Struggle Jennings – Shoulda Woulda Coulda

By starrymag | January 5, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Always changing. It’s crazy, we had a whole album “finished” before we left out for the Backroad Baptism Tour and by the time it was over, we had added more songs, and I was ready to re-record my vocals and inspired again. That’s the thing with me, if I don’t put it out quick, I’m going to decide it’s not done and want to change everything. It’s part of being an artist, I think. The work is never “final.”

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I’m an 80s baby, and I grew up in West Nashville on hip-hop and R&B. But I also had the influence of iconic country songwriters like my grandparents, Willie Nelson, and classic country. My wife and I are always playing throwback records for our kids.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Shoulda Woulda Coulda.”

 

A) “Shoulda Woulda Coulda” is an anthem for the risk taker. Everyone knows the phrase. A lot of my songs talk about where I came from and the hard times. I wanted to have a song that allowed the people who were still fighting or are finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel to celebrate their victories.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) Man, when we play that song live it’s on fire. I think it’s the driving guitar riff that keeps the energy up and then just the message of the song. It gives people that have come from a tough time something to celebrate with.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It depends. Sometimes I have a line in my head, and I sit down in a room, and we work it out from there, but then sometimes someone comes in with a beat and we write to that.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) From start to finish. I prefer to be in the studio for every instrument being recorded. That way I know that the final song is exactly what I want and what I heard in my head when we wrote it.

 

Q) Your album El Camino is slated to come out soon. What can you tease about when it’ll come out and what are some themes that you’ll be exploring on it?

 

A) We’ve been working on El Camino for so long, I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. It’s leaning into the themes that my fans love and connect with me on, but really shows the growth I’ve been personally pushing for vocally. Every artist on my label is on it, which I’m super proud of. We’ll definitely be releasing it early 2024.

 

Q) You were recently out on tour with Jelly Roll. Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) The Jelly tour was incredible. Getting to be front and center to watch my best friend of twenty years headline shows like that was an honor, not to mention getting to perform. I’m really grateful to him for the opportunity.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Struggle Jennings performance?

 

A) Energy. And my team likes to call them my “sermons,” but I like to use the microphone to encourage my fans and uplift them, show them that anything is possible. I really try to make sure people leave inspired.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I have so many, and I’ve already gotten to collaborate with so many people that I love and respect. We’ve got some amazing ones coming up and I don’t want to spoil anything, but I really like the opportunity to push the boundaries of genre and expectations so I’m really open to collaboration as long as it’s genuine.

 

Q) As the grandson of famed musician Waylon Jennings, what advice did he offer you about the music industry that you’ve taken to heart and carried with you as an artist?

 

A) Waylon was such a huge influence on my growing up. He kept me in line, but he and my grandma Jessi, just always pushed me to be the best version of myself, true to myself. It took a lot of living and learning the hard way, but they have always been there with love.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) You know I gotta plug my Angels and Outlaws artists here. Caitlynne Curtis absolutely crushed it on the Backroad Baptism Tour, J.D. Huggins has been a rock for me in the studio this year writing with me while also recording his own album and releasing singles, Brianna, my daughter, is about to release new music that she’s really poured her heart and soul into in a way I’ve never seen her before. And Bonnie Stewart is going to be crushing the Americana scene in 2024.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Just a heartfelt thank you. You’ve given me and my family more than you can imagine, and I don’t take it for granted. Hoping to follow in my brother Jelly Roll’s footsteps this coming year and grow in how we give back to the community and the fans that have given us so much.