Can you share your musical journey with us, from when you first discovered your passion for music to where you are today as an independent musician?
I grew up in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. I was constantly around music. In church, family gatherings, bluegrass jams…you name it. I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I knew I wanted to be a musician. It was one of those things where it was more of who I was innately, instead of some thing I came to love. I have always loved it. I was born that way, I truly believe.
What motivates you to create music, and how do you stay inspired to continue making new and unique music?
So many different things inspire me to make music and write songs. I can get inspiration from a line in a movie that may jump out to me. Sometimes by reading a book the same thing will happen. Something in the book will leap off of the page and demands that a song be written about it. Sometimes inspiration comes from real life experience. Putting my own feelings on the paper has been one of the most amazing forms of therapy and healing that I’ve ever known. And sometimes I get inspiration from just watching others and living vicariously through their story. Inspiration can come in many different packages.
As an independent musician, you wear many hats – from composing to marketing. How do you balance these different aspects of your career, and what challenges do you face in the process?
This is probably one of the most difficult aspect of my career… The balancing act! As a true artist, the creation and the pursuit of great music has always been the easiest part of this journey for me. The marketing side, however, is the area that becomes the most work for me. It’s definitely the part of this career that is the “job”! But, you do what you gotta do and you make it all work.
Could you tell us about your creative process? How do you come up with new ideas for songs, and how do you go about turning those ideas into finished tracks?
The creative process is my absolute favorite thing in the whole world! It never ceases to amaze me how you can get an idea from something that inspires you or sometimes just out of thin air… Then a few hours later after pouring your heart out and composing the right kind of music, you have a song that didn’t exist before! That process will never become normal to me. I view it as a miracle every time! Making it come to life in the studio it’s also a joy. Each song requires a different approach and it’s so much fun diving in and finding out just what works for each creation!
Independent musicians often face financial challenges. How do you manage your finances to sustain your music career while also covering your personal expenses?
I’ve always been good with money. I was raised very modestly and humbly, so I was never one to overspend or even desire material things. That’s not where my heart is.
Can you share a particularly memorable or challenging experience from your journey as a musician that has had a significant impact on your career and personal growth?
It was my great honor to tour for several years with the amazing Kenny Rogers! One piece of advice that he gave me has stuck with me through the years and I feel has shaped me as a performer more than anything else. He said, “a great vocalist can work as long as their vocals hold out. A great entertainer can work their entire life”. I took that to heart and I became a better entertainer because of it. I’m so thankful for the wealth of wisdom he instilled in me during those times.
With the rise of digital platforms, the music industry has changed significantly. How do you navigate the digital landscape, including streaming services and social media, to promote your music and connect with your audience?
I navigate it the best I can. Plus I have surrounded myself with an amazing team of people who handle a lot of that for me. It allows me to focus on what I truly love… And that’s the music!
Collaboration is a key part of the music industry. Have you worked with other musicians or producers, and how have these collaborations influenced your sound and career?
I have had the privilege of working with so many amazing artist. My favorite collaborations are in the writing room! Just recently I had the honor of riding with one of my biggest idols, Trisha Yearwood! This whole journey never ceases to knock my socks off!!!!
Your music likely reflects your unique style and perspective. Could you describe your musical identity and what makes your sound stand out in a crowded industry?
This is one of the most difficult questions to answer I think. As an artist I feel like I have constantly evolved over the years. And growing up loving so many different genres of music it’s really hard to commit to one sound. But I suspect that the hodgepodge of everything I’ve ever loved has shaped my sound today in someway. From bluegrass to Gospel to country to rock ‘n’ roll to pop music… I’m such a fan of amazing music and amazing songs. I just try to make really good music that I think people will like!
What role does live performance play in your music career, and how do you approach planning and executing your live shows, especially in light of recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Playing on stage has always been one of my favorite things to do. I feel like I am most myself when I’m on stage. I’ve even had people come up to me after the show and jokingly tell me that if the music thing doesn’t work out, I should make a comedy album! I think that’s an amazing complement. I always want to leave my audience with the memory of having a great time at my show. I think people remember how you made them feel more so then if you nailed every single note in the show. So I always try to stay focused on the entertainment part of a life performance. Entertaining people is the most important thing when I’m on that stage.
Many fans are interested in the stories behind the songs. Could you share the backstory or inspiration behind one of your recent tracks that holds special meaning to you?
I Am My Mother is a song I released on Mother’s Day. I wrote it with Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Jamie Floyd and Rachel Thibodeau. We sat there at the piano for three hours, pouring our love for our mothers into that song. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. It’s priceless to see how deeply Music can move someone. And this song does just that.
Looking ahead, what are your future goals and aspirations as an independent musician? Are there any upcoming projects or exciting developments in your career that you’d like to share with your fans and the audience?
Right now I’m focused on finishing up my new album! As an artist, my goal has always been just to make good music! I hope it never gets more complex than that… Music is the universal language. It cuts through when nothing else well.
