10 Questions with ... Granger Smith

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/GrangerSmith & www.Facebook.com/EarlDibblesJr
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/GrangerSmith & www.Twitter.com/EarlDibblesJr

Born and bred Texan, Granger Smith, had already established himself as a musical force to be reckoned with before signing with Broken Bow Music Group imprint Wheelhouse Records in August 2015. Smith was already on the road performing in North Texas at the age of 15 and moved to Nashville with a songwriting deal at EMI Music Publishing at the age of 20. After a stint in Nashville, Smith returned to Texas to graduate Texas A&M University and embark on his independent road to music stardom. With solid social media promotion and a grassroots marketing effort, Smith and his brother created alter-egos through videos to promote the music he was creating. Thus was born the character of Earl Dibbles, Jr., who is now as much a part of Smith's media plan and touring schedule as Granger himself. In February of 2016, Smith hit the top of the charts for the first time with "Backroad Song," just one month before his major label debut record, "Remington," dropped. Smith was named to the Country Radio Seminar's 2017 New Faces Show, and as we approach CRS, Smith took time out of his schedule to speak with All Access Nashville about all that has been, and all that is to come.

1. Thank you so much for taking time to speak with All Access. You've been voted in to the "New Faces" showcase for CRS 2017, and while you've played to most of this cast of characters before during your radio tour, this setting will be a bit different. Can you tell us what it means to you to be chosen to play this show?

It's a really, really big deal. We work hard on these relationships with Country radio, because they are so important. They are the vessel that takes our work - our songs - to our people. Right now, they are the most important way that people are going to get my music. And if people get my music, and they like it, then they're going to come to a show. And it's all full-circle, because if they come to a show, it inspires me to write more songs that are then going back to radio. There are all kinds of factors to the music business that we have to kind of juggle, but the most important one is Country radio, because that's how we get the music out. So, to be nominated - and then to be chosen like this - is a really, really good feeling. It's knowing that, hey, we really are doing something right. And hopefully the relationships that we have built, because we have become friends with a lot of these people, is the real deal.

2. How you will prepare for the performance? Will it be any different than your typical stage shows? And will your pal Earl Dibbles, Jr. be making the trip to CRS with you this year?

It's going to be very different, because of the time. And it's always different when we're using backline gear - the stuff that is already on the stage. We don't get to take our toys with us. And, it's not good or bad - it's just different. Sometimes it helps us to be more creative when we don't have our toys, like our same drum kit or our same stage lights. So, it's going to be focusing more on the songs. And we're probably going to sprinkle in some Earl Dibble in there, too, even though it's only 25 minutes. I think that's been such a big part of our live shows for so long - for five years now. So, he's going to come. But, I'll be honest with you, we don't know exactly how it's all going to be. But I do know that Earl is going to be there, and he's going to be in his full glory.

3. Where were you when you found out that you had been selected as to perform at CRS 2017 New Faces, and how did you react?

Yeah, I was with the band. We were sound checking on the East Coast, and we were getting ready for the sound check. Last year, we tried really hard to get on the New Faces Show, but we didn't. So, this year, I was like, "We did it! We got New Faces!" And, everyone was like, "Great!" Then, suddenly, it seemed like everyone's phones started blowing up. It was family members, peers, and other musicians all wanting to say congratulations. It was a bombardment over about five minutes. It was a very cool moment.

4. You had quite the 2016 with a #1 single, an album release, and consistent touring dates. What is on the slate for 2017, and how do you plan or hope to top the year you just had, professionally?

Well, that is THE question! How do you continue momentum? Whether you're a sports team or a CEO of a major company, it's always about momentum. It's funny, of course, because sometimes you can even be winning the game but losing the momentum, and that makes it feel completely different. We have really high expectations, which is tough. It's very tough to have those really high expectations for yourself, because there have been many years when we've said, "Hey, if anything happens, that's amazing and will be a step up." But now, we're coming off of a number one song and some really big tours and huge shows, and we don't want to take a step back. So, we're choosing to move forward with a new album this year, which is kind of a strange situation, because we've only put out two singles on the last album. And, it's not at all because we don't feel like we have any more songs. It's just a feeling that our fans haven't had new music since 2013, essentially. We have to keep putting new stuff out - to me, that's the most important part of music momentum - new music, new songs, changing the show and giving new stuff to radio, new music videos, and just a whole new excitement. So that's the plan, is a new single off of a new album, and then the rest of the project coming out later in the year.

