 -Tara Singer-songwriter-guitarist Doug Lawler moved to Nashville from New York with his wife and son in 1996. He released his first single "Why Would I Do That" which charted on New Music Weekly, in 2000. His second single, "She Hit The Road," which also charted, was recorded with Lyle Lovett's Band. Working by day installing cabinets, while writing and recording by night, Lawler never let his dream take a backseat and now he is gearing up for his turn in the spotlight. Recently, Lawler released his new single, "Still Got Most Of It Left" and is preparing to release a new album, Uncompromised, on October 15th. In advance of the release, Lawler kindly took the time to talk about the song, working with Troy Luccketta, and more. Many people might be new to your music, but you have been writing, playing and performing for quite a few years now. I have been picking and playing since I was twelve; that’s thirty-eight years now. I did a lot of music in upstate New York, where I’m originally from, and moved to Nashville in 1996. I had my first single, “Why Would I Do That,” chart in 2000 and will be releasing my third album, Uncompromised, which I'm really excited about, next month. You worked with Troy Luccketta from Tesla, and Jake Clayton, on the album. How did the three of you connect? Troy and I were introduced by a friend at one of his shows. I didn’t tell him I played, but I introduced myself as the local cabinet maker. Turns out he was remodeling and a few weeks later I was meeting with him to give him an estimate for his cabinets. I asked him what he thought about recording a few songs for me in his studio and in return, I would make his cabinets for cost. He agreed, and as time went by he got to know me and my music and things kept growing from there. I met Jake through Troy who brought him in to play on the record and help produce it. What did they bring to the album?
Troy is one of the most amazing drummers, but he also has such great insight and instincts for putting songs together. Working with him was like tying a rocket to my music – he really gave it extra life, and the same with Jake, who is really good at structuring songs. Between the three of us it was a really unique atmosphere to create in and resulted in a record I am really proud of. The current single from the record is “Still Got Most of It Left,” whose video recently premiered on the Heartland Network. Is there a story behind that song? The song started out as a love song between me and my wife and then, as I was writing, I had the crazy idea about how long the three of us been together - me and my wife and the old blue van. I threw the van in to be funny and as I wrote it, I was cracking myself up. I finished writing it and played it for my wife who just went into house…and I knew I had a hit! It ended up being one of my better songs...I think by mistake (laughing). It’s funny, I’m going to be fifty at the end of the month and my demographic is wide open: I have fans in their 60’s and in their teens. In fact, I’m getting emails all the time from friends saying their kids love the song; and I've noticed that the song has been getting about 150-175 hits a day on teh website from people aged 21-26, which is pretty remarkable. I guess that’s a testament to writing songs that are true to heart. Absolutely. Will you be touring in support of the record? The album comes out October 15th and we’re having a CD release party in New York, at Rascals. I recently picked up an agent and a concert promoter and am hoping to announce some big news as soon as we get approval. Sounds exciting and like things are beginning to move fairly quickly for you. Things are really starting to gain more momentum. I really feel like God has his hand on me because I could never have planned things the way they’re happening. It’s funny, music is a hard business to get into; no one cares if you play guitar and sing because everybody can do it, but not everybody has what it takes to hang in there and go the distance. I’m really lucky, there’s so much on the table right now; things are going so much faster than I ever expected. For more information visit his official website Pre-order Uncompromised here CD Release Party: October 15th with special guests . RASCALS Crossgates Mall , Albany, NY Tickets here
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