If you were to write an intro for “For the Best” before it played on the radio, what would you want listeners to know about the song?
I would want listeners to know that they aren’t alone. A lot of people can connect with this song, you know. It always hurts to part ways, and usually feels uncertain. The song though, is just a good reminder that sometimes leaving is for the best.
6 Things You Don’t Know About Me:
Livingston, Montana, home of the majestic Paradise Valley. It is located in the southwestern part of the state, a river valley of the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park. Favorite activity when you are along the river valley?
My favorite thing to do along the river’s edge is to get myself and my dog Nash into some good bird hunting. I also really like to fish. I spend a lot of time outdoors with my family hunting.
Originally thought you would become a pilot or baseball player. When did you decide to pursue a career in music and why?
My junior year in high school I was a dishwasher at a local lodge. One night, a musician for the front of the house cancelled at the last minute and I volunteered to play for the night. The way the crowd made me feel, and the way that I felt playing that night, hooked me. I knew that I never wanted to do anything else.
Debut single, “Home.” How did you choose this song as your debut?
I feel like “Home” represents who I am as a person. It describes me and my life, and my deepest connections. I wanted my first song to be a great representation of who I am as a person and an artist. “Home” was that song for me.
What makes you laugh the most?
I really love comedy. Right now, Bill Burr and Kevin Hart are my favorites.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I’m a steak and potatoes type of boy. Mashed potatoes, hold the gravy.
Impressions. Which is your favorite to perform?
I’m not really good at impressions. But if I had to name one, I would say Kermit the Frog or Elmo!
Can you share 12 songs that have influenced your life and career?
This Old Guitar – John Denver.
This Old Guitar is the whole reason that I am doing music. It showed me what a single guitar can do – how it can shape your life, bring about new connections, and open your future. It inspired me to pick up the guitar, and I’m thankful that I did!
Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) – Garth Brooks.
I listened to this song as a kid on repeat. It was one of the first songs that I could really dig in deep and enjoy. I still listen to it today!
The Dance – Garth Brooks.
The Dance showed me how lyrics can really move someone. It was also one of the first complicated guitar songs that I learned!
Darcy Farrow – John Denver.
This song showed me what you can do with songwriting. John Denver was asked to write a love story, and “Darcy Farrow ” is what was created. This song showed me that a good story can be told in the quickness of a song.
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen.
This was my grandma’s favorite song. It inspired me to sing, and I love to sing it to my mom!
Galveston – Glen Campbell.
This is just another one of those songs that is a classic. I like it because it is a reminder of what good country music comes from!
Montana – Jackie Wolf.
This song was written by my sister. It is because of this song that I felt confident enough to write my first song.
Rocky Mountain High – John Denver.
My favorite memories are of driving up to the ski hill with my family and jamming out to this song!
Piano Man – Billy Joel.
This song was the song that showed me the art of performing. It’s not just about singing. If he had just sung the song, and not performed the song, it would be just a lonely bit of music. The passion and performance are what makes this song stand out to me.
Human – Cody Johnson.
This song really influenced me because no matter what happens in music or life, I’m still human. This song showed me that I don’t have to be a perfect artist, I’m just a human trying to make art.
‘Til You Can’t – Cody Johnson.
This song helped to convince me to give music a real shot, because you only have one life and you can only do what you want until you can’t.
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel.
The vocal range on this song is broad, and it is one of my favorite songs to sing!