5. As we discussed last year when we visited with you, your career was very self-made in the beginning with independent albums, your social media presence, and packed touring schedule leading to an avid fan base. How - if at all - has your game plan and strategy changed since signing with Wheelhouse Records and entering this chapter of your career?

The biggest change with Wheelhouse is that the focus has been on one single at a time. First it was "Backroad Song," and then it was "If The Boot Fits," and as we are talking right now, we are coming up on peaking this single around one year since "Backroad Song" went #1. So, that has been the challenge is having a single that we are pushing at radio, and people don't even start hearing it until the Top 20, and then REALLY start hearing it in the Top 10. So, there's a lot of people saying, "I love your brand new single, 'If The Boot Fits.'" Which is crazy, because we've been out there pushing it for ten months to a year now! So, the challenge has been with all the people that already know "If The Boot Fits" and have been used to it. So, we have to keep them excited and keep delivering new things. We've actually released two music videos in the last three months - which, we are calling "bonus videos" - that are for other songs, album cuts that aren't singles. And it's to try to keep momentum and excitement going, and to spread interest across the music, and not just on one single. All of that while we're still trying to push the one single as far as we can.

6. Now on your second radio single with Wheelhouse Records, "If The Boot Fits," you have peaked inside the Top 5. Are you a chart watcher at all? What have you learned about the radio side of this business since signing with Wheelhouse and working two singles to radio?

I did watch the chart a lot more, I think, with "Backroad Song." With "If The Boot Fits," I've stepped out quite a bit from looking at it. I do always know where it is, because our radio team is constantly in communication. Every week is a new step, and new congratulations to the team, and a new reassessment of where we are. So, I do know at any given time where we were that Sunday, but I don't typically follow Real Time or points and spins. But, also, I am always opening myself up to availability for the label. I'm saying, "Hey, is there anybody I need to call? Anyone I need to text? How are we doing? Does anyone need an extra 'thank you' for a lot of effort they put in for us this week?" So, I try to keep up in that way. Radio is a system, for sure.

7. You rounded out the year with a fairly severe injury. Can you tell us about how it happened and how you recovered? How have you physically and mentally prepared to get back on the road?

First of all, I had to cancel ten shows. That is, by far, the most amount of shows I've ever had to cancel. That was tough. Not being able to go and see people who were expecting to see me, that is always tough, and I always carry that burden with me. As a lot of public figures do, I have an obligation to go and see these people and meet them, and an obligation to perform for people who have maybe been wanting to see me for months. Maybe they wanted to hear a specific song - maybe they needed that song. So, I always carry that burden with me that I need to be there. But, in fact, I don't always need to be there - that's just in my head. We tour a lot, and I'm going to be back to all of those places. So, I had to kind of accept that during this injury. I had to accept the fact that I needed to get healthy for everyone, including myself, to be my best. I couldn't sell myself short and go play these shows in December when I wouldn't have been myself. So, I came to terms with that, and I also came to terms with how important it was to be with my family, especially when I hadn't seen them for most of the whole year. I got more time with my wife and kids than I've ever had with my wife since I've even known her. We had six weeks together straight. That was huge! And she still likes me! So, I look back on it now, and as we're talking, tomorrow will be six weeks since the injury. And, there really were so many positives that came out of it. I learned so many new things. My brothers will say, "Put Granger on the couch for a certain amount of time, and he's going to come back with all these new theories on life." But, that's exactly what happens! I did a lot of reading, and I watched a lot of cool documentaries. I learned a lot of techniques for recovery and studies up on diet changes and new workout routines. I'm now armed with all kinds of new pieces of life that I'm excited to put in to a healthy new lifestyle, as well. My band is already tired of hearing about the new advice I have to share with them!

8. There are a lot of Pop, Rock, R&B, and other influences melding together to make today's Country sound different than it did twenty years ago, but you tend to stay fairly traditional with your approach to the music. What did you listen to growing up, who would you cite as your biggest musical influences, and what other genres - if any - do you pull from when creating your own music?

