Country artist Ward Davis chatted about his new music, the digital age, and having his songs featured in the “Landman” soundtrack.
How did “Nothing on You” come about?
I was out on the road in 2017. With my buddies, Clint Park and Greg Jones. I had the idea for the song and we wrote it going down the road at about 70 mph.
I sat on the song for several years until I heard my friend Julianna Rankin. I’ve been trying to figure out who the perfect do that partner would be, and she fit the mold and more.
We recorded it last year and put it on the record.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
Life more than anything. I try to write songs about human beings. My theory is that we all have the basic same emotions. They all feel the same to all of us.
They come from different places, but at the end of the day I want to write about the things we all understand. Maybe not all of us, but at least the ones of us that I understand.
How did it feel to have tracks featured in the “Landman” soundtrack?
It was bad ass. The coolest part was that my song was buried in the background while a naked girl ran across the screen.
Due to the distraction, nobody really heard my song, which is fine. Telling the story is better than having the song on the show.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age?
I feel like a dinosaur trying to put a round peg in a square hole. It isn’t all bad I guess.
I enjoy being able to release music how I want and keeping my creative control. It is difficult to make a living because all those resources are available to everyone.
You gotta find your place in this world. Nobody’s gonna find it for you.
What do your plans for the future include?
I’m just going to keep writing songs and keep making records and keep raising my kids and try to live a good life. Not much else to do than that.
Were there any moments in your career that have helped define you?
Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard recording my song was a big deal. That was the day I became a songwriter in my mind.
I’ve had a lot of milestones since then. But that was the one feather in my cap that I’ll wear the proudest.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
I wouldn’t give advice to anybody about any of this. The way people become successful now is more random than by formula.
Be yourself. Don’t try to sell something you aren’t. If you do, you’ll get old and regret it.
Which artist would you like to do a dream duet with someday?
I don’t have a dream duet. Willie Nelson was. All the best ones are gone. I wouldn’t mind singing a song with Bobby Bare honestly.
What does the word success mean to you?( My favorite question)
Success, for me, is being able to work. Being able to provide for my kids and keep my home for us.
I don’t have unrealistic expectations or pipe dreams that I need to be something so grand that it defines me. I’m just Ward.
I have what I have and I’ve done what I’ve done.I’ve had a lot of failures in my life, but as a whole, I’m more successful than I ever would have dreamed.
“Nothing on You” by Ward Davis is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about country artist Ward Davis, visit his official website, and follow him on Instagram.
