 Photo credit: Todd V Wolfson
Austin-based singer-songwriter and guitarist Jeremy Nail continues to forge his trail of meaningful songs in the world as he morphs joy, pain and poison into grace and artistry on his new record, Live Oak. Released on August 17, 2018, the ten-song project was deemed “Pastoral and poetic...reflective and resilient, breathing in life’s landscapes, literal and figurative, and exhaling a peaceful sense of place" by the Austin Chronicle's Kevin Curtin. Here, Nail answers his Essential 8 where he talks about songwriting, his must-have albums for the road, Neil Young, and more.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? When/where do you do your best writing? Life experience. Things I see or hear that compel me. Other writers and poetry. At my kitchen table, any time of day. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? Every song I write has some combination of all of the above. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Don’t ever stop and keep what is special about your writing and music. Don’t let anyone take that away.
What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
A musical life is a journey with a lot of ups and downs. Make it about the music and always be developing. Find what moves you. Read, listen and learn. What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road? I try to eat healthy whenever possible. I love coffee. Trail mix and Topo Chico make for a good snack. What are your “must have” albums for the road? Nick Drake “Pink Moon”, Stan Getz Joao Gilberto “Getz/Gilberto” Neil Young “Zuma”, Red House Painters “Old Ramon”. Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative? I drank and smoked for years, thinking it might improve my skills, but for me it did the opposite. Since I got sober, I feel more calm when I play, like a meditation. I have much more control of my voice as well. Most of all, my life has greatly improved. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? I just checked one off recently. I saw Neil Young perform solo. An intimate and moving performance, I’ll never forget it. Website/Twitter/IG
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