Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
I wrote Living Room with John Pierce and Johnny Dailey & it really epitomizes the entire forthcoming album. It’s about a guy who realizes he doesn’t need fame to feel successful. He just needs the simple life enjoying his music and singing it to and with the love of his life in that living room.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
It really is all about the idea that is the spark for the best songs I write. A great idea is an interesting or clever title that also encompasses something very real and universal. Sometimes it might just be about the groove and melody, but usually it’s a great title. And it seems I lean toward either the love or the heartbreak songs, and the occasional life song.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I think because I’ve been a professional songwriter writing songs for other artists for a long time that being commercial and universal are just intrinsic elements in my writing. Freedom comes from discipline and being able to have parameters actually does give me freedom.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
The hardest part is getting the reach and getting my music exposed to others. I feel confident in the quality of the music but as an indie, it can be tough getting it out there on a large scale.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
Nashville songwriting was built on co-writing and especially songwriting on music row. The key is finding the guys you really click well with and do the same thing you do. It’s taken years but I have my guys I love writing with and know I can trust a great idea with.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
For me as an indie artist, it is critical. And as everyone knows, the algorithms are always changing so you’re always looking for that thing that will play to it and spread your posts and music.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
Country music has been where I found my love for music. The culture and process of songwriting on music row and the history of all the great country songs is a part of why I love it. I would also say bringing outside influences into my writing has been interesting, like James Taylor, Bill Withers, Jim Croce, Don McLean, etc…
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
The biggest base of my fan base is my hometown… so I try to play show’s there regularly as well as post regularly on social media. I also try to start groups that my fans would want to join for my biggest fans.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
One of my most amazing experiences is when Montgomery Gentry called me up to sing my #1 song with them under The Arch in St Louis (my hometown) on the 4th of July. I got to sing my song that day for over 100,000 people and get to hear them singing a song I wrote back to me. It was an incredible moment I’ll never forget.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
I feel overall it has been great for indie artists. And for the overall diversity of music. If you have something great, it has way more of a chance to get heard or go viral than ever before. And I think because we hear so much more music than we used to, it helps spread a much wider variety of music in each genre. And to me that it one of the best things for a genre… the variety & diversity.