When you hear “born and raised in Texas,” and “playing music in Nashville,” the words “alt-rock” and “indie” don’t exactly come to mind — but that’s what you’ll find if you listen to Case Wooton’s music. Though the Texas-native is an avid fan of the Texas country out of his hometown, he’s a little more rock ‘n’ roll than that.
I grew up listening to classic rock and punk out of the 2000s, and a lot of that really influences my style,” he says.
Since making his move to Nashville two years ago, Case has already released his debut album, and he’s played some of Nashville’s most popular venues. He’s even getting ready for his next release, and nothing — not even a stereotype — will slow him down.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Case about his latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from a couple different itty bitty specs on the map in South Texas, and I make soulful rock. But each song, depending on the way I write it, has it’s own sound. I don’t like putting myself into one style because it starts limiting the music you create. As far as parameters go, I don’t make a whole lot of hip hop — but right now I’m writing soulful rock.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I think the music itself is so much more than a genre or any barrier we could put around it. I feel like rock ’n’ roll is honest. Rock ’n’ roll doesn’t give a shit what you think. But in my experience, the people who wrote the rock I listened to cared about me. I really only set out to take honest pictures of my life and hope that someone else can pull from it. But as long as I’m writing honestly, I’ll write what the song needs to be. I don’t know what type of music I’m going to wake up tomorrow and make, but I sure hope it’s rock ‘n’ roll.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The major way that it’s different from the last release is that it’s much more focused. The main thing I want to accomplish with this record is to give people an update on where I’m at. This record is my proudest moment, but it doesn’t even scratch the surface. I’ve improved, my producer, Anthony Cianchetta, has improved, and I can’t wait for people to hear where we are now. And I hope this record is the first chapter in a story that hasn’t even picked up steam.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
The number one challenge is separating yourself as a real artist in an age where an iPhone and 10,000 followers looks as real as it gets. Also, when you’re creating full band records that take months to write and 40 hours a week at a day job to pay for, it’s hard to put out content at a pace that keeps you relevant. At the same time, technology has given us all a stage and the ability to get personal with your audience. And if you stay on your stage, you’ll find your audience.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
If you want my personal thoughts and to stay updated on what’s going on, Twitter is the best place to find me. I stay active on all my social media though, and you can find me by searching @CaseWooton. My website is also always updated with the latest news and music, and all of my music is on whatever music retailer you listen to the most!
Anything else before we sign off?
Good interview, man. It’s been a pleasure.