It all started, for me, when I started playing guitar. I think the Eagles were the first band that I really started becoming obsessed with music about, and that got me into learning to play guitar. I played "Tequila Sunrise" as the first song I learned on guitar, and I would try to sing along and emulate that sound. But, what really created the passion for the lifestyle as a musician was George Strait. I first heard George Strait and saw him when I was 15, and that whole atmosphere had such a huge impact on me that I really never will forget it. It set me on the path that I'm still on today, chasing the energy that I felt that day.

9. As a bonafide Texas Country boy with a love of George Strait, who happens to also be fluent in social media and adept at various technology, how do you prefer to consume music? Are you a traditionalist with CDs and vinyl, or do you prefer digital downloads and streaming?

I wish that I could tell you that I'm a CD and vinyl guy, but I'm just really not. Maybe deep down in my heart I would be, but the fact that I'm always on the go and always moving - when people are pitching me ideas for songs and things - when people can just email me or text me where I can go on a streaming website...? That's so easy. I have memberships to a couple of different streaming services and sites, and it's just incredible how quickly I can get to music. I think that's what entices me about it, is that I remember before streaming. I would have to - when I wanted a song, I wanted it right then! I couldn't get it out of my head! And, I'd want to get it as fast as I could, so I'd drive as fast as I could to a 24-hour Walmart - all the way across town - just to try to find that music. And if I drove across town, it might not even be on the shelf, and I would be so frustrated by that!

10. As a "New Face," you have bright future ahead of you in the industry. If you were to look in to a crystal ball, where would you hope to be - both personally and professionally - by CRS 2020? CRS 2025?

I think, I can honestly say that this is the best version I've had of myself in my life. Constantly looking for balance, constantly trying to find out what really makes me happy. Because, yes, everyone can say that happiness is important. Everyone can say that! But, do we really understand where it comes from and what makes us happy? Are we making strides to seek out that happiness and to know where it lives within us? That's where I am right now. Music makes me happy, and my family makes me happy, and I feel like I have a better understanding than I ever have about how to get there. And, finding that balance, and finding when is too much social media versus when is not enough - or when is too much time on the road. On top of that, I am also in charge of a lot of band and crew who, when I say it's time to go, they have to go. So, I also need to know when to not tell them we have to go and when to tell them they need time at home. I feel like I'm becoming better and better at those elements. I'm certainly not the best I can be, but I'm definitely the best I've ever been. So, I just hope to continue trying to improve on all of that.

1. You've been "the new guy" on several tours now. Looking at other "New Faces" in the industry, who are the guys and gals that are up-and-coming who impress you? If you were to go out on a headlining tour this year with support acts, what "New Faces" would you like to bring with you on the road and why?

One of the coolest things has been meeting all of these artists - and really seeing them a lot. Maybe when you get to be a bigger artist, maybe you don't see everybody as much, because you're on your own tour and just see your tour. But, for me, I get to do all of these radio shows and festivals, and it's crazy to run in to someone in New Jersey, then see them in Sacramento just a few days later. I see Chris Lane quite a bit. William Michael Morgan and Trent Harmon are both great guys. The Brothers Osborne guys and the Old Dominion dudes are amazing. Maren [Morris] - I've known Maren for years! She sang harmony a couple of albums ago for me. I could probably just list what I call the "Class of 2016," which is my class. But, what's kind of surprising is that I don't meet anyone that I don't like out of this class. And, maybe that's because that in order to be a New Face on radio, you just have to be likable. I mean, you can't be too much of an asshole, right? Because, if you're too much of an asshole, you're probably not going to get played anyway, and I for sure won't like you! But, there are all different kinds of guys and girls, playing all different kinds of music. Put the styles completely aside, and it's just amazing how we all get along so well.

2. After countless radio visits and radio shows, is there anything that radio does NOT know about you that you can - or would like to - share here?

I write left-handed, but I throw right-handed. I bowl right-handed, I bat left-handed, I punch right-handed, I write left-handed. I play pool and shoot basketball left-handed, but I kick right-footed. And I can't eat with my right hand. Well, I've gotten better at that one since I've had to hold babies with my left hand and eat at the same time, though.