Quick Q and A with Greg Trooper
 by Kathy S-B  ·  21 October 2011

Greg Trooper is a real trooper. He’s been writing, singing, and playing for a couple of decades now and although he may not be a household name, he is highly revered and respected by professionals in the music business. He recently did an hour-long interview special with Dave Marsh on Sirius-XM Radio. It was fascinating to hear him talk about his life, his influences, and the creative process.

To learn more about Greg Trooper, go to his website. Here’s a video that captures the essence of Greg’s exceptional songwriter.

Your bio talks about the fact that you played in cover bands in early days — doing songs by diverse artists like Van Morrison and Hank Williams. Looking back, do you feel that immersing yourself into the songs of others was a good training ground in finding your own voice as a songwriter?

Absolutely. Without the influence of the artists I listened to I wouldn’t be able to write myself out of a paper bag.

Your first album was in 1986. Do you have any vivid memories about what it felt like to be recording your own songs?

I was young and hungry and felt like I was walking on a cloud.

You’ve lived in Nashville, Austin, and New York — all different music scenes. Is it possible to compare and contrast each of them?

Each place has its own energy which played a role in what I absorbed as a writer. But also, I was in these places at different stages of my own artistic development and I believe that played just as significant a role. At certain ages in life you respond to experiences differently.

Several notable musicians have covered your songs. Do you have a favorite?

Not really. For the most part the artists who have covered my songs are great writers in their own right who I have looked up to and really don’t need my songs to boost their careers. It is by far the most flattering experience I’ve had as a writer.

Has your musical style changed a lot over the years?

I think it has evolved and quite often reflects what music I am listening to at the time I’m writing.

You’ve worked with several high profile producers. Did each of them bring something new to the table and tap into new sides of your musical self?

Most definitely. I’ve been extremely lucky to get to work with these producers and musicians over the years.

Tell us about your latest, Upside-Down World. One song in particular, “They Call Me Hank” has received a lot of praise. I understand that the character in the song was inspired in part by a character in a Cormac McCarthy novel. When you read novels or even the newspaper, do you monitor what you’re reading in terms of how it could affect your art or does that only come about in random situations?

As a songwriter, I’m always on the lookout for a phrase, line, idea, or story. It’s become almost second nature to think as I’m reading or watching or listening to something to say to myself “now that would make a good song.” The trick is to make it happen. It quite often doesn’t work.