A Dirty Dozen with WYATT EDMONDSON – February 2020

According to a recent press release: “Nashville-based Americana/roots rock singer-songwriter Wyatt Edmondson is set to release his third EP, If I Don’t Try, on February 21, 2020 on all digital platforms, as well as on CD and vinyl.  Recorded at Cathy Jo Studio and Great Hill Studio in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Shawn Byrne and Ryan Youmans, the EP takes the listener on a journey of hope and maturity. From the resilient resonance of the aurally enticing opening title track “If I Don’t Try” to the understated acoustic shimmer of “Amber” to the intimate-partner travelogue of “Lovers Lake,” Edmondson displays an original voice that’s wise beyond his years.”  We get Wyatt to discuss new music, influences, and much more…

Photo Credit: Anna Haas

1. Tell us a little about your latest release.  What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through?  Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

The EP is all about taking chances. Even the concept of releasing an EP instead of a full-length is sort of like “testing the waters.” Every song on this record does just that, in its own way. They all have a common theme of going for it, no matter what “it” is. Can you find the hidden nuggets? Good, I’m hungry, too.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

I come from a musical family. My dad got me listening to the good stuff early on, and my grandfather on my mom’s side helped me record for the first time. He’s totally blind, but that never stopped him from running an entire studio setup for us in the garage. That always stuck with me. I guess when I found out I had inherited his eye condition and would face vision loss, I remembered how music always seemed to still be there. It sort of clicked with me that I could always rely on it, like he does. It definitely saved me then, and still does today.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

There are plenty, but I think I’ll give this one to Bruce Springsteen. His passion for connection with an audience and delivering his perspective on life through his music is something I’ve studied and modeled myself after for a long time. He’s one of my greatest heroes.

4. Who would be your main five musical influences?

Bruce Springsteen, Dave Matthews Band, Bob Marley, John Mayer, and Led Zeppelin.

5. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

The Boss. Because… he’s the boss and I could use a raise! Musically, I mean…

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I usually tell people I’m like Dave Matthews meets Bruce Springsteen with some reggae vibes thrown in occasionally. The first time I ever performed in public, some kid at my school told me I sounded like a “drunk Jimi Hendrix.” It made me angry at the time, but now I’m wondering if it was a compliment?

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

I’d probably trust Michael, my drummer, with the food. I’ll handle the cocktail making. Dan would probably be the first to break out the guitars for some Allman Brothers jamming. I’ll let him handle the slide guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

When I saw Keith Urban at The Basement in Nashville. I was doing a show there the next night, so I went up there in sweatpants to talk with the door guy. Next thing I knew, I was seeing Keith for a secret concert at one of the best small venues around. He played, full band, for like 150 people. I was lucky enough to be right up front. My ears are still ringing.

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

I think the traveling around and meeting new people is my favorite part right now. If for some unfortunate reason I couldn’t be a musician, I guess maybe a secret agent would be nice.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

Have you ever dreamed that a famous person spoke to you? The answer – yes. I once dreamed when I was about to enter college that Bob Marley spoke to me in a dream. I can actually still remember what it all looked like, too, though what he said is sort of just generalized in my mind now to simply “you can do this.” The question I would love to never answer again? “What comes first, the music or the lyrics?” Ugh… ask my coffee cup.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

Absolutely. I wish I had recorded more demos before I released anything. My first release was in college. I’m still growing as a musician, and I feel like this new EP is still like my “debut.” Thankfully, you’re only as good as your last release, and my new stuff feels really good to me.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

Born To Run by Bruce Springsteen. Hands down. His label was at the end of their rope. His first two records had not sold well, and this was his last shot before being dropped. He did what I hope to do in my own career — rise to the challenge and seize that “one last chance to make it real.” I would love to see how that felt in the studio. They had to have known they were about to change everything.

WYATT EDMONDSON LINKS:

OFFICAL SITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

Category: Interviews