143: Kelsey Waldon
We're kicking off the month of December being joined by singer-songwriter Kelsey Waldon. The Kentucky songwriter released They'll Never Keep Us Down, a seven-song collection of covers just two weeks ago. With songs such as Kris Kristofferson's "The Law is for Protection of the People," Bob Dylan's "With God on Our Side," and the Hazel Dickens title track, Waldon offers songs that are just as emotionally charged as they are statements about humanity, equality, and freedom. She shines brightest on the likes of the anti-war and pro-veteran storyteller "Sam Stone," written by mentor and friend, the late John Prine, and delivers one of the year's most poignant moments. Another stellar standout is the Nina Simone standard "Mississippi Goddam" where she's joined by fellow country artists Adia Victoria and Kyshona Armstrong.
During this interview, we talk about They'll Never Keep Us Down, the last year--both on a macro and micro level--Waldon's Kentucky home and roots, songwriting and storytelling, country music dialogues and conversations, and much more.
This episode's presenting partner is Desert Door Texas Sotol. In addition, this episode is sponsored by The Blue Light Live and Hot Damn Coffee.
Interview Transcript
Note: Transcripts aren’t always accurate since they are computer automated and haven’t been edited for spelling, grammar, etc.
Thomas Mooney 0:01
everyone welcome back to New slang or if this is your first time tuning in, welcome to new slang. I am music journalist Thomas Mooney. This is Episode 143. And we're kicking off the final month of the year being joined by singer songwriter Kelsey Waldon. Kelsey has just been one of my favorite songwriters that I've come across her album white noise white lines that she released last year. It was one of my favorite records of the year. And actually, back in 2016, she released I've got away and that was just a monster of an album as well. I'd probably say that was probably my proper introduction with her music and songwriting. She just has an incredible ear and pin for storytelling. She's really able to capture the essence of a place and time with a lot of her songs. I just love the temperament and the mood that comes along with them. White Noise white lines, and Kentucky 1988 and black patch off her last record. Those are just some incredibly great country storytellers. And just a couple of weeks back, she released a new EP called don't ever keep us down, which is a seven song collection of covers. She does john prine, Sam stone. And I mean this whole heartedly, she delivers it with all kinds of grace and power. I mean, it's just a heartbreaker of a song. And you feel that ache in her voice. She also does Mississippi goddam, which is like an old Nina Simone song. She does it with a dear Victoria. And cuz Shona Armstrong, and again, just heartbreakingly perfect. As I say at the top of the interview, we often call these politically charged songs. That's certainly an aspect of a lot of these songs. But initially, at the fundamental core, they're emotionally charged songs, their songs about humanity and struggle and strife and in some cases, perseverance, I think Kelsey does them justice and delivers them with the right context and the proper attention to detail and again, the humanity they all deserve. We talk about the EP and this year, both on a macro and micro level, her Kentucky homeland and roots, country music and adult conversations, and a lot of other stuff that I won't spoil right here in the introduction. Today's presenting partner is our pals over at Desert door Texas Soto if you're asking yourself, what exactly desert door or a SoTL is? Well, it's a premium high quality spirit that is similar to a tequila or Moscow but in my estimation, it's more refined, smooth and fragrant. It has a distinct and intriguing palette that picks up on hints of vanilla and citrus while maintaining a healthy earthiness that is quite enjoyable. One of my favorite features about desert or is just how versatile It really is. If you want to feel fancy and a little highbrow, it's perfect for a variety of cocktails that call for lime wedges and core salt, chopped ginger, a god they nectar sprigs of time and sticks of cinnamon, threw down to muddle some fresh fruit, all that kind of stuff. It's perfect. It's great for experimentation and fine tuning all of your mixologist skills. And then also if you're a little bit more downhome and casual, you got that denim jacket on. It's just perfect for those short and sweet, simple go to favorites that hit the mark every time. I'm talking about ranch waters and Moscow mules and palomas and an Mexican Coca Cola with desert door. What I love so much about desert door is just how genuine and an authentically West Texan they are as well. They go out and harvest SoTL plants out in the wild and are aware and knowledgeable conservationists at heart. So next time you're at your neighborhood liquor store, get yourself a bottle of desert door. I'll throw a link into the show notes for more information. Okay, if this is your first time listening to new slang, please hit that subscribe button and yeah, let's just go ahead and get on into the interview. Here is Kelsey Walden. Well, let's start off with just obviously you just released this new EP, just like just the other day just
like
Kelsey Waldon 4:04
to yeah 28th which is like, I feel like I didn't even realize it was December 1 today so yeah, it was it was um, I don't know, time right now is feel so strange to me. But yeah, I guess that was just, yeah, a couple weeks ago, November 20. So
Thomas Mooney 4:21
yeah, well, obviously like these, these are all covers of what I guess like I've been reading most people have kind of called them, you know, quote unquote, like politically charged songs. I kind of think of them as like, more emotionally charged. Like, they're all like, deeply resonating emotional songs about people in like, circumstances. Yeah.
Kelsey Waldon 4:47
I hate that. I appreciate you thinking that. Um, I mean, I mean, in a sense, they are political, I guess because they deal with human issues. But, but you know, I mean, they're really Songs of, you know, American people and, you know, many different perspectives and just kind of Yeah, kind of focused on, like, social justice and just, um, I think, kind of, like the interconnectedness of, you know, of all those things. But But yeah, I guess that kind of naturally becomes political, but it's not like this, you know, you know, kind of, like, take Assad thing. You know, I mean, unless you're just an asshole. Yeah. But, um, but no, I mean, I think it's, um, yeah, it's, it's, that's, that's exactly what I appreciate you. Appreciate you, you know, that perspective? Because that's exactly how I feel as well.
Thomas Mooney 5:55
Yeah, well, it's always this strange thing of like, where people go, I think like, a lot of the songs, quote, unquote, you know, protest songs, if we will, or like, politically charged songs for sure. They all start out as like, more about, you know, specific people like an individual, or, you know, people who are marginalized. And it's only after that people, other people start calling them political songs. There's this weird thing about that.
Kelsey Waldon 6:27
Absolutely. So,
Thomas Mooney 6:29
what I was wondering was, like, you know, first off, like, how did you decide on the seven or so like, what was kind of like that process of, kind of, I guess the, the origin story of what, when this popped in your head to say, I want to do this is an EP?
Kelsey Waldon 6:50
Sure, um, well, I mean, as you probably know, and I know, everybody else knows. Our whole calendar year got cancelled this year. I mean, we were like, literally on the road with barely any brakes until like, you know, probably like this month, honestly. And I mean, even starting before, you know, starting just January 2020. And, you know, I don't know, it feels like a lifetime since since then. And, um, it feels really cute, that I even cared about the gigs, you know, like, now, I'm just like, I mean, not that I mean, yes. I mean, it's very serious, because this is our livelihood. And we're kind of still in this predicament. But um, you know, obviously after just like some personal losses, I guess that's what I mean. You know, we had to, we, obviously, I lost my friend john prine, to COVID and then my boyfriend's uncle died to COVID, like, on the same day, and that was just really insane. You know, like, it's just like, this isn't? I don't know, it's just like, this is just really rare, you know, just felt like everyone around us was dropping like flies, and then gets to try to get back on the subject. I don't know, I just like this year, just kind of, I felt like took a turn. And maybe, you know, there was, there was a lot of issues that were always happening. And then I always, always cared about, but I felt like that, uh, you know, the world just got put on pause. And it almost felt like these issues were kind of maybe more well heard, just because everybody, you know, the world stopped. And I don't know, I had a lot of grief and a lot of frustration, I was also processing kind of all these things. And I just was, like, you know, what is the best way for me to use my energy? And like, my tools to do something good. I mean, honestly, you know, I didn't, I didn't feel like it was the right time to put out you know, another man, oh, people need music, but I didn't feel like it was the right time to put out another, you know, obviously, record of my originals. I mean, I plan on doing that next year, but it just didn't feel right. You know, I don't know, I didn't feel like I needed to do something about me, but I felt like that the world still needed, you know, joy, and I also needed to put my energy towards something that I cared about, which was, you know, raising money for these organizations too. And that was kind of a big part of it. You know, just putting music out to, to kind of to help, you know, just to even just like put, you know, maybe just even this energy, I mean, into, you know, into the universe. I mean, it's just like Like, this only thing that I knew what to do, you know, and it was also like healing for me. And challenging for me too, because I don't know, I just, you know, people talk about, like, covers sometimes like it's not, you know, like, it's not a big deal or it's like, oh, it's not your original music, but it's like, you know, I mean, Bob Dylan's first album was, you know, other people's songs. I mean, it's like not. Yeah, I feel like that still, I mean, honestly, it's even more of a challenge, because you're making those your own. You know, I don't I don't think one is really worth doing unless you can make it come out in your own voice. And so yeah, I don't know, I just, I'm just felt like the right thing to do. And it totally was not in the plans to do it. Yeah. But, uh, I don't know. I mean, it's just like, it's like, what do we do now? You know, we use the tools I have to, um, to, you know, maybe, maybe do something about something. So. Yeah, that was pretty much that was pretty much the ideal. And, you know, it was really hard. Choose those songs. I mean, just because there's so many issues to talk about and focus on and then the organizations we could have even donated to, um, but, you know, I was happy with the seven. We tried, you know, try not to do anything too obvious. And it also just like do I don't know, I felt like I wanted to make a country album to you that was kind of focused on these these these stories and these issues, because I don't know, my my country heroes are, are always about that, you know, so kind of the music for the downtrodden.
Thomas Mooney 12:09
Yeah, I
Kelsey Waldon 12:10
don't know. sortie not just like, you know, I mean, that that, uh, they I don't know, I just feel like country music originally was was a was a voice for that.
Thomas Mooney 12:22
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. There's like eight or nine things that you said that I want to touch on. But
Kelsey Waldon 12:30
no, no, no. Yeah, I'm talking. But anyway.
Thomas Mooney 12:34
Yeah, but no, I What, what you're kind of saying the first thing I want to talk about is like you like, yeah, like trying to focus in on these seven songs. You know, just like what you're saying about how it really like, when the world is falling apart, there's a million things that you want to address. And in trying to focus in and, and figure out what those things those little things are? Because like, yeah, this year, as you've said, has been taxing. It's been hard on everyone. And I think it's been in both the way of loss and struggle and on like an individual level. But I also think, like, there's been a lot of soul searching for people. And a lot of I guess, like long story short, I think a lot of people are going to come out of this year stronger. You're talking about tools. Like, I think a lot of people have really sharpen those tools, those individual tools to move on. And, like on a personal level. I know like, I think it's this weird thing where I both feel like I am like less scared to just voice my opinion on things now, because of this feels like for too long. We've we've held back. You know what I mean? We
Kelsey Waldon 14:07
have absolutely I'm just I'm like 100% with you there because I feel like I don't know, it's like what do we have to lose? What What do we have to you know, I mean, I don't know I love I love this kind of feeling. I think after this year that's provided kind of this. I mean, just just really great perspective on things just being like, yeah, I mean, just just perspective and I think like, perhaps normalizing. Yeah, like normalizing how you feel. speaking your mind, you know, because like, it's okay. Um, yeah, yeah, I'm right with you on that. I think. I think whether we like it or not, this year is probably Just, you know, taught us a lot about that and certainly humbled. You know, I think, um, you know, I mean, I've always been a grateful person, but I think this year, I feel like I'm just way more. I don't know, I feel like I didn't realize how much I took for granted. You know, I took like, so much for granted, it's insane. Probably, I mean, probably just, you know, just innocently, I mean, you know, not like, not like that, you know, you know, I was any kind of like, cocky person or anything like that. I just think I just think gaining like a humble, like, a healthy perspective. And I think just like a healthy, maybe even connection and perspective of my career, and just like, who I am and that and you know, all those things, all the good things. So, I agree.
Thomas Mooney 15:56
Yeah, it that's when you said, you know, like, this year has been, you know, a long year, it's been like a lifetime. And this one year, you know, like, people back in March, were saying that about March, you know, and in a joking way, but in reality, like, just so much older now. At the end of the year than I did, yeah. And it's
Kelsey Waldon 16:19
just was old. Yeah. Oh, man, women now. Yeah. You know, like
Thomas Mooney 16:23
the, like, the the photos of, of like, 18 year old men going to World War Two and coming back, like, just the the age in their eyes. I hate to like, even compare it but like, I mean, like, I do think there's a little touch of that where like, people are going to be stronger out of this year, there's, you realize just how resilient like your human spirit can be, I guess.
Kelsey Waldon 16:49
I think so. And I and I've told a lot of my artist friends this and my peers. Yeah. Because people have, you know, this thing of having a hard time. And, um, I don't know, I just feel like there are some people especially I think, you know, artists that may be like, I don't know, I mean, we all do it, you know, we all have these strange, like, validations and all these strings, you know, I feel like being busy and having gigs and, and all those things. Yeah, we just have all this strange validations about like, you know, it feels important that we are busy, and stuff like that. But really, it's just like, we're going to be here no matter what. You know, I mean, we're going to be here. I mean, you're going to be who you are. No matter what I mean, none of these things take away who we are as artists. You know.
Thomas Mooney 17:50
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All right, let's
get back to the episode. Early on this year, I was doing one of these podcasts and Arduino the singer songwriter Emily Scott Robinson.
Kelsey Waldon 19:31
I do yeah.
Thomas Mooney 19:34
Yeah, like she had she gave me this like perspective early on whenever we're talking about all this way back like in April and I've been kind of thinking about this all year and it's like the there's obviously a lot of frustration about people not being able to work. And obviously that's super tied into the the music industry right now but it was also at the time Whenever people weren't able to work at restaurants and like, just in general, and there was obviously a bunch of frustration built up in people and like, just feeling like they were kind of wasting away. And she was talking about how she thought that so much of what we go through in life is like, I guess, like, it is another word for that validation of like, where so much of your she thought, like, so much of like, what people tie their worth to, is what they produce. And yeah, at the end of the day, like if you walk away, and you realize, Oh, I did this amount of work, and I did, you know, I built this, I don't know, this, these this couch or like, or I, you know, I've served this many people or whatever the case is, that, like, so much of what people attribute to their worth, is the work that they've put in. And I think there's something to that, too, of, like, where so many people feel like they've become worthless this year? Because, yeah, the quarantine, and just Yeah,
Kelsey Waldon 21:15
absolutely. And, yeah, I mean, and that's like, and that's valid. You know, I feel like that's valid to feel that way. I mean, that's so ingrained in our, like, system. Yeah, I mean, especially mom, and just the way I grew up, I mean, it's so like, you know, like you, you don't take off days, like stuff like that, you know, that's just that's very ingrained into, like, my Kentucky upbringing. Like, it's, like, you know, just kind of, well, you know, just then just kind of feeling Yeah, absolutely worthless. And, and it's not just me, I know, it's all of us, but, but, you know, it's like, um, I've had, I've had to do a lot of work with that. myself, you know, just just in general, I mean, throughout my whole life, I think just understanding like, you know, I, you know, I'm an artist, and I'm a songwriter, and I'm a storyteller. And it's like, you know, it's also okay, for me to like, enjoy life. I mean, honestly, it's, I don't even think I realized, like, how tired I was, you know, I mean, in a way, this break has been kind of a blessing in disguise. I mean, I obviously, Miss, you know, Miss, um, well, there's so many things I miss about touring and just work and because, I mean, that was just such another creative outlet for me, you know, just a creative expression. I mean, just think the connection every night with, with fans, and just, you know, all the blood, sweat and tears and just died. Like, I definitely miss that. But I also enjoy being at home, you know, I mean, I also just, like, kind of doing live stuff. Just, you know, cleaning my chicken coop, and, you know, having a garden I like doing, I like doing that too. But, um, and also just having, I don't know, because I also can't, I don't write very well on the road. And I think especially the way we are torn right now, you know, maybe until it gets a little more comfortable. I mean, we're in like an OK, spot. But, you know, I mean, we we were grundon you know, I mean, just not a lot of sleep, and I feel like there's not really a lot of, for me at least, like it's it's hard for me to ride on the road. So. So, um, I feel like I have to be kind of like, in one place for a minute. So I have enjoyed kind of, I think gathering like my, my thoughts that way, you know, being off the road, I will say, but
Thomas Mooney 23:57
yeah, I don't know how the people, like I get, like how people can ride on the road and stuff, but I will find that just ridiculously hard Personally,
Kelsey Waldon 24:09
I don't know. Yeah. Especially when you're in the van. It's just in there with everybody. I mean, you know, then we still share a room at the end that I mean, you know, I just don't have a lot of alone time, I guess is what I mean. So, um, and that's not saying that I don't lie, you know, I love everybody dearly in my crew and I but, um, but yeah, I mean, it's just it's just kind of hard to find it hard to find that alone time I think for me to, to do it, but I'm always writing down ideas and stuff. I think sometimes it's just hard to to truly focus on that, you know, on the road. So but, um, but Yeah, I agree with him lay that's that's and that's that's just that's just been the hard part about it, you know? And I've been reaching out to a lot of my friends Just being like, you know, y'all Okay, I mean, we got like a support group guy. And so yeah, you know,
Thomas Mooney 25:08
obviously like, like, I don't know, like talking with a lot of people this year. It's been interesting because I think, obviously, if you're a songwriter you kind of are just always writing or an artist, right. But I don't, what I was, I guess surprised early on was that a lot of artists were weren't focused on writing a new record, even though I think that would be kind of the the first thing you would naturally go to thinking everyone was would be doing with this off time. But they, you know, you mentioned that, you know, cleaning the chicken coop and like, the gardening, has that kind of been like, what you've been doing more like, has there been any other? I hate to say like, cleaning the chicken coop is an art artistic expression or something. I mean, that's a well, that's what I'm getting to, like, I feel like this is all like that. That time where, for lack of a better term, like the shower thought time, whenever you just kind of like lost in that. Has that been like the, the way it's been for most of this year has been like that time where you're just able to, like, collect those thoughts and maybe start forming like, or getting, like honing in on like, song ideas versus necessarily like picking up the guitar and like, Oh, I wrote a record today or something? For sure. Yeah.
Kelsey Waldon 26:31
Um, yeah. I don't know. Um, I'm definitely more of a like, live person, as far as experience goes, like, I don't know, I just like to, um, I don't know, I feel like all those things, you know, like, the things I mentioned, and those are things I mean, I've always been doing to you know, I didn't just start, like, growing stuff this year, or whatever, because I had time. I mean, I've, I've tried to do that. Even when I'm even when I've been busy. I've always grown, grown something, but it's in but that just circles back around to what you're saying. Because for me, honestly. I mean, that's just all part of it. You know, it's honestly, all these things, they helped me because these are still things that I enjoy, you know, there's still things that I enjoy, just like as a human like so. So it does affect, you know, I think my artistic side because it's just, it's all a part of me, you know, those those things kind of keep me I think, like mentally healthy and, and, you know, just happy So, so therefore, you know, they helped me. They helped me in writing, because it's just like, you know, just just living just living life. Yeah, if that makes sense.
Thomas Mooney 27:53
Yeah, no, no, it does. Have you picked up any other. Any other like, creative outlet, though, as far as like, oh, no painting, or just like,
Kelsey Waldon 28:03
anything I started painting. But, um, I, well, I started reading and reading a lot again, which is great. I wasn't really able, I know, it's not a creative output that I am. But it does definitely help. Like, I started reading, just like this about like a bunch of poetry books again, just like been reading some books by like my favorite author, one of my favorite authors with which is a Silas house and I don't know, I just feel like I've always had these huge piles, piles of books that I just, I'm always like, I'm gonna read those and then ever do because I'm so busy. You're I'm on the move. And so I've been able to do that, which has been really just like, I don't know, I just forgot how good it felt to like, sit in a chair and read a book for you know, two hours, which sounds super nerdy, but um, it's very enlightening. For me at least, and just to not look at a screen too. But um, I am gonna think I'm gonna get a call hammer banjo. I just decided because I was talking to one of my friends about it. So I don't know. I think that'll be my new that'll be my new creative output. I think I'm going to try to learn some some songs of my, my native state this music that I've always like loved. So like, I don't know, I always wanted to pick it up. So I'm gonna buy a car Banjo and then yeah, that's kind of pretty much everything I've been doing besides fish sufficient. Yeah, and a lot of kayaking. Yeah, and I have I have written a Few tunes and a few new songs, but I don't know, you know, going back to what you said, it's funny because yeah, I think it's kind of funny when fans or whoever people on internet will be like, I can't wait to see, you know, all these artists are going to make all these, you know, this great, this great stuff this year. And it's like, oh, like, it's kind of been the opposite. I think for a lot of people I know, because I just think the emotional weight of the world has been hard. Maybe for them, you know, and maybe it's just a lot to process, you know, so they don't have the word yet. But, um, but yeah, I have written I mean, I've I've definitely, definitely written a few, which I'm excited about. And I think I got a lot more in me. So yeah, besides, besides all that, that's just pretty much pretty much what I've been doing. Besides, that was like, you know, circles back around to the EPA, because that was kind of another thing where I was like, okay, like, I, you know, I want to I want to work and I want to, um, I don't know, that was that was like, a very, like, that was a high note. Yeah, I think I think for me this year, for sure. And hopefully, for other people. So
Thomas Mooney 31:22
yeah, I think like the at Whole, I guess, like the pipe dream of, Oh, you know, this, we're gonna get all these records that are just incredible records. And this year or early 2021? I mean, I think that, like, it's gonna take a little bit of time for people to process it. It I think it always kind of does to get a little bit of distance from something that is like, yeah. So emotionally charged, or something that's obviously difficult. And yeah, there's there is like that General, you know, restlessness, I guess, the hardship that that we all kind of connect, but I think any of the the great, quote, unquote, any of the great art that comes out of this is going to be about specific things, and all those things always take a little bit of time to get away from to get that perspective.
Kelsey Waldon 32:23
For sure, I think I think distance from something for me is is important. You know, especially after like, I mean, I was on the road so much. And then, you know, the plan this year was obviously to kind of still be hitting that real hard. But you know, have enough time off maybe like a month or so in between certain runs, where I could, you know, where I could write. But, but I think, you know, obviously, those plans changed, and yeah, and it's just, it's honestly hard for me to write when I'm actually depressed. I don't know how everyone else feels. I think a lot of people feel the same as I do. from, from a lot of my peers that I've talked to, but like when you're actually I don't know, being being lonesome and sad, I feel like is, maybe, maybe a different thing. But when you're actually like, when you're actually let's just like very, very low, you know, vibration, depressed, I feel like it's hard. It's hard to actually write just because, you know, thoughts cannot come out sometimes. But, um, so, I mean, I think those for me do personally, I think just processing like, kind of, like what the, you know, with the fat just happened for lack of better words. And especially after John's death and stuff, just, I mean, just like that just couple months after, I mean, to be honest. I mean, I you know, I was like, fine, but obviously, it's just like, you know, it was just really it was kind of like a chaotic. This, you know, so it was like, Whoa, I mean, I just had to I don't know, it's just it's hard to really gather those thoughts, you know, or even really think about anything else. So, so yeah, I think you just have to have a little bit of distance from it and, and really just give yourself time, you know, just I've tried to learn that just about myself. You know, not be so hard on myself because I am my I'm my worst critic, like I'm my absolute worst critic. Like it's, it's like, it's a terrible, terrible thing. So I think I think allowing, allowing yourself a little time distances is much much needed. Especially.
Thomas Mooney 34:47
Yeah, it's, I feel like a lot of people have, you kind of I don't know, um, we as just like, as far as like, you know, artists and journalists have to kind of made it into this, like one thing where for you to process grief or anything, you know, and write it into a song. It's a cathartic process. And sometimes it's what I guess what I've learned more so is like, the, the actual writing of the song is not the necessary the the cathartic process is like you almost always have have gone through that beforehand. And this is more like just the, the period that's needed to finish the sentence or whatever the case, you know, and not saying that, that can't happen. But But I think a lot more times, like there is that that time and there is that space, and almost always the the the person who's written that song is they're not writing it in the moment. You know, you're, you're not necessarily writing a heartbreak song. You know, the day that you're, you know, your boyfriend or girlfriend breaks up with you, you're
Kelsey Waldon 35:59
no, no, yeah, you've like gathered, you know, you've kind of like, let that let everything sink in, are allowed yourself to see to see it, you know, from maybe far away. Or sometimes, you know, it's like raw and in the moment, and that's amazing. I mean, it's magical when that can happen. I mean, we all wish that would happen more. That way. I mean, like, don't get me wrong. It's like it's it's amazing when you can like, you know, the five minute just like, you know, banger it love it. And sometimes it does, sometimes it does happen that way. But sometimes, sometimes it doesn't. And that's okay, too. Does it mean it's you know, worse? Are you better than the others are worse than the others? You know, it's all gonna come out come out when they can when they're when they're ready.
Thomas Mooney 36:51
Yeah.
So obviously, like we're talking about time, distance but space distance to your from Kentucky, you know, you moved to Nashville. Did did that space, like the actual, like physical distance, give you a better perspective on what you loved, and didn't like about Kentucky and like growing up in a rural area? And all of that. Do you think like that all gave you? You know, some more perspective as well about where you're from?
Kelsey Waldon 37:26
Yeah, I think so. I'm not sure I ever thought about it that way. But But I think so. And I'm, I'm not that I'm still not that far from home now. And we actually will for about three years now lived out in a rural area outside of Nashville, where I live now. I live in a town called Ashland City, Tennessee, and it's a little more like home, which is, which is nice.
But, uh,
yeah, there was, there was there's a lot of things that I've missed, and I was able to gain perspective on and, of course, nationally, you know, when I first moved, I mean, it was only about three hours or so away from my hometown. And so I wasn't that far away. And I'm still very close. I mean, my whole family. You know, I'm the only one that left home. So, um, you know, I'm definitely have never felt like disconnected in that way. You know, and I feel like a very much part of the, I think Kentucky music scene. This as much as I do, you know, like, the Nashville community, or whatever. I mean, I literally would feel like those are like my two home scenes. And still feel that way. And yeah, I don't know. I mean, I was so like, straight off the farm. You know, when I first moved to Nashville, I mean, I was so excited, you know, about just everything. And this was almost 10 years ago now. But you know, all my heroes lived in Nashville. I mean, that's a you know, and I don't thank you. This was not an a question, but it's like I answered this question a lot. Because, you know, I don't think you have to move to Nashville to be successful or anything like that. I mean, for me, personally, I just didn't really have a lot of people around me, you know, that took songwriting seriously or took you know, anything like like that seriously, and I just at the time, you know, that's just that's just kind of what I wanted to be around, you know, um, so that's why I moved, moved to Nashville, but it's changed a lot and it's given me it has given me a lot of perspective, though, you know, about you know, just the things I miss and, and yeah, it's given me a lot of perspective. That was a long answer. But, um, but now I'm like, I don't know, I feel like I came full circle. I mean, a little bit, you know, best of both worlds. My boyfriend is a engineer in town. So, you know, I feel like I would probably be back home, I would be living back in Kentucky now, but good, but, but I think we made the best of both worlds, you know, moving moving out to where we moved out to, you know, still in the country, but you know, close enough. It's still far away, you know, close enough to drive and if we needed to. Yeah, so, um, so yeah, but, but, um, I miss home a lot. I miss home a lot right now, especially just really not being able to see my family. It's crazy. Because you know what, this time off you think? I mean, this is just like the perfect time to be able to do that. And maybe even spend a couple of weeks back home or whatever. But um, you know, I can't I mean, we just can't really because of because of COVID. And so yeah, that's been that's been kind of sad. But um, we like it out here though.
Thomas Mooney 41:10
This episode of Newsline is brought to you by the blue light live here in Lubbock, Texas. Blue Light has undoubtedly been my home away from home over the years, and has played such a vital role, not only for my development as a journalist, but obviously it's been one of the foundational pieces for a lot of your favorite songwriters and bands who have made it out of the Lubbock area over the years. And of course, as a music venue, they've played such a pivotal role for a lot of your favorite bands just in general. One of my favorite parts about blue light is just how versatile the place can truly be. I've seen it crowded and rowdy on a Saturday night for a rock and roll band. And I've seen it dead still on a Wednesday when a legendary singer songwriter rolls through town what you should do is go over to blue light Lubbock calm and check out all the new merch they've added hats t shirts, both short and long sleeve they also have hoodies and koozies and just added some sweatshirts that are very much an homage to the college sweatshirt that john Belushi wore an Animal House and then of course maybe the crown jewel of their new merge is the varsity club style jacket and blue satin I got one the other day and yeah it's just one of my favorite things I own now and yeah, I don't know I just love it anyway you can check out all their new merge over at blue light Lubbock calm as always, I'll throw a link into the show notes for easy access. Okay, let's get back to the show Yeah, it's I find like the whole like obviously like I'm from Texas and down here for it's not necessarily a thing with the artists but a lot of fan a lot of the fan base down here for some reason they they think like Nashville is like you know, the worst thing ever and it's like they're not no one's selling out for starters like moving to Nashville just because like if you moved to Nashville you or I always I'm like man all your favorite tech people Guess what, like they may be playing a bunch in Texas but they're writing in Nashville to
Kelsey Waldon 43:15
business
sessions people do they don't know like really even.
Thomas Mooney 43:20
Yeah,
Kelsey Waldon 43:21
well that's going on. I mean,
Thomas Mooney 43:24
I think it's it's one of those things where some like a lot of times with any kind of industries you have to go to like where those people are where that industry is, you know, how ridiculous would it be if you were trying to be an actress and you're like not moving to LA you know? Yeah, the same kind of things are in a lot of ways
Kelsey Waldon 43:46
I think for sure. So I
mean for some people I do think I'm like where I grew up kind of around like West Kentucky and you know near Paducah and wishes like a wonderful you know, very just culturally significant little town Little River town and I grew up probably like 40 minutes away studio and been I mean, you know, it I don't know, it wasn't as I think blossoming is like say, like now I would consider like the Lexington Kentucky seem to be like, like, it's just like, blossoming like music theme like you know, and and I do think there's like, you know, things to gain from that and just people making really great records out there and in Kentucky in general and some people you know, that stay home but still do some business in Nashville, you know, just kind of like in Texas. But yeah, I mean, I agree with you. It's just, um, because my point being, you know, it's like, No, I don't think you have to move here. But at the time, I felt like I did and honestly, like, I mean, I'm thankful for it. I mean, I have No wouldn't have met my band. I don't think if I would have would have moved, you know, to Nashville, I mean, obviously like, oh boys there and yeah, I don't know, I don't know if any of that would have would have happened or maybe it would have just been a different way. But uh, I don't know. Yeah, I had to I had to kind of think place myself. I mean, that's just my story. You know, that's not like, you know, everybody's and that's okay. But yeah, I mean definitely, definitely some things I still don't like, you know about Nashville but I will say in the underground scene. I don't know. I mean, I it has been one of the most supportive communities you know, to be to be a part of, and it's really been amazing too, because I feel like a lot of us that kind of moved here at a similar time. You know, everybody's doing really well now. And that's just like a really beautiful thing to see. You know, we were all just like, the kids that were just drunk at the five spot every night and and just like, Well, you know, just like young and just trying to like, I mean, I was like it every pickin party, you know, every old time jam you could think of, I mean, like back when, like, they still had like the old time jam at the five spot. And
it's crazy, though, because a lot of that's kind of gone too to you know, I mean, I know they're still.
I don't know, I feel like sometimes I don't even know what's happening in the city anymore, honestly. So we started going on there. Well, I mean, just because we started going on the road and, and then I moved down to Ashland city. So I, you know, I'm obviously still involved, though. Not as like, I don't know, I don't know. I hear I hear there's a different vibe. So. But anyway, it's not it's not a it definitely it definitely helped me and I and I've been been very grateful. You know, for the for the Nashville both the Kentucky Community for sure.
Thomas Mooney 47:10
Yeah. Well, like Kentucky, like you mentioned, obviously, you're from there. And you. You've mentioned like a lot of the artists who have come out of Kentucky lately. Obviously, for forever, it's been a hotbed of have a wealth of where all the songwriters and bluegrass players and everyone coming out of there, but like lately, like, it just feels like there's just so many of y'all who have really, I don't even know if it's like banded together or like it's like, you know, you kind of if you see someone with like, the same license plate as you you kind of go Oh, okay, I can trust that person for some
Kelsey Waldon 47:51
is wrong? Yeah. Believe it. It's It's very, it's it's strong. Yeah, it's, um, it's just yeah, it's, it's strong. Um, and I'm so happy to see the world find out, you know? And like I said, Yes. And I'm happy you said that. Because yes, for for, you know, decades. I mean, it's certainly been a hotbed. I mean, maybe people don't want to go back that far. But like, for me, I mean, personally, it was, you know, my, my first concert was like Patty loveless, you know, at the biggie, and Viduka, Kentucky, and that was a big deal for me to say even, I don't know, see that I feel like is a lot to be proud of. And I think a lot of colorful culture, you know, and regional special things and, but yeah, it's like now it's just, I don't know, I'm so proud to see like, a whole, just, I think New breath. New breath of that. And, and there's so many people that, uh, that have so many important things to say, you know, and, and actual stories, you know, so yeah, we're the commodity is certainly certainly strong. I don't know what it what it is, I guess you just got to stick together.
Kentucky,
Thomas Mooney 49:19
I think there's something about I guess, like you can generalize this to just being a person. But I think especially when it comes to like the arts. So much of like, what your identity is tied to is like where you're from, and seeing other people from that talk like you or that or from the same area you are. It gives you some allowance to like, tell yourself, oh, yeah, I can do this too. And like, Oh, you know, like all these people from this area. They're telling these stories about this land that I'm from, and I want to tell these stories as well or, you know, they're They're, they they're not they're not talking about this though, and I know about this and long story short, I think like, there's a lot of like allowance that's given. Once you kind of realize like that all these people were from where I'm from.
Kelsey Waldon 50:14
Yeah, absolutely. And it's a beautiful thing. You know, I think, I think probably a lot of people in the world you know, think they know, Kentucky and they don't I mean, I think especially through like, just like, you know, recent and news this year, you know, I mean, a lot of eyes have been on our state. And I think it's really important to that, like, you know, new voices are shedding light on that. You know, that it's just, it's a lot more, I think, complex than maybe what certain people think. And just, I don't know, I think the consecutive resilience has been. And independence has definitely, definitely been strong, and I've been proud to see it. You know, I rank it right up there with Texas, but, but, um, but also, you know, my favorite um, I say this all the time. Like, I'm in Texas. I love Texas. I like I mean, my favorite country singers came from, you know, if they didn't come from Kentucky, I mean, they usually came from Texas, you know, I mean, so um, and, and songwriters, too, so yeah, I got I got I got mad respect.
Thomas Mooney 51:39
Yeah, no, of course, like, I love being from Texas. But I also always tell people like are, you kind of have to realize, like, Texas has, like so many fucking people.
We are similar.
Kelsey Waldon 51:52
I mean, I don't know, we I understand. I understand your Texas pride is what I'm saying.
Thomas Mooney 51:58
Yeah, you mentioned earlier about reading and I wanted to touch back on this. Because first off, you said, like, you know, reading for takes your eyes off the screen. And I think like, you know, what I've hated these past few years has been likely, like, really, like, literally, like, the white light damage in your eyes. So yeah, reading like, a book without anything coming off of it. Yeah, it has to be healthy. On like, a physical level too. But what I was wanting to ask about when it when it comes to like reading, obviously, clearly, you get enjoyment out of reading. But when it comes to like, the artistic side of things, Does, does reading help you like affect, like your songwriting in the storytelling kind of way? Or like is it sometimes more in the, like, the the literal aspects of writing about like phrasing and pace and stuff like that? What's what? I'm sure it's both but like, which way do you think where you've been able to, I guess, draw more from
Kelsey Waldon 53:12
I think, Well, as you said, I definitely think it's both. But um, I think I think it's more just like having this just this storyline, I think feeding my brain and kind of jogging those. Those muscles, you know, especially like writing muscles and songwriting muscles, and just joking, I think that inspiration, you know, triggering that inspiration for me, is a little bit more of it, um, you know, even reading poetry or, like, you know, like, recently I got into Well, I had like, a lot of people especially, like, I don't know, back in my community college days, when, you know, I used to take I mean, I took like poetry classes and stuff like that, like writing classes and stuff like that, but I, but I used to read read a lot more poetry and then I got into like, Lucille Clifton, again, like this year, which was like, you know, something that always I know, it's just like, I was like rediscovering all these like, even like Johnny Cash, his poetry book and just like all this stuff I'd had for years that I was like, why haven't I picked this up in years? You know, and, and you read it, and I don't know I just triggered this whole this whole other form of inspiration and it is like the phrasing and the rhythm and I don't know, it's like reading the john prine song, you know, just by yourself with no music does the way it sounds coming out of your mouth, rolling off your tongue. All that she's very inspiring. To me, and I think just those unique ways to tell a story, especially like visually and like just the images that it makes you feel. In your head. Yeah, I just think all those things. It's just like feeding my, I think just feeding your brain and a good and a good way this may be not reading like, you know, an article online while you're doing scrolling. Yeah, they say, you know, it's just kind of like, but not not saying that you can't gain that inspiration from mag as you definitely can. But um I don't know, there's just something about I think, like, not that distraction, you know, just just reading reading a story that was like, typed and published on a page is just, I just had really missed that, you know? Yeah. Yeah. So and is I think Yeah, with the storylines to like so if it's not poetry just um yeah, just simple as that just kind of feed feeding I think my, my creative brain and different way.
Thomas Mooney 56:12
Yeah, cuz I feel like you can read like, on two different kind of levels. Like it is like the, the enjoyment level. And like, most of the stuff I read, like, I'm just reading like that, but you can be like, the more like the academic I guess, way of like, trying to like figure out why like the the pacing and like, like he said, like, the rhythm and, like, the the vocabulary and like all that. And I didn't know if like a lot of songwriters also read like that. And like, not, not necessarily take notes, but like, you know, I'm saying but
Kelsey Waldon 56:48
yeah.
Yeah, for sure. I mean, I like and honestly, even with books, I mean, I've still got to like I've hopped around, I had a bad habit of, you know, like, I would just hop around. And so now I'm just reading stuff or to read something, you know, just to, but I need to stick to one book, but either way, I mean, reading it is still, you know, some some things still makes me feel lighter. You know, after after I do it, even if I take an hour or so. So.
Thomas Mooney 57:20
Yeah, yeah.
Yeah, it's, it's weird. It's weird, because, like, I know that, like, it's, it's kind of like the same thing is, if we apply it to the music, it's like, you don't ness. I don't necessarily like listen to a record. And just like, worry about like, the, the phrasing of it. You know what I mean? Like, I just think more about the the storytelling aspect. And like, Oh, well, that sounds really cool. And so, yeah, I don't know. Maybe it's like, way too nerdy of a thing. No,
Kelsey Waldon 57:50
I mean, I think it's, I think it's a little bit of everything, honestly, like, I mean, you know, I don't I don't say like when I write a song I don't. I don't think about too many technical aspects. I mean, not anymore. I mean, I used to think when I was younger, but I think I've realized that it's about a little bit more than that. You know, as of as I've gotten older, so. I don't know actually don't like to let anything like kind of bound me, I guess in that way. Like when I think about just making a record or making music or anything like that. I mean, I you know, I don't know. I mean, my musics been put also in like, a lot of different categories, I guess. And, and, and I always feel like I'll be a cut, you know, I don't know. I mean, just from like, my heart of hearts, like I'm a country artist, but I don't I don't know that word means so many different things to people now. But um, but uh, you know, I don't know that I just I don't like to let those types of things I guess. I guess just like bound me like when I'm thinking about writing or even making a record like I don't know, I just feel like always gotta follow my follow my era.
Thomas Mooney 59:13
This episode of new slang is brought to you by new slang. So obviously, you're listening to new slang right now. That probably means that you enjoy it, or at least you enjoy some of the conversations with the artists that are on here. Well, you may be interested in helping support new slang a little bit more by doing one of the handful of things. One, stop by our new slang merch store and order some merch. Right now there's t shirts, koozies buttons, stickers, magnets, and a handful of key chains and the like to if you like new slang just a little bit more. You can join the new slang Patreon. What is Patreon? Well it's like a subscription service since new slang is free. It's a great way to get some extra bonuses and additional content. For example, if you subscribe to the postcard pal to for five bucks a month, you'll get ad free episodes, updates on upcoming guests and monthly new slang postcards. The postcards are essentially little mini show posters that I started designing to highlight that month's roster of guests. Like right now, we just ended the month of November. So November show poster is a denim jacket where all the episode guests are individual buttons pinned to the jacket. Right now if you sign up for the Patreon, I'll go ahead and make sure you get all the back prints. Again, signing up for the new slang Patreon or purchasing something from the new slang merch store are great ways to help support new slang. Another easy, simple way is to give us a five star review over on iTunes and share the slang with all your friends and family who you think may enjoy new slang. links to both the Patreon and the merge store. And all of our social media stuff is in the show notes. Okay, let's get back to the episode. Yeah, well, it's always like the I'm trying to think of like, what it was the like the analogy of you obviously, like you think of yourself as a country artist. It's like, I didn't I never changed the I guess my definition of country, like everyone else's definition. Yeah, you gotta mean so yeah, it's, I find like that actually had like a conversation on a podcast just the other day with Andrew Nelson of great peacock and Sadler. vaden. And we were talking about this, like the, like, the genre label, and like, Where did the genre label kind of come from? And like, it kind of spurs from the heartland rock is what we were talking about. But like, it's just a weird because I don't think any of us know what, like Americana. Or, you know?
Kelsey Waldon 1:01:51
No,
Thomas Mooney 1:01:51
any of these words mean?
Kelsey Waldon 1:01:54
No. And like, I don't get too worked up over it anymore. I mean, honestly, I feel like, I feel like I used to and that doesn't mean that I've lost I have not lost my passion or, you know, anything like that for, for the genre I love or anything like that. But I don't know, I just people are always gonna have an opinion or a comment, you know, and I just, I just, I don't want to be concerned with any of it. You know, I mean, even if someone doesn't like what I do, you know, it's like, that shouldn't affect me. You know, and I just don't I? Yeah, I don't know. I mean, obviously, think, Americana, I think, you know, that kind of had to be in a way I'm like, I'm obviously super grateful. You know, because it's, I think it's led a lot of we know, it's like, given a lot of people careers still, you know, that wouldn't be played on like, you know, there's a pop Country radio or anything like that, you know, I mean, it's like, I guess, you know, obviously, it was a new format had to be created, you know, right. But, I mean, genres are. I mean, that's just looking at it very, like, literal, and like, I understand, like all that, but like, I feel like genres, in general, though, are kind of just, they're just exhausting a little bit.
Thomas Mooney 1:03:31
You know, that's the word I was looking for. Right?
Kelsey Waldon 1:03:34
There we go. There we go. So you're trying to say, they'll see, it's exhausting a little bit. It's, um, it just is and like, it's a and that doesn't mean like, you know, that I've lost any kind of pride and being like, I don't know, I mean, the Country, Country, just country is not like a switch for me, you know, that I just turn off. I mean, it's just, it's always a part of me. And it means part of who I am. I mean, it's part of how I was raised, you know, it's part of and it's part of, like, a genre that I like, deeply respect, and I think deserves to be respected again. And I think that's what a lot of us are trying to do, you know. But, um, but, you know, I mean, at the end of the day, it's like, you know, it's like when you look at someone like john prine it's like, so much of what john did was, you know, he loved country music and it was all based on that and but you know, I mean, john also stands alone is someone that that is john prine. And I think that's like, me know, kind of like genre lists. I mean, his music was universal. So So um, I don't know I think that's I think that's an important way to look at it too. I just don't ever. I don't know if I if I thought about john lewis and what something was supposed to be like when I was making a record. I don't know. Just I don't think I'd make a very good record. And be too concerned with that. So anything that would distract me from that? I just don't. Yeah, genres. genres are exhausting.
Thomas Mooney 1:05:10
Yeah, well, for me, like, I think I'm very, very similar in that I'm still very passionate about all this music. Because, I mean, if I wasn't like, I wouldn't be doing this. But there is like that exhaustion part about, like, if you're trying to be the gatekeeper, or like the authority, and I mean, I wish like I had that kind of power. Like, no one's like, if if, you know, yeah, I don't know who I will throw in as, like, who could be that figure. As far as long story short, if, like, people aren't going to, like, listen to, I don't know, just let's just use if you have a bigger platform than me, if people aren't going to, like us have like respect to your ideas on it? Or like, they're gonna, they're always gonna have a naysayer somewhere, then, like, they're definitely not going to listen to me. So I mean, like, what's the what's the point? But like, as you kind of said, with with john, this is there's those rare people who kind of like, transcend any kind of genre label. And like, that's what's really, like, it's kind of it's on one point, like, it's very, very simple. And it's like, oh, yeah, well, people like good music. So like it, you those people can trance transcend, but it's also like, a very interesting, complex way of like, getting past that too, because I think like a lot of people think of that with Johnny Cash as like, oh, Johnny Cash is was country, but he's also just like, really cool. You know what I mean?
Kelsey Waldon 1:06:52
Yeah. Yeah, I felt like Johnny is like, he's like a religious figures, something like he's like this entity, and to his own self. And maybe, I mean, that, like, in a great way. I, I mean, I think that is why he transcends as well, you know, just as like a as a figure, which is, just like john did, and just like, you know, I don't know, so many amazing artists have. So that's, that's kind of what I strive for, you know, like, I don't know, I just try to have less distractions. I think when I'm making music that just, I just wanted to feel good to me, you know, I want to be proud of the songs and, and that's just like, what this EP I don't I don't know, I don't care what anybody says. I mean, it. It. It made me it was such a positive experience for me, you know, and I don't want anyone to ruin that. So I'm not going to let them. Yeah. I mean, you know what I mean? Like, it says, Yeah, we just, we just got to do what we just had to do. It feels right. You know, and we've got, I think, all that news. And you know, even if it means I'm fall flat on our face. Yeah, well, yeah, we got to try. I think that's part of it.
Thomas Mooney 1:08:18
Yeah, well, it all goes to like, if you, like life is already complex, and life already has, like, there's plenty of stuff on your plate that you're thinking about, just in general. And, well, if you just add in the like, trying to, I don't know, if you if you start trying to add all those other things that are non essential to the plate, like it just muddies the water that much more, and it's, I don't know, it's all just unnecessary. What I kind of want to transition to though for this last little bit is it's obviously related to country music. And I guess I'll start off with just saying, like, just so much of what country music is, is tied to tradition and roots and yeah, just like tradition, but like, that's obviously also been one of its drawbacks when it's come to being diverse and you know, just being well, let's just use fair, right, like a quality across the board. It's been obviously dominated, especially these last few years by and you could just say this in general, but like, especially these fat past few years by just being like a white straight male. What is I guess like, the the road what's like, is there What is the answer? I guess I don't know if that's too broad to General, but like, what I mean, this year has been really, I guess, opened a lot of dialogue for this conversation about what country music is and who is country and Like, why do we want to get keep who people are who listens to country music? Sure, yeah, I'll just I don't know, I don't really have a necessarily a question, but I'll just let you talk.
Kelsey Waldon 1:10:13
No, I think it's a very important discussion. And, and I hope we all talk about it more. As time goes on, and I hope, especially this year, you know, we realize
how much work really has to be done. Because I think there was things that I definitely was aware of, but maybe naive, we didn't understand how,
um, I don't know, like, how bad it really was. I mean, obviously, I understood the white male thing. I mean, I, you know, as a woman just even being I don't know, I've I haven't even always felt, you know, truly accepted. I think by that, I mean, at least like the, you know, the mainstream world, and I'm not really sure that I want to, you know, but like I it's absurd to me, I think, the racist things that have happened within the industry, because of that, especially. And I know, it was like that from the beginning, you know, because they, I mean, they made it that way. I mean, as soon as, like, you know, I mean, he'll billion race music was turned into, you know, the word country music, I mean, they, they were trying to sell it to, you know, a certain, a certain demographic and, and that's like, the truth of that there. But I'm on just like, a human note. And on just like, artistic note, it's an I don't know, it's just, it's insane. It's insane to me that, like, it does not involve more people of color. And women because I don't know, I mean, black artistry, that's very, you know, I mean, country music, and it's very cool. And it's very core. I mean, we owe so much of it, we owe all of it to black artistry, you know, I mean, I mean, that's the were the earliest foundations of country music has come from, so. I know, it's absurd to me to not embrace that and just think it's beautiful, because there's all types of people that love country music, you know, of sexual orientation of color of background of, you know, there's certainly Black Country people, you know, black rural people, Native American rural people that also love country music. I mean, country music goes for everybody. That's what I'm saying. So, yeah, I don't know, it just seems absurd to me that, you know, we wouldn't embrace that more. And I know also get frustrated with I'm gonna say a lot right here, I will see a frustrated, which is kind of like, you know, I will say kind of like, the white male domination because it's just a it's not fair. It just seems like there's a lot of Ollie's in the mainstream country. World and this is not to knock anybody's hard work. This is not to knock anybody's like, you know, career. Because I know they've they've worked hard and listens to perhaps but uh, it just seems like there's a lot of white males that even you know, maybe even make up stories or maybe even are singing songs that are not their own, or even their own story, or they just kind of had this this fabricated, like way of life, you know, and then someone like Mickey Geitner can get, like her album out. Like, it's like, Why? I mean, when she's like, living, you know, I mean, she's, she's, she's living like, I mean, her life is her life. You know, and I think that is like, authentic. I don't know, you know, whether you like the music or not, I guess is besides the point, but, um, you know, she's an amazing talent. And, and she's being truly herself. So I mean, it's like, what more could you ask for? Yeah, yeah, so like, I don't know, just, there's definitely there's definitely not a Yeah, it's not equal. And as far as like, you know, the women go it's, it's certainly not because there's a lack of amazing you know, women music are artists you know, I always found it funny in the touring world because they would be like, women can't put the ass and seeds and it's like, That's ridiculous. Like, they like you would even feel though. I mean, just from all the women I know that worked so hard and they've grinded on the road, you know, and they're just as good of a show if not better. Um, yeah, yeah, just um,
Thomas Mooney 1:15:27
yeah, I kind of like what I was saying earlier about. You, you're given some allowances, if you recognize people from the same place you're from, I think, like, that's very much the same thing. If, with what we're talking about here, if like, you're someone who's lived the exact same life, as let's just say you are me, but they're black, or they're like, Native American or something else, right? And then you are just told you're not country even though like, you know, that you that like that you are like, it would be the most Yeah. You would obviously, like, hurt that down. But also it also just be kinda like,
Kelsey Waldon 1:16:13
it's a ridiculous idea. Like, that's a ridiculous thing to say to somebody. Like, I mean, just to be a gatekeeper in that way. Um, and say that to somebody that's like, like, how do you like, like, you don't even know me? Like, I mean, what about like, I mean, you think about all types of music, right? Like, in my, in my perspective, I feel like, so much of it is countrymen. I mean, especially like the foundations of like folk music. And, I mean, I would I would call bluegrass country under a big umbrella. You know what I mean? Like, I would call it Spanish music in a sense. I mean, you know, I mean, there's there's there's influence there, you know, that is certainly influenced country music as well. So, I don't know, I think it's just absurd to me that say to say like, one one thing is this. And the other isn't, you know, especially to Yeah, did exactly what you said, like saying that to the person. It's just kind of a
crazy idea. I
Thomas Mooney 1:17:30
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Do you do you think that
this this pause has like, helped this dialogue start more just because like no one is on the road. And there is like just you're like, everyone's kind of has their phone or their because there's so much of this dialogue, I guess is on social media in general, but or in interviews and stuff like that. Do you think like this is actually kind of helped in a strange way?
Kelsey Waldon 1:19:22
I think I think so only because, for a moment we were paused from I think being like maybe so self centered and our own egos and careers, you know, we were really able to you know, maybe to really to really hear to really hear people and people have been saying it you know and I hope that we continue to have the these discussions you know, I mean, I don't know they don't change with new presidents or new you No, that will I mean, they just they don't.
Thomas Mooney 1:20:03
Yeah, no, they
Kelsey Waldon 1:20:04
don't change just overnight, I guess is what I'm saying. And I feel I feel good, though. I don't know, I feel like there's been like a charge, you know, like a, like a energy. Like, kind of like a beautiful energy. That's that's come of it. And I don't know. I mean, I certainly think people of color, you know, deserve to be heard. I think their perspectives deserve to be heard. I mean, you know, especially black women, and, you know, so yeah, I hope, I hope to see a lot more of it. Because like I said, I mean, I've I don't know, all types of people love country music. And that's the beautiful. That's the beautiful part of it. I mean, I mean, it's truly for everybody, you know, and cancer music, I think. I don't know, it was it was built on, you know, when the earliest foundations are built on dissent. And I think, you know, a weight of the weight of the world, you know, I mean, I think that's why everybody was laughing about, you know, CMA saying like, no more drama. Like, right to break it to your friends. Your music was like, built on drama. That's like, literally like, I mean, I'm talking from like, earliest mountain music to, to like, even country blues. I mean, all that was, you know, pretty, pretty intense. So, yeah, I think I think it could benefit a lot from Yeah, just being an open arm. I think to that and to culture tomorrow, tomorrow culture. Yeah, you know, not not just kind of like a whitewash culture.
Thomas Mooney 1:22:09
Right? Yeah. The, the, the no drama thing. It's kind of like the, the, when you when you've gotten into an argument with someone, and like, you guys start yelling, then that person, like, who clearly started the argument says, like, I'm not going to talk to you until you calm down, like, walks away. That's the way I felt about I was like, What? Okay, but it that's just so weird. I don't know. Just like just being so. I don't know that off on something.
Kelsey Waldon 1:22:45
But I don't know.
Thomas Mooney 1:22:47
I don't know. I think that like the, what I'm interested in seeing is because I think like we're all kind of guilty of this of like seeing a a tour or like a show and being really excited by or like a festival lineup and being excited about like, who's on it just because like, Oh, you've seen all these, you love all these artists. But then like, what's, I guess, like long story short, I'm interested in seeing just how much actual changes happen these next few years, once actual, like real big tours, get set up and like festivals come back and all that kind of stuff and seeing how, like diverse lineups truly are going forward. And because I think that, like, I feel like I'm both very optimistic, but also just kind of naturally, also, glass half empty, in a way because it's, I wonder just how much of this has been wound up being just like lip service in a way of like, just trying to, like, just ready for us to get off the subject.
Kelsey Waldon 1:24:05
Yeah. Well, next, I wonder that I wonder that too. And I, you know, I, I, um, you know, I don't know, I hope I hope things for myself, you know, to mean, I, and obviously, I think I think a lot more of the work is more than just like shouting it from the internet. You know, I think that's kind of like another reason for like this. You know, it's my EP and just in just numerous things. It's like, you know, you gotta walk the walk and practice what we preach in real life, you know, and, you know, that doesn't mean everybody has to know about it, or we have to get on our soapbox. Yeah, I guess my point is, is that you know, we can we can all use our voices in different ways. And I think we are Yeah, I think part of the work is definitely more than just like that. Even though you know, whatever. Twitter's a form of expression, but, but, uh, honestly, it's like, it wears me out a lot. And, you know, so I think I'm probably a being that I, you know, I want to hold myself accountable to but um, but I think yeah, I mean it's it's, it's it's a part of like everything that we do so I'll be I'll be curious to like deceiving inclusion You know? And yeah, I'm with Yeah, I'm curious to see and hopefully, you know I'm sort of a little bit of lip service I mean because that's just the way that it is but um, I always think that this year is brought to light, you know, some important some important things that needed to be talked about so. So yeah, I know I'm with you. I'm with you though. So
Thomas Mooney 1:26:06
yeah, I get like, I guess my whole thing on like, the inclusion of just everybody of gatekeeping what country is it's like, if we're gonna, like, let bro country be a thing. We gotta we can include everyone basically, you know what I mean? If like that,
Kelsey Waldon 1:26:24
seriously, like a man like I mean, I mean, it's just like, the the umbrella is big enough, you know, the table I feel like is large enough. So it's like, why you know nuts everyone has its place you know and there's also just like, you know, there's more than like one woman like, you know, doing you know things too. It's like there's there's there's there's more it's not a checklist. Yeah, yeah, there's not an expression like with art you know, like with music like I just don't see things that way. I feel like it's really strange like when someone will be like, I know they mean as a compliment but like even at a show and someone would be like, well you just blew them out of the water You know? And you're just like, like I wasn't drawn to do that. I was just it's like it's not this like competition of like I don't know just like albums and I think your like expression yeah it's not it's not like a checklist and it's not like it's not like this Yeah, it's just like it's it's just it's not a thought and not a competition and there's there's there's room for us all but like I certainly agree with you like bro country you know that can be a thing yeah there's there's room for all of us. I mean come on. It's like Yeah, yeah that's all I'll say about that. Like that's exhausting to yeah that's way exhausting.
Thomas Mooney 1:28:06
What I ended on this right here is the up like down here in Texas like people always that's one of the big things here is like you know oh you know bro country that Nashville and they just trivialize everything as natural as being like bro country and obviously this is also not everyone but you know our music Texas country so much better and yada yada and I'm like always kind of like we need to address the the fact that like some of bro country was contributed by Texas country. Y'all are ready to have a discussion yet, but I digress. Yeah,
Kelsey Waldon 1:28:41
no, there's Yeah, there's there's a there's a correlation there. Also, Texas is this is a whole other rabbit trail, but I will say that, you know, it's also known for like, amazing blues. I mean, just like historically, you know. Now obviously, you know, Townes Van Zandt, Clark and, and Billy Joe shaver, and you know, but like numerous like, you know, blues, blues musicians as well. I mean, just like that whole Um, there's, I think there's a lot a lot of beautiful culture in Texas as well. So yeah, I think all that needs to be just welcomed with open arms.
Thomas Mooney 1:29:30
Yeah, well, yeah. Yeah,
Kelsey Waldon 1:29:34
I think I've covered all
this said a lot.
Thomas Mooney 1:29:38
Yeah, well, thank you so much for for jumping on and, and doing this core conversation.
Kelsey Waldon 1:29:45
Yeah, no, I've. I've known about about podcasts for a little bit. And I just appreciate all of y'all.
Thomas Mooney 1:29:56
Okay, that is it for this one. Thank you so much for listening. Be sure to check out Kelsey Waltons latest called, they'll never keep us down. Check out our presenting partners over at Desert door, Hot damn coffee, and the blue black live. If you're looking for other ways to help support new slang, check out our Patreon and merch store. And of course, if this is your first time listening, hit that subscribe button. Give us a five star review. And yeah, I think that's about it. Thanks so much for listening again. I'll see y'all next week for more newslink
Transcribed by https://otter.ai