Skip Ewing is not a typical singer-songwriter. He is a true poet, armed with a guitar and the ability to translate emotions into memorable songs. His record is full of hits that have made an indelible mark on the country music landscape. Ewing’s songs have touched the hearts of millions, including Collin Raye’s Love, Me and Kenny Chesney’s You Had Me from Hello.
Skip Ewing, however, is not happy to rest on his laurels. With each new publication, he pushes the boundaries of his talent even farther. His 2020 album Wyoming revealed his introspective side, while his 2021 Christmas record provided joy to fans all around the world. His most recent project, Road to California, is a true creative tour de force that showcases his development as a songwriter and musician.
Songs like Knots, Wreck of My Heart, and Windmill provide a view into Ewing’s inner world, while Road Dog adds a humorous element to the record. Ewing’s influence extends far beyond his own performances, as seen by his songs being covered by singers such as Keith Urban, the Zac Brown Band, and George Strait.
One of the most exciting developments in Ewing’s career is the reintroduction of his smash single I Would If I Could. This track, co-written with Dean Dillon, has been reinvented by artists such as Lainey Wilson and ERNEST, receiving high appreciation from both fans and reviewers. It demonstrates Ewing’s ageless skill and the lasting force of his music.
So, if you want to add a new musician to your playlist, go no further than Skip Ewing. With his creative lyrics, soulful melodies, and tremendous talent, he will quickly become a fan favorite. Prepare to play and explore the magic of Skip Ewing today.
Out of the 10 songs on the album, what was it about “Road To California” that drew you to using that as the title track for the album.
It’s pretty simple, really. We considered using several different tracks for the album title: “Always You,” “Road Dog,” “Not Afraid To Love,” but somehow “Road To California” stood out as the best title for the album. It offered imagery and motion without knowing anything about any of the songs.
“Always You” is such a romantic and lovely song. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind this one?
My wife is my inspiration. I am constantly striving to love more skillfully, be present, aware, and patient in all of my relationships. She has shown me what it means to truly and genuinely love, and when I think of the deepest and most powerful love one can imagine, I imagine her. Now that we’re together, it’s clear that nothing else was ever meant to be. The song did not start out to be about her or for her. But once the melody and idea began taking shape, her presence was indelible.
“The Highway Won” has such a great play on words. Where did the idea for this one stem from?
To me the saying “my way or the highway” is an ultimatum meant to unfairly and unsympathetically control someone. I don’t feel it should be that way in a healthy love relationship. For me it wouldn’t even be a coin toss, the highway would just win that argument. But it was fun to write lines like “I don’t need to pack, I need to leave and leave your baggage behind.” Anytime a relationship fails, both hearts hurt. And typically, they both share responsibility for its demise.
In addition to writing all of the songs on the album, you also served as a co-producer. How did you get into producing your own music and what do you enjoy most about it?
The first album Kyle Lehning and I co-produced was the “Wyoming” album that came out in 2020. Kyle is brilliant, and working with him on these 2 albums has been nothing short of phenomenal. It is the best creative relationship I’ve ever had the privilege to be part of. I’d only written 3 or 4 of the songs for the Wyoming album when something in my gut told me he and I needed to work together. I called him out of the blue and we’ve worked together on all the music since.
What is your creative process like when you’re writing songs? Do you start with an idea, specific lyric, melody, etc.?
I don’t have any predisposed notions about where the best place to start a song is. It can be anything from a lyric idea, a musical movement, or simply a feeling or emotion that moves me to express. Rarely is it ever a linear work. I can work for days on an idea that simply leads me to a different idea that might still not become the song, just a part of the journey to what is beckoning me to write.
What do you hope fans take away from Road To California once they finish listening to it?
Listening is a gift. And when someone listens to what we’ve created on this album and the songs on it, I want them to know how much I appreciate them for doing so.
What two non-essential items would you want if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island?
Rum and a volleyball. So I can look at Wilson one day and ask, “Where’s the rum? Why is all the rum gone?!”
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Still figuring it out.
What makes you nostalgic?
Children, and animals would likely be the strongest influences.
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Wag more, bark less 🙂
