Project WILD would like you to know each of the 2019 Top 12 even better. We prepared five questions for each of the artists/bands to help us learn a little more.
- What brought you to country/roots music?
I’ve always loved songs where the lyrics are the focus of the song but it’s kind of tough to say if I was pulled towards roots music because of that fact or if I value a story so much because I grew up on roots music. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg scenario.
- When did you write your first song – as an artist or with a band?
I was a bit weird as a kid. I learned chords by playing cover songs but as soon as I could string my own chords structures together I was writing on my own. I enjoy playing covers here and there if I feel like I can bring something new to a song but I’ve always been much more interested in using music to express my own perspective. I probably started writing when I was around thirteen and then wrote ten or twelve songs over the next couple years and by fifteen I had a band and was going into the studio for the first time.
- If you could go on tour opening to any performing artist right now, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen would be my dream choice because it would be an absolute master class watching him perform every night. But other than the boss I’d have to say Jason Isbell or Brandi Carlile would be close seconds.
- What is the best trend in country/roots music right now?
Most of my favourite writers at the moment are women. Kacey Musgraves, Lori McKenna, Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, Margo Price – the list goes on. There are so many women telling unique stories and sharing an experience that mainstream country has been lacking for so long. Their songs make me want to go back and try harder to be honest and open in my work. It’s high time they get the recognition they deserve.
- What part of Project WILD are you most looking forward to?
BOOT CAMP. Having been before I can say that it’s definitely a highlight. It’s not an understatement to say that there is nothing else like it in this country. Experts in every field of the music industry coming together to educate us while we collaborate and grow and learn… it’s truly a unique and formative experience.
