Intro
“Jeff Batson is not just a country musician; he’s also a really great guy and incredibly talented. He’s been nominated for a Grammy as well! We talk about all that, including his latest project called 2025.
Enjoy the listen!”
Interview
Hi Jeff, Welcome to Fanbase Music Magazine, can you tell us where you from and grew up and how you got into music?
I am from the St. Louis, MO, USA, suburb of Cahokia, IL. My first experience singing was in the children’s choir at church, then I learned to play the saxophone in the grade school band. I didn’t start playing guitar or join a band until I was in high school.
How would you describe your genre and sound?
As an artist, I’d say contemporary country, but as a songwriter, my work is all over the country board and includes traditional, contemporary and inspirational country songs.
Who are some of the bands and musicians that have influenced your music and career?
Early on I was exposed to the country artists of the day like John Denver, Kenny Rogers, Charlie Rich, Glen Campbell, George Jones, Merle Haggard and Mickey Gilley, among others, then later in my teens I became a fan of rock bands like REO Speedwagon, Journey and Styx and solo artists like John Mellencamp, Billy Joel and Bob Seger. I think all of the music I listened to has an influence on what I do today, But, if I’m honest, I’ve always had a special place in my heart for singer-songwriters, the artists that write their own material.
You are a solo musician now but have also been involved in some bands, can you name those bands and are you still in a band?
Well, some of the bands I was in when living in the St. Louis area include Sammy & the Snowmonkeys, Grafix, TNT, TKO, General Lee and Platinum Pony. I had a band in Nashville for a while that included a number of members, but Nashville is one of those towns were it’s really hard to keep the same group of musicians together unless you are playing full-time. So, while I don’t have a “band” of my own right now, it wouldn’t be hard to assemble one if the right opportunities came along. It’s just been easier and more economical to do solo or duo gigs in recent years.
How would you describe your wiring process?
My songwriting inspiration comes from everyday life. The ideas can really come from anywhere, experiences I have had, experiences friends have had or just things I’ve witnessed. The process for me is really varied, it can start with an idea, a musical riff or even a line I’ve heard that I felt would make a good or interesting hook.
Do you play live music, and what would a gig of yours be like if we were to attend?
I still play live shows, but they are mostly songwriter nights or events presently. That’s one thing that I would like to change in the near future. I hope to do more shows to support the new project. I like to take the audience on a roller coaster ride and include a little bit of everything, from high energy songs that are simply fun to hear to others that evoke deep emotions.
Okay, let’s talk about your new album called 2025, how did you get to that title?
Well, it had been almost 15 years since I had released a solo project. Since I didn’t really want to highlight a particular track, I just opted for a simple title that would put a time stamp on the work.
How many songs are on the album?
It’s a 10-song project.
Where was the album recorded and who else worked on the album?
The majority of tracks were recorded with John D. Willis at his Mount Willis studio in the Nashville area. John programmed drums and played all the instruments on the 8 songs recorded there. He’s an incredible talent that has played on countless major label projects over the years, everyone from Alabama to Kenny Chesney. One of the tracks was recorded with Buddy Hyatt, another well-known musician-producer, at Hilltop Studios in Nashville with some incredible session players, and one was produced by my friend Markey Latina and Jeff Silverman at the Colemine Studio in Nashville and Pallette Music Studio, just outside of Nashville, using another group of incredible players.
Do you have any new music coming out soon?
I’ve been writing a few new things and also going back through some old catalog recently, and I think my next project is going to lean towards the inspirational side of the country genre. I seem to have a lot of material that lends itself to that sort of project.
You have been nominated for a Grammy Award for The Rock by Tracy Lawrence, can you tell us your involvement on that and how does it feel to have been nominated?
I started the song with my friend, Aaron Scherz, and as it progressed we decided to bring another co-writer friend, Thom Shepherd, in to help finish it. We really tried to do our research and even visited some old churches around Nashville to get into the right frame of mind. It had been on hold for a couple of artists prior to Tracy recording it, but those opportunities never materialized, and I think the song found the right home. Tracy took a lot of time with it and even included his church choir on the recording. I am incredibly honored to be able to say a song that I was a part of was nominated for such a prestigious award. It’s at least some validation for all the years of hard work I have put into the craft.
What advice do you have for more musicians just getting into the industry?
Do it because you love it. Period. If you’re getting into the business to get rich & famous, just know that doing either of those things is almost like winning the lottery. If you’re a songwriter, I’d also say work on developing tough skin, but realize that everyone’s opinion of a song is just that….their opinion. Not everyone is going to love what you do as much as you do.
Fun question, if you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
Probably a lion, since they are known to be strong, confident leaders but also social and cooperative.
Thank you for doing this interviiew, Do you have any last messages for our readers?
You’re quite welcome. My message would be: SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSIC SCENE!!
Social Media
Primary Website: www.jeffbatson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/batsonmusicfans
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeffbatsonmusic
X: www.x.com/jeffbatsonmusic
YouTube: www.youtube.com/jeffbatsonmusic