Few artists walk the line between worlds as gracefully as Joe Buchanan. A Texas-born country musician with deep Jewish roots, Buchanan has spent the last decade crafting music that blends Southern grit with spiritual reflection, and his third album 'Heaven & Earth' might just be his most profound statement yet.
Available to stream now, the new record is a heartfelt collection that pairs boot-stomping joy with sacred tradition, all anchored in Buchanan’s signature storytelling. Leading the way is the tender and timeless single 'My Beloved', a love letter to his wife of 26 years, and a ballad steeped in both country romance and the ancient poetry of the Hebrew Song of Songs.
So with the new LP out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely the guitar. Several of my friends played growing up and I loved the warm sound of an acoustic. It always seemed like part of the story that was being told.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I lived with my Grandparents for a long time growing up and they love classic country. We would listen to it aorund the house, in the car, and on the jukebox at the ranch. I don't remember them ever changing the records in it and folks like George Jones, Charlie Pride, Marty Robbins, Willie Nelson, and Dolly Parton filled up that machine. I loved country because it was full of stories. Stories about love, loss, struggle, and life. When I moved in with my parents, it was classic rock. Boston, Bob Seger, Fleetwood Mac, etc. Two great genres to grow up with.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I had a pretty eclectic taste in music by the time I started buying albums for myself but I think the first was Supertramp's Breakfast in America.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
It would absolutely, without a doubt, be John Prine and Roger Cook's "I just want to dance with you". George Strait made that song come alive and I sing it around the house and to my wife on a regular basis. What an incredible song. It perfectly captures that playful and joyful feeling of new and lasting love.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually write late at night when I'm good and tired. I find that my mind doesn't race as much and I can be a little freer with my words. I don't judge myself quite so harshly when I'm sleepy.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Robert Earl Keen and George Strait are still my favs that ride high on any playlist I put together. I've also been enjoying folks like the Turnpike Troubadours and Shakey Graves.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I mean, it's gotta be Robert Earl Keen or George Strait. I love Texas and those two guys really defined so much of what I love about Texas music.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It's the people, without a doubt. I was really lost for so much of my life. My wife and the discovery of Judaism really helped me find my way back into it. Now I want to meet and do something good for the folks I'm sharing a lifetime with. Seeing people at shows, talking with them, praying with them, and hearing how something I wrote did some good for them is as good as it gets. I think the highest we can hope for our music is that it helps someone. No matter if that's celebrating or helping to give strength during hard times.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I don't know about frustrating but learning the business of music has been challenging. I'm pretty good at it now but as an independent artist, I'm a one stop shop so I do everything. Every day Is a school day for sure and you have to be willing to jump in and do the things that folks don't usually think about with music. Contracts, copyrights, licensing, etc. You gotta learn that stuff. I tell a lot of new artists that if they want music to be their business, they need to learn as much as they can about the business of music.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
People who come to things you do are giving you their time and trust. It's a sacred thing that they don't get back. As an artist and performer, you are always giving something for that time or taking it. Always give and never take.
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Joe Buchanan's new album 'Heaven & Earth' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.