By Brent Thompson
Photo courtesy of the artist
Coming through the pandemic and the release of his last album for Elektra Records – 2021’s Maybe We Never Die – Anderson East was admittedly and understandably jaded with life as a musician. But a 2023 trip to famed producer Dave Cobb’s studio in Savannah, Ga. proved to be a turning point for the singer/songwriter. The recording sessions with Cobb yielded Worthy, East’s latest release and his debut album for Rounder Records. Those familiar with the catalog of the Alabama-native-turned-Nashville-resident will still find a unique blend of R&B, soul and rock in his music. But, lyrically, there are more prevalent themes of gratitude, acceptance and optimism to be found than any of his previous releases. On Thursday, September 4, East will returns Birmingham to perform in the Workplay Soundstage. Recently, he spoke with us by phone from his Nashville home.
Southern Stages: Anderson, thanks for your time today. With several albums in your catalog at this point, how do you construct your live set lists these days?
Anderson East: Very selfishly [laughs]. I have a really difficult time lying, especially the older I get. If I’m not having a good time, it’s pretty apparent. Luckily, the things that I like are what people are there to see anyway. It’s mainly just what feels good and what’s enjoyable.
Southern Stages: How would you describe your writing process? Do you write when inspiration strikes or do you write on a schedule?
East: Nowadays I write for a lot of other artists and it’s pretty much every day.
Southern Stages: Once you’ve written a song, how do you determine if it’s a fit for you or another artist?
East: It’s usually pretty apparent. With this record in particular, there were a lot of songs that were intended to be for other people. After a certain period of time went by, I realized I was injecting a little too much of myself in there – it felt a little too personal. Going back to the selfish thing, I’d think, “I like that one.”
Southern Stages: Some artists tell me this is a great time to be in your position with multiple outlets and instant accessibility to music. Others say, for those same reasons, it can be difficult to be found among the crowd. How do you feel about the current industry climate?
East: I think both of those things are true, but I feel the most creative I’ve ever felt. I’m the happiest musically I’ve ever been and I’m consistently inspired and impressed by other people who are doing it. I think there is really great music coming out and great songs being written. There’s always this struggle about the good old days and in some ways things were easier. I think it’s pretty incredible right now. I think it’s only going to get better. I think if we talked long enough, I could argue against that point but I have a lot of optimism the artistic community will keep thriving going forward.
Live Nation Presents Anderson East in the Workplay Soundstage on Thursday, September 4. Benny G will open the 7:30 p.m. show. Advance tickets are $38.70 and can be purchased at www.workplay.com.