Today, we sat down with Joe Buchanan to discuss his inspiration to write music, heroes, and much more! Be sure to check out the music of Joe Buchanan on Spotify below after the interview!
Interview:
What is your inspiration to write your music?
I spent a lot of my life feeling pretty lost and outside of it, if that makes sense. My wife and the healing we found in Judaism got me back inside of it and all those experiences keep fueling these songs. I’m thankful to be alive and I want to help do some good for folks through these tunes.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
When I lived with my grandparents, it was all classic country music. Our family had a ranch in Southwest Texas and there was a jukebox there just full of George Jones, Marty Robbins, Willie, Dolly, and more. That was my introduction to great stories and a huge inspiration.
When I moved in with my folks, it was classic rock, non-stop.
Is there someone you looked up to as a hero?
Definitely my grandfather. He worked so hard to change his situation when he was young and built something incredible that brought a lot of joy and opportunity to a lot of people. No matter how busy he got, he always made time for me. Life was a mess but he was a rock.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing today?
I’d definitely be doing something as a business with my wife. We work great together. 26 years of marriage meant a lot of teamwork.
What can you tell us about your latest single ‘My Beloved’
It’s a classic country song about enduring love and finding the perfect dance partner. The chorus is based on Ani l’dodi v’dodi li (I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine), from the Song of Songs. We wanted a love song that felt somehow familiar and new at the same time.
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create
music?
Don’t wait. If you want to write a song someday, start writing songs now. If you want to start recording music, start at home and get some simple gear to begin and a basic DAW to edit. If you want to be a musician, start taking lessons and play with others. Playing music with others is a great way to grow and challenge yourself. It’s also a good time. There are communities out there for songwriters and music makers. That can help, also.
Every step in making music feels entirely new when you first start. You will be bad at stuff. That’s great cause it means you’re doing it. Keep doing it and don’t judge yourself harshly.
Everyone’s path in music will be different. Not everyone is going to like what you create. That’s more than ok. Music is subjective and everyone has their own taste. Make music that YOU want to make and keep making it. Comparison thinking will absolutely stop you in your tracks. Don’t worry about what other artists are doing. Focus on what you’re doing. If you look to others, do it for inspiration.
One more thing to keep in mind is professionalism. As you do more with music, your circle grows. You’ll work with other artists, sound engineers, technicians, organizations, and more. How you engage with people is something they will never forget. Trust and relationships matter in this business. Be professional, great to work with, on time, and reliable.
Music:
