e8: Robbie Walden

Courtesy of the Artist

"It's the kind of real deal twang and dirt Americana record that we started the Americana radio format for back in the mid 90's.” - Brad Paul co-founder of Americana Music Association

For Robbie Walden, it's all about the songwriting - and the strength of his is front and center on his upcoming album, When The Rooster Crows. Due February 15th, the live to tape project is a reflection of Robbie's personal life over the last 5 years from divorce, bitterness, and self-destruction to finding happiness, peace, and true, honest love.  In advance of the release, Walden answered his e8 and spoke about the album's artwork, inspiration, eating healthy on the road, and more.

Please share the story behind your album’s artwork.
I have always wanted to draw my own album artwork, as I have drawn most of my life, and love it! With this being such a personal album and concept album, I decided this was the time to do so. So I have drawn the entire album artwork.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
This is an extremely personal album, a musical reflection of the last 5 years—a diary so to speak. From divorce, bitterness, and self-destruction to finding happiness, peace, and true honest love; track 8, “When the Rooster Crows”, is the turning point in the story and the album. From turmoil and heartache, we strip it all down, take a deep breath, and realize each day is a new beginning, and everything is going to be okay... when the rooster crows” 

When/where do you do your best writing?
Alone, when I have time to think, or while I am watching something on TV.

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
All the above. More often from a first person and personal experience.

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What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
Write for you first and foremost and do it because you love it! 

What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
I eat very clean and lots of meats, so eating on the road and avoiding fast food can be very challenging. I tend to bring my own foods with me in a cooler and grill them sometimes. Or I visit a decent grocery store, with a deli of some sort, where I can buy pre-made food like chicken breasts.

Do you have any touring tips?
Save money, stay away from gas station food, and fast food. Meal prep and plan ahead.

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
Anything Don Williams, Willie Nelson, Sturgill Simpson, Shooter Jennings, Jason Eady, Jason Boland, or Norah Jones. As well as just about anything from the Texas music scene. 

Website

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