Interview with Artist Joe Buchanan
By Mick Michaels
COSMICK VIEW: Hello Joe! Welcome to The Cosmick View/MBM Ten Pounder. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Joe Buchanan: Thanks for having me!
CV: Every artist experiences highs and lows. Many struggle just to move from one level to the next, and some, unfortunately, never do. What would you consider to be a pivotal point in an artist's career which would take them from one level to the next that a struggling artist should be aware of? Is it an individual mindset or does it equate more to opportunity? Or is it something all-together different in your opinion?
JB: What a great question. I think it’s mindset more than anything but in a very specific way. Once you start making music and doing everything you have to do as an independent artist, your awareness really grows to what others are doing. I do mentoring for new artists and I hear a lot about how crushing it can be at times with all the comparison.
The turning point, in my opinion, is when you stop comparing yourself to everyone else. It’s when you realize that it isn’t about what anyone else is doing. It’s about what YOU are doing. Look for inspiration not comparison. No one is you. There is so much room out there for new music and new artists. Focus on what you are doing, take care of those who support you, and never make decisions based on fear.
CV: What have you found to be the balancing point between relevance and over saturation when it comes to being an artist? Is there a fine line between the two or can it be looked at to some degree as the two essentially being one in the same?
JB: That’s honestly not something I ever think about anymore. I really just focus on what I’m doing, how can I do it better, and am I being as honest as I can be with my music. I think about purpose and intention a lot and work hard to make sure that I don’t lose sight of that. There’s nothing I’m chasing in regards to relevance or saturation. I started making professional music when I was in my 40s so I’ve learned a lot of pretty hard lessons before coming here and learned a lot more since. I’m really just focused on the mission, the music, and the folks who have supported me along the way.
There has been an incredible community that has built around a lot of what I do as an artist and it’s been amazing to have that be a bigger and bigger part of all this. I’ve gotten to know so many of them over the years and they’re known as The Small Town Tribe. We do events together as a community and it’s just wonderful.
As for the music world in general, I just joined the Texas Country Music Association and the Recording Academy. I’m also working with a group of other artists to create the first Jewish music category at the Grammy Awards. There’s always more room at the table. Anyone who says differently is trying to hide the chairs.
CV: Is there any level of consideration, or even concern, to deliver on expectations, whether it being your own or that of the fans, when working on new material?
JB: I definitely have high expectations of myself when it comes to music and delivery. Each album has been representative of a lot of personal and musical growth. I’ve also been very fortunate to have some really incredible fans who have been super supportive. It really is a great community. They’ll write and tell me about their favorite songs or share ways that certain songs have helped them through something. The goal, ultimately, is to put more goodness into the world. If these songs are helping folks get through hard days or bringing smiles, then we’re on the right track.
A lot of what I choose to record has been road tested in shows and services for a year or more. A lot of songs don’t make it on the albums because they just aren’t ready.
CV: For you, what’s first when it comes to songwriting…is it a matter of lyrics melody, chords, beat, attitude? Or is it more organic than that where the moment dictates the process and outcome?
JB: If I know what I want to say, it starts with the lyrics but if I just know how I feel, it starts with the music. I will usually write late at night when I’m really tired. That way, I’m not thinking about something that needs to be done or judging myself too harshly. Pretty honest things get written then.
CV: What do you believe makes songwriting more honest and impactful...that something that both the artist and listener can share?
JB: Writing about what you know and your own experiences can be really impactful for folks and you create an opportunity for real connection. People will absolutely relate to real experiences.
CV: What do you feel has been the greatest contribution to your success as an artist?
JB: It’s definitely my wife. We’re been married 26 years and she’s always seen right through me when I’ve doubted myself or started to step back away from something I should be doing with the music. She’s helped me immensely over the years and has always been an incredible inspiration. When we got our first apartment, we were trying to figure things out and I sold my guitar. She was pissed and went right out and bought me a new one. “Don’t ever do that again” she said.
She’s truly helped me learn to trust myself.
CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming up?
JB: Well the brand new album, Heaven & Earth, just launched so all our focus is on that. Videos, content, tour dates, and much more. We’re excited to be playing more international dates as well, including a return to Israel this November.
CV: Thank you again, Joe, for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
JB: Thanks a bunch! Hope your week is a good one.
Check out Joe at:
TikTok: @joebuchananmusic
Facebook: @joebuchananmusic
Instagram: @joebuchananmusic
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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