Hailing from Virginia, Woody Woodworth and his band, The Piners, embody the heart of Americana with haunting melodies of love, loss, and the American spirit. Woodworth writes tales of the blue-collar working class that are easy on the ears and heavy on the heart with a blend of alt-country, rock and roll, and Southern Americana.
On July 20th, Woodworth released his debut album, Virginia, and here he answers his Essential 8+ where he talks about the album and songwriting, shares the story behind "The Day Ronnie Died" and much more. Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? I never really had a musical mentor. My grandmother and grandfather, who I called Nanny and Papa, loved old-time, bluegrass, and traditional country music. I remember sitting on their living room floor as a child watching the Grand Ole Opry or Hee Haw. Country music was always playing somewhere around their house. I also had some family members, two great uncles and a great aunt, who played music in a traditional country band. And as far back as I can remember I wanted to do what they did. My mother was also into really great music. She turned me on to Bob Dylan, The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker Band, Charlie Daniels, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Neil Young, The Band, and Fleetwood Mac. With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? The title track "Virginia," I wrote it in about 20 minutes. It was like the words and melody came out of the sky. I knew it was down when I put the pen down. That’s rare but damn it feels good when it happens. Please choose one song and tell the story behind it. "The Day Ronnie Died" is written from the first person perspective of my mother, who lost her brother in a horrible car accident in the summer of 1971. While visiting my grandmother in the hospital one night she began telling me about the events leading up to her sons death. I wanted to incapsulate the moment, so I penned the song. I decided to make my mother, who was only 12 years old at the time, the main character of the story. I was told that Ronnie’s favorite song was “Ohio” by CSNY. Is there a story behind your album’s title? I had a collection of songs and stories over the course of 10 years and I wanted a titled that tied them all together. When I wrote the song "Virginia" it just all made sense, I knew at that moment that that would be the title of the record. It just felt right. If appropriate, please share the story behind your album’s artwork. It’s a print of Richmond, VA burning during the Civil War. I’ve always loved this image. Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? This album was special because it was my debut. I made it with some of my best friends, and a majority of it was cut live. In preparing for this record I really just pulled together the best songs I had at the time. I spent a lot of time on the order of the songs. I wanted it to feel like a full record, in the traditional sense, in that I wanted folks to listen from start to finish. I spent a lot of time deciding on the order by getting in my car and driving around- feeling out which songs felt best where. I actually had two many songs and one or two that recorded may have to go on the next album.
Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
Life experiences- mostly, and witnessing what others go through- the good, bad, and ugly of life. I’ve always found inspiration in listening to folks tell stories. Sometimes I get inspiration from reading- every now and then. I also try to understand what inspired other artists, so every now in then I’ll get on a kick and obsess about any of the following- John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Lucinda Williams, Jerry Jeff Walker, Steve Earle, Jason Isbell (I consider Jason our finest contemporary writer). Recently, I’ve really enjoyed Tyler Childers and Benjamin Tod. Sometimes I reach really far back to Jimmie Rogers, The Carter Family, Woody Guthrie, and to the Blues- Blind Lemon Jefferson, Lead Belly, Son House Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Lightin’ Hopkins- in hopes of tapping into something extremely raw and organic. When/where do you do your best writing? When I was younger it was late at night, now that I’m older my favorite time to write is right after my first cup of coffee in the morning. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? It’s a combination of all of the above. I write from experience, but I’ve always been extremely observant of other people. A lot of times it’s a little of both. I constantly find myself making up stories in my head. I just want to connect with people. I want to meet them where they are. Generally when I start writing I’m writing for myself or because of some personal inspiration but as soon as I start playing the song for other people or out at shows the song takes a life of its own and becomes something else for other people. Sometimes songs come so fast and if you're not paying attention or willing to write them down, then you lose it. And it’s like you have to start all over again. I find it hard to get back to that moment. Sometimes I can get there, but sometimes it just gets lost. I just try to stay tuned in and wait for the muse. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Not directly but it’s been extremely helpful. “Write about what you know”- Steve Earle and “Be the same person on stage that you are off stage and always travel with your own condiments- Amanda Shires quoting John Prine. What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Don’t be afraid to be yourself, believe in who you are as an artist, write as much as you can, and always pay attention to the muse. What are your “must have” albums for the road? Anything John Prine- he just makes everything in life a whole lot sweeter, Townes Van Zandt- Live at the Old Quarter, Willie Nelson- Shotgun Willie, Jason Isbell- North Eastern, or Drive By Truckers- The Dirty South. What’s your dream venue and why? The Mother Church- Ryman Auditorium Who would you love to collaborate with? As an artist would love to collaborate with Lilly Hiatt because she’s an amazing artist and songwriter and she seems like she’d be fun to work with. Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price, or Tyler Childers because they are just straight shooters and I really respect what they have both done for Americana Music in the last couple years. Dave Cobb, well, because he’s Dave Cobb. Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? Songs I get the best response from when playing live are Pretty Girl From Carolina, Did You Love Me, Red Wine and Roses, and Virginia. Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? First concert- My mom took me to see Charlie Daniels and Lynyrd Skynyrd play this outdoor concert in Richmond, VA. I was probably 11 or 12. Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go? I opened for Lost Dog Street Band (Benjamin Tod) this year. They were extremely kind. I’m always nervous about meeting people I look up to because I don’t want it to go poorly. In this case, the experience was outstanding. Do you have a guilty pleasure song/artist? I’ve already mentioned most of my favorite artist but my guilty pleasures are Lady Gaga, Lana Del Rey, and Rihanna- I actually do an alt-country version of “Stay” sometimes. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? I would love to play Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic or co-write a song with one of my heroes. I’d take either one. And My all time bucket list would be to sit in a room and write with John Prine, he’s a national treasure and one of the last of his kind. If you weren’t a musician/songwriter where would we find you? A few years back I worked on a friend’s farm. It was some of the hardest but most rewarding work I’ve ever done. I loved being at peace in nature. I loved farming and I would love to own cows and chickens and live on a farm somewhere, someday. Website/Facebook/Twitter Vocals, Guitar / Woody Woodworth Guitar/ Jacob Williamson Bass / Jonny Wood Violin, Fiddle / David Lam Pedal Steel Guitar / Justin Mull
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