On the song selection approach for the new album, he said, “The songs on You’ve Got To Feel It! are a collection of well-known and less known songs from the 60’s and early 70’s that define the feeling of the moment in the studio for everyone involved. We went in the studio with some ideas for songs to record and picked from an inspired list and some were chosen in the studio.”
While it was difficult for him to select a personal favorite tune, he revealed that he is really digging the first single “Don’t Fight It.” “It puts me in a good mood and makes me want to dance. My hope is that it’s having that same effect with other folks,” he said.
He shared that his music is inspired simply by the “art of living.” “Life’s ups and downs and observations define the kind of music that I make. My aim is to leave behind a soulful footprint of my experience through the music,” he said.
For aspiring singers, his advice is as follows: “Repetition is your friend. Find the lesson in every musical experience. Be humble. Remember that you are a life long student. Tell your authentic truths through your instrument. Navigate through praise and rejection with grace,” he said.
On his future plans, he said, “I’m writing every day for different projects for audio recordings as well as TV and Film. I’ve got a bunch of shows coming up that you can find on my website. We are also planning a couple of album release shows before the holiday season; one in L.A. and one in Muscle Shoals, AL.”
Regarding the impact of technology in the music industry, he said, “Well, I’ve learned not to predict anything when it comes to the music industry. With that said, technology has made it easier for the music lovers of the world to get instant gratification. Technology has also helped the music makers be able to instantly document art and ideas. My hope is that artists and listeners alike will continue to enjoy the advancements while persevering the emotional connection at the root of their love for music.”
When asked how he uses technology on a daily basis, Pierce responded, “I’m constantly recording song ideas on my iPhone Voice Memos. I log the ideas and build on those recordings. My old, beat up MacBook Pro goes everywhere with me. I record with it, edit with it, write with it and occasionally dance with it.”
Pierce listed Brittany Howard from Alabama Shakes as his dream female collaboration choice in music.
For his fans, he concluded, “You’ve Got To Feel It! is a soul album through and through. It’s soul music, from the soul and for the soul. The experience making music in Muscle Shoals, Alabama with such legends as The Swampers, The Muscle Shoals Horns, The Shoals Sisters and Donna Jean Godchaux was as exciting as it comes for me. It was an honor and dream realized. It’s an honor to share it with you. Turn it up!”
