Summary

This podcast episode from 2015 features an in-depth conversation with renowned Nashville-based songwriter Sam Lewis, who is currently promoting his latest album, Waiting on You, released under Brash Records. The discussion delves into the intricacies of Lewis's artistic journey, highlighting his extensive touring experiences across the United States and Europe, which have profoundly influenced his songwriting process. Notably, the album showcases a remarkable collaboration with esteemed musicians, including the likes of Mickey Raphael and Oliver Wood, thus bridging the gap between established legends and emerging talent in the music industry. Throughout our dialogue, we explore the dynamic evolution of Lewis's songs, particularly in live performances, emphasizing how they adapt and transform over time. This episode serves as a testament to the vibrant and collaborative spirit of Nashville's music scene, offering listeners a unique glimpse into the life and artistry of Sam Lewis.

What We Wrote in 2015

Sam Lewis first crossed our radar on a video from Music City Roots, but the timing was off to feature him on the show. As Lewis has toured more in the US & UK, he has built a following and honed his songs, yielding a his new Waiting On You album, recorded with some of Music City’s Americana elite at an historic studio, Southern Ground (recently purchased by Zac Brown). When folks like Brandon Bell champion you to Darrell Scott, Will Kimbrough, Mickey Raphael, Gabe Dixon, and the McCrary Sisters, then you know that your record will sparkle.

Show Notes

In this episode, host Sloane Spencer sits down with Nashville-based songwriter Sam Lewis for an engaging conversation about his latest album, Waiting on You, out now via Brash Records.

The episode kicks off with a look back:

• Sam reflects on how he first caught listeners' attention through Music City Roots videos.
• Those performances featured him alongside a wide range of talented musicians, helping set the stage for his career.

A big focus of the conversation is on the stellar collaborations featured on Waiting on You:

• Recorded at the legendary Southern Ground Studio (owned by Zac Brown).

The album brings together an incredible lineup, including:

• Mickey Raphael (Willie Nelson’s harmonica player)
• Will Kimbrough
• Gabe Dixon
• The McCrary Sisters

Sloane and Sam chat about how these musical heavyweights add depth and soul to the record.

Sam also opens up about his touring journey:

• Over the past year, he's traveled across the U.S. and even toured Europe.
• Shared stages with legends like Merle Haggard and Marty Stuart.
• Touring helped shape his sound and his songs, which he describes as “living things” that grow and evolve with each performance.

Later in the episode, the focus shifts to the making of the album:

• Sam shares how a chance connection led him to work with Oliver Wood (of The Wood Brothers), who ended up producing the album.
• The recording process was fast but powerful, thanks to the vibe at Southern Ground and the support of engineer Brandon Bell.

By the end of the episode:

• Listeners get a full picture of Sam’s creative journey, from songwriting roots to meaningful collaborations.
• Waiting...