“All about a lost love.” — Bronco Redahan’s “High On Lonesome”
If you were to write an intro for “High On Lonesome” before it played on the radio, what would you want listeners to know about the song?
“High On Lonesome” is all about a lost love. Someone who you cared for deeply. When you were around them you didn’t need anyone or anything else to give you that feeling. It felt like flying and falling all at the same time. Then as quickly as it started, the relationship was over. I couldn’t handle it for a long time. Everything and everyone reminded me of that person I lost. The chorus to this song is an expression of how I felt. Just pleading and begging way down deep for that person. Ultimately, I was letting lost love serve as the drug that numbed the pain of re-thinking.
6 Things You Don’t Know About Me:
From a small town in Southern Alabama. What are some of the best ways to experience country music in your home state?
Alabama is full of country music. In fact, Hank Williams, Sr. is from Montgomery. Right downtown there is a great museum all about him and his legacy he left on country music.
I was raised very close to the panhandle of Florida and there’s a lot of great country and honkytonk bars around that area. Some big acts would play and plenty of opportunities for locals acts to showcase their songs and talents.
My favorite would be when the National Peanut Festival would roll into the area. Huge country acts play every year. I remember as I kid, I couldn’t wait to hear the lineup for that year.
Listening to Joe Diffie growing up. Which song of his is your favorite to perform live and why?
You can usually catch me playing “John Deere Green” at some of my shows. I love that song. It’s got such a great anthemic chorus. My favorite types of songs are all story-based. Dennis Linde wrote this one and he has some amazing songs that are sonically and lyrically a lot like that.
I remember when I was a little boy I would perform this song to my family. Playing air guitar and belting out the song!
Your music is country-infused storytelling. How do you capture emotions into your lyrics?
My songs all come from a real place. 90% of the time, they come from my life. Somewhere down the road. I’ve never been great at expressing my thoughts and feelings to other people but writing things out and putting a melody to it really helps capture my emotions. I feel like all great country songs can really paint a specific picture.
A modern troubadour. What does it mean to you to be a troubadour?
We all have a desire for connection. For community. I truly hope some of my songs can bridge the gap for some people. Music is going to outlive all of us. For some folks, it their legacy. I sure hope my songs help people figure out or get closer to their legacy. That would be amazing. I would love for people to feel inspired or empowered by my songs. My modern-day troubadour is Tom Petty. His music always empowers me. I believe every word he sings.
Nashville recording artist. What advice would you give to new artists looking to relocate to Music City?
Find out what works for you. Make sure you give everything a shot. Go to where other creatives hang out. Go to shows. Hit up open mics. Go to coffee shops, stop by Broadway. See what country fans are loving down there. This town is so special. Handfuls of shows happen all day, every day. No place like it. If you really want people to hear your music, come to Nashville. You will get an opportunity here. I even run a writer’s round. Every Sunday. Feel free to hit me up and I’ll get you on a show!
My other advice would be to write. I know that’s a given, but you have to write every day. Keep that creative muscle strong. Even if you have 10 minutes to write. Do it! Most of the time what comes out won’t be anything special, but you really never know.
Keep a notebook handy or the notes app on your phone open. You never know when you will hear a phrase that sticks with you.
I wrote “Under The Neon” this way. I heard someone at a bar ask a bartender a question and he responded with, “It’s right under the neon.” I went home that night and wrote the whole song.
What are your hobbies/interests outside of music?
I feel like when I am not playing or writing music, I am reading or listening to a podcast about music. Most of my free time is used for this kind of stuff. I also love baseball. I grew up absolutely loving that sport. My whole family are Braves fans. Another hobby I have is I love walking. Just being outside in nature. Hearing birds and other critters outside really helps me refill my tank. I usually write my best lyrics when I am walking outside.
Can you share 12 songs that have influenced your life and career?
“Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” Bob Dylan.
It’s so hard to really figure out your favorite song of all time, but I am pretty confident this song is mine. It has everything in it. Great folk music, great melody, and the words are beautiful. Dylan is one of my north stars.
“Harvest Moon” Neil Young.
I love this song. Listening to it always gets me in the right frame of mind to write a song. I also love the broom that serves as a percussion instrument.
“You Got It” Roy Orbison.
I love the swing of this song so much. No one sings like Roy. I play this song at some of my shows too. Also, Roy, Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne wrote this song. What else is there to say?
“My Silver Lining” First Aid Kit.
A duo made of sisters from Sweden. I absolutely love this band. Sibling voices always blend the best together. I could listen to them sing all day. This song really empowers me. I feel like I could climb a mountain. “Gotta keep on keeping on.”
“The Waiting” Tom Petty.
This is usually the first song I play anytime I pick up a guitar. I love the opening line to this song. “Oh baby don’t it feel like heaven right now, don’t it feel like something from a dream.” I’ll always consider this a country song. Heartland Rock music at its finest.
“Copperline” James Taylor.
I learned how to sing harmonies to this song. James Taylor has something so healing and authentic in his voice. Top tier song writer.
“Waymore’s Blues” Waylon Jennings.
Just one of the coolest country songs ever written. I love the attitude he has in this song. Powerful.
“Shot In The Dark” Augustana.
I feel like this is a song that never really got its due. HUGE chorus. Another song that is always in my setlist. Very empowering song.
“In a Razor Town” Jason Isbell.
I remember the first time I heard this one. I felt like he wrote it for me. Shot for shot of what I was going through at the time. I love a good sad song.
“patches” Stephen Wilson Jr.
A great song for the woes of this world. Pride, some grief and taking a step back and reflecting. Some scars are good. Character building.
“Where Will I Be” Emmylou Harris.
I feel like this song has lived for thousands of years. Getting you ready for the final trumpet call. Emmylou has such a hypotonic voice. It’s always been drawn to it. The song is thought provoking, scary, exciting, and gets your blood pumping. I definitely think it talks of the human experience. I’ve always loved her music.
“Meet Me In The Woods” Lord Huron.
I love this band so much and have traveled all over America to see them perform. This song reminds me of Fleetwood Mac. It’s spooky and you want to follow the protagonist in the song. See where they are taking you. The music feels so good. Again, the anthemic chorus is wonderful. Have I mentioned I love a good chorus??
These songs are in no particular order. I could keep going and naming more and more songs that inspire me and have been with me since I was a child.