Meet Scott Southworth | Songwriter/Indie Artist/Hillbilly Singer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Scott Southworth and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Scott, why did you pursue a creative career?
For the money and stability…HA!

But seriously, I do it because I can’t NOT do it. I am constantly hearing song ideas in every day conversations, sometimes at the worst possible times.

For example, several years ago my wife and I were in an argument and she said something that was an amazing hook…I tried so hard to stay engaged, but all I could think about was what a killer Country song she had just given me.

I believe the songs are all around us and if we keep our ears open and our “antenna” up, we are able to catch them as they fly by. The craft lies in taking that idea and finding new ways to express the feeling or story.

I’ve sat up in bed from a sound sleep singing a chorus to a song that didn’t exist 30 seconds earlier…it’s an amazing feeling. I truly believe music is something we are gifted with from God and by accepting, cultivating and working on improving your gift you are more likely to live a purposeful, happier life. That gift doesn’t have to be music, right? It could be accounting, or fixing engines, cooking…whatever your gift is, use it!

I walked away from music in my mid twenties for over 10 years. Even though I had a great career and made a good living during that time, I was miserable. Coming back to songwriting and performing…accepting my true self I believe has made me a much better husband, father and friend. At least I hope that to be true.

The Indie Artist part of my life was not a planned path and didn’t really start until after I turned 50. Several years ago, I put out a CD of Traditional Country/Honky Tonk music and surprisingly, (without any initial marketing push on my end) the project found enthusiastic ears across Europe and here in the U.S. This led to several tours overseas and headlining Traditional Country Festivals in several countries…what a wild ride, ha!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I spent 12 years in Nashville trying to “write for radio”. When I stopped writing what I thought Nashville wanted and released music that I genuinely loved, I discovered a niche audience that loved the same style of music. The result has been an amazing ride that has allowed me and my family to tour across America and in 9 countries. For me, success is the experiences shared with my family, friends and audiences.

I will never be a huge, mainstream success, but that was never my intent. I just wanted to write songs that others would hopefully like to record.

As a performer, my goal is to take an audience on a little journey that takes their minds off the negativity we are bombarded with every day in this 24 hour news cycle society.

When strangers can forget the political wedges that divide us…come together to laugh, smile, cry and sing along together, then for a little while, we can enjoy the common threads that are so important.

Any time I feel that connection, whether it’s an audience of 3 people in a coffee shop or several thousand at a festival…it reinforces that taking the Nashville leap of faith 20 years ago was the right decision.

It’s my hope that others may look at my musical journey and realize that it’s never too late to use the gifts they have inside of them. Everyone has something cool to share with others…my something just happens to go well with pedal steel, fiddle and a nice glass of whiskey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Monday – Time Jumpers at 3rd & Lindsley, best show in town every week!

Country Music HOF Museum is amazing

Nashville African American Music Museum is a must see

Grand Ole Opry, any night is a winner. Bluebird Cafe should always be on the itinerary!

Backstage Nashville at 3rd & Lindsley – Saturdays at noon

Get out of the city and float the Duck River, one of the most bio-diverse rivers in North America!

Tons of incredible historic sites, Carnton Plantation is one of our favorites, James Polk museum in Columbia is super interesting

Jack Daniel’s in Lynchburg

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My wife Jennifer and kids Logan and Peyton for supporting a crazy dream, allowing me to quit a good job and move our family 2500 miles away from a stable life to an unknown world with no guaranteed outcome.

Our friends and family back home that have been so encouraging during our 20 year Nashville adventure.

Every songwriter that’s ever sat across from me and created something out of thin air…every musician that has recorded or performed with me. I learn something every time I am onstage or in studio with you!

Website: https://www.scottsouthworth.com

Instagram: SayHowdyScott

Twitter: SayHowdyScott

Facebook: https://Facebook.com/scottsouthworthmusic

Youtube: MusicRowScott1

Image Credits
Barbara Potter
Daumy Foto