Joe McClour, the former lead guitarist/songwriter for The Leavelles, is stepping out on his own with his new album Show Up and Love Me. The song “Bloodline” caught my ear, a tried-and-true roots rock number marveling at the inconsistencies of small-town life. McClour brings a painterly eye to his storytelling — and a true gift for compassion.
“‘Bloodline’ is told from the point of view of a friend looking at my life and my mistakes,” McClour tells us. “He’s questioning whether or not I can be a better man and truly change given my bloodline and how I was raised. It also touches on the futility of trying to run from yourself.”
Explain the title of your album.
This album explores a lot of different kinds of love I’ve experienced in life. Family and friends are sometimes directly referenced in the songs and sometimes just alluded to. Some of these people are no longer with us, but the love lasts forever. The album, Show Up and Love Me, is named after a song I wrote for my wife. Basically, I tell her in the song that I don’t expect her to be my whole universe. I know she can’t fix everything, and I’m not going to ask her to. I just need her to keep showing up and loving me. That commitment, in the face of all that life throws at us, is an amazing picture of true love.
Do you start off with the music or lyrics first? Why?
I’ve started songs both ways, but usually lyrics come first. I’ve got an English degree and a love of language. I’ll overhear a conversation or see something on the news, and it’ll set the wheels in motion. If I’m not at home, I’ll record a voice memo on my phone of me singing the words. If I’m at the house, though, I’ll rush into the office and grab a guitar. I typically just sit on the carpet with an old Epiphone J-200 acoustic. That is where every original song on this album got its start.
Who would you love to collaborate with? why?
Lilly Hiatt! She has such a beautiful voice. It’s so pure and vulnerable. In addition, she’s a phenomenal songwriter. She doesn’t get nearly the acclaim she deserves. I’d love to sit in a room with her and a couple of guitars. Writing a song with her and having her sing on it would be amazing.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
If someone wants to support me financially, the best way is to digitally purchase the album/tracks or buy a CD from me. I don’t make a living from my music, though. I work two jobs, a full-time and a part-time job. I make music because it’s what I do. I’m compelled to write songs and share them with others. If you want to ignore the financial side, the best way to support me is to share my music. Put it on a playlist, burn a CD, tell your friends. Give it away if you have to! Music brings us together, helps us find understanding, and heals us. If something I’ve written connects with someone and where they are in life, that’s the best thing I can ask for.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I’ve always dreamed of recording at Sun Studio in Memphis. It’s a funky room with so much history. I’d love to cut some tracks there with a tight band and minimal overdubs. I think it would be cool to focus on the overall vibe and just see what we come up with.
Joe Mcclure — Instagram