Leon Majcen’s new single “World Gone By” is the singer songwriter’s tribute to the late John Prine, and was released on the one-year anniversary of Prine’s passing (April 7). You can hear Prine’s influence front-and-center in both the production and the songwriting — snappy, down-to-earth lyrics and sparse yet warm production featuring acoustic instrumentation. Cooling his heels in Tampa, Majcen filled us in on what he missed about touring, his favorite songs, and what’s at the top of his bucket list.
1.) Name a perfect song and tell us why you feel that way.
To me, a perfect song is “Me and Bobby Mcgee” by Kris Kristofferson. Every time I hear this song, it plays through my head like a movie, whether I’m trying to visualize it or not. I love good lyrics and stories, and this song definitely checks those boxes. The lyrics give you an insight beyond what they’re explicitly saying, and as a songwriter, I think that’s really hard to do. Hats off to Kris!
2.) Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
Personally, I don’t like making too much of a science out of things. I find it best to always be ready to gather ideas and keep your eyes and ears open for anything that might inspire you, whether it be a night out with friends, a road trip, or even a morning cup of coffee.
3.) What have you missed about touring?
In just two weeks on the road, I feel like you can squeeze in a year’s worth of new people met and new places seen. Touring definitely simplifies life in a weird way – the only things you have to worry about while you’re on the road is getting to your shows on time and playing your songs, which is very different from life back home.
4.) Explain the title of your new single, “World Gone By”.
I wrote this song at the start of the pandemic when I found out that John Prine had passed away due to COVID-19. It was written as my own personal tribute to John Prine. At the time, I felt that so much was changing so quickly, and the world we knew was not going to be the same world we’d come to know once this pandemic was over and done with.
5.) Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
A “bucket list” item that I hope to check off one day is playing at the Grand Ole Opry. My family and I came to the states when I was about two years old, and for me to be naturally drawn to Country and Folk music was always a little odd, considering I was raised in a Bosnian household. I think playing the Opry would be a big accomplishment in just about anybody’s book, but especially mine.