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10 Questions with ... Dustin Lynch
January 29, 2012
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1) Congratulations on your deal with Broken Bow Records which is also known as the home of Jason Aldean. What has been the most significant change in your career after signing with an established label?
Thank you so much! The day I became a part of Broken Bow Records I became a part of not only a very successful team, but also a part of a wonderful family, a family that is allowing me to chase my crazy dreams and believes in me. I can feel the excitement and passion behind my music!
2) You grew up in Tullahoma, TN which is over an hour away from Nashville. Were you able to visit Music City often? If so, how did that help you establish your career goals?
Nashville was of course the 'big city.' it was a big deal to go, but I never had the chance to go to concerts growing up (which is why I think I got the music bug early, it was something I couldn't have). So I became an Opry and award show fanatic. That's how I got my 'fix.' I can remember getting so excited every time I'd see the skyline of Nashville growing up. I drove myself to my first concert when I was 17 and that was the first time I'd ever seen Broadway in person, my windows were down, Country music in the air and people were all over the place; a moment I'll never forget. It was at that moment I knew I had to give my dream a chance.
3) "Cowboys And Angels," which is your debut single, is impacting radio now. You've been on an extensive radio tour promoting the song. Has there been one particular visit that sticks out to you? If so, what happened?
There's a lot more than one! I was able to incorporate my parents into a visit, which was pretty exciting for me!
4) According to your bio, you are working with Brett Beavers on your debut album which will incorporate songs you've written. How would you describe the music fans will find on your first record?
As a songwriter, my goal each and every time I'm behind my guitar is to write a song that means something to me, and strikes an emotion. I know if it hits me, if it moves me, there's a good chance it'll move someone else. On this first album I hope to have songs that connect, but in a way that from the first track to the last it takes the listener on a ride as they listen to the album. I hope to have a few songs that people want to dance to, fall in love with, remember a great memory - songs that people connect with.
5) You helped pen your first single, "Cowboys And Angels" which is not something you see new artists do very often. Could you describe the writing process behind the song?
This song has had such a special story since even before it was written. It was my first co-write ever with Tim Nichols and Josh Leo. Being a fan of both of those guys, I was freaked out just to meet them, much less get to write a song with them. I had done my homework and had some ideas going into the morning - my ace in my pocket idea was "Cowboys and Angels." When I arrived we broke the ice and we're getting to know each other and the time came where Tim said, "So what you feel like writing, got any ideas?" Immediately I lost all confidence in what I had and said, "Nope I'm fresh out, you got any?" So Tim starts throwing titles out and we really weren't landing on anything. A short time later he takes a phone call and leaves the room and I'm like "Wow this is going terrible! We can't get on an idea!" He comes back in and gets out his book he keeps ideas in and flips a few pages and says 'Hey, I've had this idea for a while that I think could be pretty cool, it's called "Cowboys and Angels." I immediately made him show it to me and showed him I had the same! We knew right then that was a present from the sky and we were supposed to write that song that day.
6) It seems as if Bluebird Café in Nashville helped you jumpstart your career. Can you give fans some insight on how the establishment influenced you as an artist?
Well as I said, I got my music fix at a young age by watching the Opry and award shows, but I also remember watching live rounds from the Bluebird Cafe with my dad on TV. That show is what introduced me to songwriting and I immediately wanted to be like those songwriters and started writing. In high school, I begged my parents to let me play the Bluebird's Monday night open-mic, and they gave me the green light - first time ever to drive to Nashville alone! Upon moving to Nashville, I realized I couldn't get in to the clubs because I was underage but I could attend writers rounds. I rented a place right by the Bluebird and was a writers round junkie. Each time I'd attend a show at Bluebird I'd learn a little bit more about how these big radio hits were written. I consider it my undergrad education in songwriting. I auditioned for the Sunday night show and met Barbara Cloyd and landed a spot. She got my wheels pointed in the right direction in town and I'm forever grateful.
7.) Pete Hartung, who is The Valory Music Co. artist Justin Moore's manager, found your MySpace, and helped you land a publishing deal. With your experience, do you feel it's important for artists to be involved in their own social media networking? If so, why?
Oh absolutely it is! It still baffles me that that's what got this train rolling for me. Social media is such a huge part of most people's lives these days, so why in the world wouldn't you use that opportunity to give them new music?! I love the fact that I can stay in contact with all the friends I've met at shows along the way and also those who have found me thru other people. I'm on Twitter and Facebook all the time so hit me up!
8.) Speaking of Justin Moore, you have had the opportunity to open for him, as well as artists such as Jake Owen and Tracey Lawrence. What have you taken away from playing for their fans?
I'll start with saying thank you to each of those dudes for the opportunity. Justin, Jake and Tracy know their audience, and you can tell that from the time they take the stage to when they are thru with the encore. One thing stands true at these guys shows, all of us Country fans like to be loud and get wild!
9.) Who would you describe as your biggest influences and why?
Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson. I idolize these two as songwriters, performers and vocalists. Their songs are timeless. Their songs have been and will be around for a long time, and as a songwriter THAT makes a GREAT song - the test of time. I'd like to have a few songs in my career that are considered great by others.
10.) What are you most excited about sharing with your fans in 2012?
I'm excited to finally get music out to everyone, but mostly that they will be a part of this crazy ride with me. We're gonna get to live out a lot of my dreams TOGETHER this year.
Bonus Questions
1.) What's one song you wish you had written?
"Fishin' In The Dark"
2.) If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Christmas Vacation
3.) What's your favorite thing to do after a show?
Go out front and hang with everyone that showed up for me.
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