CMT has listed Jacob Powell as one of their artists to watch and we’re paying attention.

The small town Tennesee native has toured with top-notch acts like Florida Georgia Line, Dustin Lynch, The Cadillac Three, and Cole Swindell. He’s signed a publishing deal with Ole Publishing and he’s passed one million plays on Spotify. Those are pretty good indicators of talent.

We love the tone of his voice and his innate southernness. We caught up with Jacob to talk about his music, his influences, his video Bourbon on a Broken Heart, and more.

If Jacob Powell is a new name to you, now is the time to get on the Jacob Powell train. Check out his answers and then check out his music.

Here we go!

Q) In life and music, who have your biggest influences been?

Jacob) I have had a lot of influences. Gregg Allman is probably my biggest though. I grew up on Southern Rock; The Allman Brothers, Marshall Tucker, Skynyrd. I love that stuff. Also, I love artists that write their own music. Eric Church and Chris Stapleton are huge influences. Songwriters like Casey Beathard and Tony Lane.

Q) Can you tell us about your journey from small-town life to playing with the biggest names in country music?

Jacob) It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a lot more fast-paced than where I grew up but I love it. I love traveling and seeing new places and meeting everyone that loves music just as much as I do. Hopefully I get to do it for a long time!

Q) Do you have a release date set for your EP?

Jacob) I have 3 songs released to Spotify, iTunes, etc. right now. We have 3 more to release over the next month or so along with some video stuff and we just finished recording 6 more to finish out the record. I’m not sure when the next 6 will come out but I’m really excited about everything. I really love this music and I feel like I’ve finally found my lane in music.

Q) Could you talk to us about the writing and recording process for your new record?

Jacob) I co-wrote all the songs with my producer and usually another writer. I love collaborating because you get 2 or 3 different perspectives instead of just your own. We wrote everything with great writers, Michael Heeney, Randy Montana, Dan Couch, and a lot of others. I love the recording process. It’s so cool to see a song you wrote on an acoustic guitar come to life in the studio.

Q)Tell us about the new video for “Bourbon on a Broken Heart”.

Jacob) I’m a big fan of that video. I love the glitching parts in it. We had great creative direction with that one. I love the vibe of the old warehouse we’re in. It really gives the ambience that goes along with the song.

Q) Who would be your dream duet partner?

Jacob) There’s a lot… Miranda Lambert would be great, Kacey Musgraves. Chris Stapleton or Eric Church would be really cool too.

Q) Do you have any pre-show rituals?

Jacob) We usually just hang out and relax. Drink a little bourbon or Jack Daniel’s. Bud Light is always a go-to too.

Q) Is it possible that you’ll be touring Canada soon?

Jacob) Yes! I think we’re planning a trip to Toronto during the summer (when it’s not too cold). Hopefully we’ll be able to play some shows while we’re there. All the tour dates are on my website and socials. Jacobpowellmusic.com

Q) Is there a band/artist that you love, that you think we should be listening to?

Jacob) The Cadillac Three are so cool. They have a great live show following but I feel like they aren’t as well known as they should be. Their songs are great and the live show is awesome.

Note: We’re huge fans of The Cadillac Three

Q) In 50 words or so, tell us a bit about you. What’s your favorite food, favorite thing to drink, your favorite place, do you have a favorite guitar, and what’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not making music.

Jacob) I have a lot of favorite foods! Chicken is a go-to for sure. I love southern cooking. My mom is the best cook in the world so anything she makes. Water. I drink a LOT of water and if I’m not drinking that it’s usually Bud Light. Lots of favorite places too. Chicago is a cool town. Colorado is a beautiful place but I still have a lot of places I want to visit. I have 2 favorite guitars. One is a black 2000 Gibson ES 335. I play it mostly at live shows. My other is an acoustic guitar. It’s a 2010 Gibson AJ Pro. I like to hike, and I love sports. College football is probably my favorite though. Go Vols! Thanks!

Thanks to Jacob for taking time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions.

BONUS: Jacob Powell // That Ain’t Me

Author profile

Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger