A BRIEF INTERVIEW WITH WORLD ARTIST, JOHN TUCKER!
John, we LOVE what you do. Who are your favorite writers, artists, and collaborators to work with and why? Who are you excited about?
One of my faves to work with in Nashville is Mikey Reaves, my main collaborative partner, an awesome writer/ producer who’s like a brother to me.
Also, Graham Mallany, another of my mains! He’s one of the top 3 guitar players I’ve met, with an amazing ear for melody, and vibe.
Chris McKenna, is also one of my favorite producers to work with, he does the track, and I do the top-line - it just works.
What’s your first memory you have that made you want to do music?
Honestly just a lot of Disney Channel and growing up in my family’s church.
I can always remember always wanting to rewind VHS tapes like Annie and The Prince of Egypt and learning the songs, and singing them around the house. My mom says I always used to sing “Doo Wop” by Lauryn Hill in the back of the car when I was a toddler, and it’s still one of my favorite songs to this day. SHOUT OUT TO THE GOAT!
Tell us about what’ you’re releasing and promoting. Album, releases, shows, collabs, etc?
I’ve been dropping music since August. my debut single “Rewind”, which I wrote and produced, got placements on some amazing Spotify editorial playlists. I also released a version of Sam Smith’s “How Do You Sleep” which garnered 1,000,000 + plays across DSPs and is now spinning on Sirius XM’s the CoffeeHouse.
I just released my most recent single, “The Ways” a sad dance track about heartbreak and loss. Stream it everywhere and look out for the remix featuring one of my favorite artists, Lauren McClinton on the 28th!
Shows:
Exit/ In: Opening for Lauren McClinton w/ Lul Lion - Feb 9 8PM
High Watt: Housequake Nashville - Feb 20 7PM
Talk about living in Nashville and creating music. What do you love? What are the barriers? What advice would you give?
Living in Nashville has allowed to develop into the artist that I am today, while being able to maintain a light part-time work schedule, stay afloat financially - barely - and still have time to session sometimes twice a day.
I have crossed paths with some very like-minded creative individuals that have gone through the muck with me, and we’ve landed on some music that I’m so proud to share with the world.
If I had any advice, it would be, just be you in Nashville. Never try to fit in, the more unique you are the better. Just make real honest stuff, and put it out. You have nothing to lose.
It’s black history month. As a POC, what African American artists have inspired and influenced your music?
Whitney Houston first I would say. A voice like home. How Whitney’s voice made me feel is how I would like to make the world feel. My vocal warmup is her performance of “I Loves You, Porgy / And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going / I Have Nothing” live from The 21st Annual American Music Awards.
Tracey Chapman has been a huge influence on me. I can remember hearing and seeing her for the first time and for the first I was able to imagine myself on a world stage, because I felt represented by someone who liked the same music as me, and who looked like me, which I hadn’t seen before her.
I’m currently inspired by Solange, like that’s my girl. Her last two records have been largely instrumental in my development over the last few years into the artist I am today! “A Seat At The Table,” bold and verbal about the struggles of the modern day black person in America, and “When I Get Home,” an experimental masterpiece that inspired me to think outside the hit writing box and just flow.
Whats your go-to drink?
Vodka and Cranberry
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