When BloodShot Records sent me a copy of the debut album by Justin Townes Earle, the son of songwriter Steve Earle, I quickly requested an interview with him. While the interview was shorter than I would have liked - he being a man of few words - the album itself is damn fine stuff.
Justin is named for his father’s hero, Townes Van Zandt, and has been quoted as saying, “Anyone who tries to live up to Van Zandt is a fool. I’m honored to carry the name, but if I spent my life trying to live up to it, I’d have a pretty miserable life.”
On the album, The Good Life, which came out last week, Justin shows that he is like his father in that he is an excellent songwriter and storyteller.
Here is our interview.
Scott: Pleased to meet you, Justin. Your father is one of my favorite songwriters. What was your goal with the album? Did you accomplish it?
Justin: My goal with the album was to represent the songs as best we could and yes, I feel like we did just that.
Scott: What is your favorite song and why? On your record and in general?
Justin: On my record I’d have to say “Hard Livin’” and in general “Thunder Road.”
Scott: What is the best and worst part about having Steve Earle as a father?
Best - Knowing what to do and what not to do.
Worst - The crazy Steve Earle fans.
Scott: Can you talk about your musical work before this project? You were in two bands and then in your dad’s band?
The Swindlers was an old-timey jug band that gave me plenty of free range to write. The Distributors was a rock ‘n’ roll band that only lasted about 6 months. Playing with my father was during a time when I had no responsibility and just fucked off.
Scott: You were fired from your dad’s band. What was that all about?
Justin: Drugs and fucking off.
Scott: What questions - besides those inevitable ones about your dad - are you most tired of answering?
Justin: I’m not tired of answering any questions, yet.
Image courtesy of Bloodshot Records.
© Scott Butki 2008 for Listen In. All rights reserved.
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