In a few sentences, tell us about your journey as a performing artist and how you found yourself playing at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge this year.
I’ve been playing acoustic and full band shows for many years and have gotten opportunities to travel and play at well-known festivals. I met Danielle of Keystone Artist Connect at one of those festivals; she’s the one that has put on the September Social for the last few years now. After becoming fast friends with her, she asked me to play the last 2 years at the event. It has been amazing seeing so many great acts in one day on both stages.
In this present moment, what does the term ‘Americana’ mean to you? Do you see it as a limiting or expansive term? Is the work of playing Americana music an act of mythologizing this nation and its people or demystifying them? Or both?
‘Americana’ to me is an expansive term. I believe it’s the genre for the artists that don’t fit into a perfect genre box of just country, or just folk/soul/rock/etc. I think playing Americana music helps demystify the nation and its people because it’s a great reminder of the melting pot that is America. It’s a place where many different people and sounds can come together and tell real stories about real life.
As a literary publication, Nashville Review is focused on publishing the best poetry & prose that lands in our submission piles. How has written literature played a role in evolving your work as a songwriter? As a performer? Do you have a special relationship with any author or their work?
Many of the songwriters I look up to are inspired by Shel Silverstein. I’d have to agree with them and I’ll add Ray Wylie Hubbard to that. I am very fortunate and can listen to RWH every week on our local radio station in New Braunfels. I love his phrasing and his storytelling.
What’s an influence on your music that even a die-hard fan might find surprising? This could be another musical artist or genre, a hobby of yours, a unique experience, etc.
Many R&B artists have had a major influence on my songwriting and especially my singing and phrasing. I just love the soulful delivery. I feel it inside of me; I just needed those artists to help bring it out of me over the years.
What’s one question you always hope an interviewer will ask you about your artistry? What’s your answer?
How would I describe my live show? I would describe it as a soulful country/rock show that makes your body groove and leaves you feeling happy and hyped up.
Can you share a Spotify link to your favorite song played during your set at Dee’s?