A Dirty Dozen with DAVE WILBERT – May 2021

According to a recent press release: “Dave Wilbert is a forward-facing traditionalist with a deep appreciation of the clever, relatable lyrics that defined 90’s Country. “I love the groove and ingenuity of it,” Wilbert marveled. “That is a recurrent theme. Think of ‘Ocean Front Property’ by George Strait or Joe Diffie’s ‘Pickup Man.’ They are cleverly written, witty songs with a nod and a wink. They make you smile, but they are also great songs. I hope that is what we can deliver.” Wilbert assembled a creative team that contributed to the emergence of 90’s Country and contemporary hits including Wilbert’s producer and the co-writer of Tim McGraw’s smash “Down On The Farm” Kerry Kurt Phillips. Wilbert’s latest single, “It’s All Yours,” was composed by top tunesmiths Phil O’Donnell (Strait, Blake Shelton, and Craig Morgan), Noah Gordon, who co-produced several of Colt Ford’s records, and Kendell Marvell (Gary Allen, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, and Chris Stapleton). The song sets the right tone with an irresistible shuffle and a semi-autobiographical lament about the spoils of love and divorce.” We get Dave to discuss new music, influences, and more…

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?

That although this is far too common experience in our culture, it is positioned in a light-hearted manner.  Kerry Kurt Phillips and I sang the echo/harmony lines at the close of the song.

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

Early on in church as a little fella listening to the choir.  My whole life I’ve wanted to be a singer/musician.

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

“A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr has had a tremendous impact on my life.  I like all kinds of music and I have been influenced from everyone from Willie Nelson to Bruno Mars.

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

Dwight Yoakam.  He’s original, doesn’t sing pop with twang, and isn’t concerned with the Nashville agenda.

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour?  What do you like to do to unwind?

I love to spend time with my wife and kids.  Hunting, fishing, and or boating together.

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 guess 90’s Retro Country.  I haven’t had that experience yet… people are welcome to their own opinion.

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?

Luckily none of the band has to do much cooking… Troy is the one guy who will pull out an acoustic guitar and force a sing along.

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

Since living in Nashville I have ran into several “stars…I can honestly say that I don’t get starstruck.

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 love being able to provide some joy to others through music.  I would like to be a Turkey hunting guide.

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?

I’m so new at this I don’t have any questions that I’m tired of answering.  I don’t try to influence the questions that will be asked.

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?

No, as a Christian I believe God has my life planned according to his wishes and with that I am at peace.

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?

I think being in the room for the very first Elvis recordings would have been incredible.  His music/style changed the world.

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Category: Interviews