There’s something about the Bayou that’s hard to explain. You could call it charm, charisma even. Whatever it is, life on the Bayou has it’s own distinct style and vibe. I’ve lived in a lot of places, but none compared to my time there. So when Rusty Reid sent over his new album, Bayou Line: Songs From Houston, I was immediately hooked.
Top shelf production, top class musicianship and radio-ready song crafting are delivered from beginning to end, all 17 tracks. Speaking of…who does that anymore? You know…release full length albums that are awesome? I see a LOT of single submissions. Most projects that aren’t singles are, at best, 3-6 song EPs. So when someone sends us a 17-track album that packs this much punch, our attention is piqued.
In this interview spotlight, we rock out Bayou style with Rusty Reid discussing favorite songs of all time, dream collabs, the new project and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Are you able to choose a favorite song of all time? Or would you label this an impossible task? If yes, what’s the song? If no, what’s your current Top 3?
Favorite song that I wrote? Or favorite song period? Yes, difficult if not impossible either way. For my own songs, I would lean toward “Head to Heart” and “Dismaland” off my last album (Head to Heart) and maybe “Corner of My Mind” from the new album “Bayou Line.” As to other artists, Wow… with a gun to my head I would blurt out “Here, There and Everywhere” – Beatles, “If You Could Read My Mind” – Gordon Lightfoot, “America” – Paul Simon. These feature great melodies and lyrics that are so original and actually mean something.
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
My last album “Head to Heart” was my revolutionary manifesto; a political-philosophical-spiritual tour de force. For this latest album. For the new one, “Bayou Line,” I’m re-recording some of the best songs I wrote decades ago… so very little in the way of “philosophy” but it’s great to revisit these songs that many of my fans still love best. I really wanted to get these out in decent form, and with the assistance of world-class players, I think that goal was achieved.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
If you are a true artist, it’s just what you do. What else are you going to do? You are compelled to create… if only for yourself. Indeed, the artist really only has one critic they truly wish to impress: themselves. So you keep going, hoping to fashion something that clears the bar of your own imagination and expectation, and maybe, just maybe, surprises even you.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Gosh, so many mentors. I’m trying to think of someone that I could actually help with their art, and not just sit there amazed at their abilities. You know who I might choose? Bob Dylan. Such fantastic lyrics, but kinda, often, pretty rote melodies. I could bring superior melodies to some of his work. In fact, I did just that with one of his songs, “Red River Shore, “ which even he thought was too lame to include on the album it was written for (“Time Out of Mind”). I added a melodic bridge and it’s way better. I’ll release my version one of these days.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?
“Shelter” by Blue Shirt Charlie – it’s on the “Rusty Reid Radio” playlist Spotify created, and I wanted to see if was the same “Shelter” that I covered a while back (original by Lone Justice)… nope different song, but actually pretty good. All-time faves: Beatles, Doors, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, Eagles, Hank Williams, U2, No Doubt, Brandi Carlisle, Blue Water Highway… a lot of others, but those jump to mind.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
Website is RR Central: https://RustyReid.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RustyReidSongwriter
I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
My “style” is actually a blend of styles. Through the same album, I jump around a bit, from country to rock to pop. If one song isn’t your gig, try another. After listening to “Bayou Line” try “Head to Heart,” totally different in focus and purpose. Hope you find some songs you come to love.
