John Paul White (Civil Wars) Interview
The Narrow Interview...
with John Paul White (formerly of The Civil Wars)
Between 2012 and 2014, John Paul White's duo, The Civil Wars, won four Grammy Awards. While the duo has since disbanded, JPW (who currently calls Florence, Alabama home), continues to release brilliant solo music, with his latest effort being the album, “The Hurting Kind.” Released on a label, Single Lock Records, that he started with two partners (one of which is Ben Tanner from the multi-Grammy winning band Alabama Shakes), the album was inspired by artists like Jim Reeves, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Chet Atkins, and Bill Porter.
The album has received rave reviews from Rolling Stone, NPR, Glide Magazine, and many others. Prior to his eagerly awaited performance at Heartwood Soundstage on Nov. 19, Narrow was able to talk to JPW about his music, performing in Florida, and working with NJ singer-songwriter extraordinaire Nicole Atkins (whom our E-I-C has worked with in NJ in his past life).
Narrow: You recently performed at Blue Jay Listening Room in Jax Beach, and we are excited you are coming back to our area (Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, and Heartwood Soundstage). What are your thoughts on Florida, and performing in Florida? First Coast, Gainesville, etc.
JPW: I’ve honestly been trying to make this happen for a while. People down there have been extremely patient with me, but have definitely made it known that I’ve been neglecting the folks in Florida. I don’t tour as much as I used to, so I’ve been heading East from home and turning the corner up to the Northeast for quite a while out of the habit of covering as much ground as possible in the shortest amount of time. Obviously, that’s not fair to everyone. So I’m very excited about seeing old friends and new. And I’m bringing my family. That makes the trip even sweeter.
Narrow: Have you ever stumbled upon someone covering one of your songs (open mic, YouTube, etc) and if so how does it make you feel?
JPW: It happens a lot, I’m very fortunate to say. My favorite moment was up in Ohio after a festival show. I returned to the hotel, and someone was singing Barton Hollow on the patio outside. I stopped and listened, and as he finished, we made eye contact. I instantly felt guilty for letting that happen, but he couldn’t have been more gracious. There’s no finer form of flattery for a songwriter than for someone to cover your song.
Narrow: In another life, Narrow's E-I-C worked with Nicole Atkins indirectly on a music project. How did you and your label find her?
JPW: I’ve known Nicole for about ten years now, and love her and her art. Never would I have dreamed I’d be part of a label releasing her music, but I’m incredibly honored. This was the first record that we released that we didn’t record and produce. She brought it to us, and we couldn’t possibly say no. We’re making another as we speak.
Narrow: Are there any other acts you might want to mention that we should know about, that you are working with or releasing music for?
JPW: We recently released albums by the Prescriptions, a band out of Birmingham via Nashville, and Caleb Elliott, out of Louisiana. Both great artists and songwriters, and it further broadens the scope of what Single Lock does. We’ll have new records from Nicole, and the Kernal, out of Jackson, Tennessee, soon. And I might have some things up my sleeve as well...
Narrow: Any words for your many fans in St Augustine, Jax, Daytona, and Gainesville?
JPW: Thank you for your patience! I’ve been trying my best to get back down there, and will do my best to give you the best performance I can and make it up to you. And once my family sees your beautiful state in its entirety, we may never leave.