Rising country singer-songwriter Cutter Elliott chatted about his new song “Heartache Waiting to Happen.”
How did “Heartache Waiting to Happen” come about?
My dear friend, Nashville songwriter/producer Paul Reeves, has been mentoring me over the past few years. On my last visit to Nashville, we wrote the songs for my release.
I met with Paul and talked about how my heart had recently been broken by a beautiful girl. He played me the song, I thought it was perfect for what I had just gone through.”
What inspires your music and songwriting?
My everyday life, I write about family, friends, myself, and the life we live. There’s always a song idea right in front of you if you keep your ears and eyes open. Life on its own, is very inspiring.
Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
When I was a baby my Grandfather would play country music for me. Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and George Strait are the true kings of country music.
Traditional country music is embedded in my heart and soul from the very beginning and it always will be. Johnny Cash is at the top of that list for me.
How did you overcome some of the obstacles you faced and what got you into country music?
I was born with cerebral palsy and autism. My doctors said I would never walk, talk, never mind grow up, and be able to sing and play guitar.
My mom never really told me the depth of my disabilities, she just told me I had to work a little harder than everyone else, and that practice was all I needed. I defied all the doctors said I could not do, and country music played a very big part in that journey.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
I guess it’s good that folks can hear your music everywhere, but the truth is, it wiped out the financial value for the writers and publishers. Before streaming an artist would record an album, fans would buy it, the radio would spin it and everyone was happy.
The sales and radio airplay would in return give the bands and artists the funds they needed to tour, shoot videos, and make more music for their fans. Now songwriters make pennies on the dollar and can not afford to take their music on the road.
I have a dear friend that will only download music he pays for on Itunes and understands that this helps support the music he loves. And I have friends that think music should be free…. very confusing.
Which artists would you like to someday do a dream collaboration with? and why?
To sing with George Strait would be amazing. I have been a fan my whole life, and King George carries the same torch for traditional country music as I do.
And Carrie Underwood, I just love everything about her. She’s from Oklahoma, like me. It would be a dream to do a traditional duet with her.
What does the word success mean to you?
To be able to share my music with people every day. I don’t want to ever not do this, so if I get to play music my entire life, that would be success.
What are your immediate plans for touring and releasing an album?
I’m going to release two EPs back to back. One from the electric session in Nashville, and the other, an acoustic session recorded in Oklahoma. I’ve teamed up with the Autism Speaks Foundation and will be performing live at several events throughout the year. We will also be targeting the Americana radio format with both releases.
What do you want people to know about you and your music?
I want people to know my music comes from the heart. I am dedicated to preserving traditional country music and reminding people of the greats that started it all.
To learn more about Cutter Elliott and his music, check out his Facebook page.
