher that I need.

The title track of my new album is called “Blue Wall.” Blue Wall is another name for the Blue Ridge Mountains so one could definitely say that growing up so close to that mountain range has had a very big impact on me and my music. I have always wanted to write a song about my home and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it. “Blue Wall” is my first successful attempt at doing that.

Photo Credit: Eli Warren