I just can’t get enough of Chicago country guitar slinger Wild Earp. Earp’s committed to a classic country life, with the sounds of old honky-tonk seemingly emanating from his soul. I’m thrilled that Earp has a whole new album under his big belt buckle: Dyin’ For Easy Livin’, which will be out on July 9th. The latest single off the album, “I Wanna Go,” allows Earp and his band The Free For Alls to vent their COVID isolation frustration — and show off their hot licks. Earp spoke with Adobe & Teardrops about his tour memories and his goals for the future.
What’s the inspiration behind “I Wanna Go?”
I love touring and going on road trips — the longer the drive, the better. There’s something about the road that inspires self-reflection and songwriting, and I have so many good memories of tour life with the band. Having to cancel our spring tour due to COVID last year stung, but then slowly giving up on the subsequent tours over the next year was really demoralizing. This song encapsulates that cabin fever I’ve been feeling, and the hope that we’ll be back on the road playing live music again this year with my buds. Featured on the track are Jed Taylor on baritone guitar, Brian Wilkie on pedal steel, and Sean Hughes on piano.
What have you missed about touring?
I miss being in a van and trading new music discoveries, podcasts, and shooting the general bull. It’s always a time when the band gets closer, and a lot of song ideas have come about from one-liners or inside jokes that come about on tour. I miss hitting up diners and hole-in-the-walls that people recommend to us along the way. I also just love driving- it’s a time to clear my head and do some long-term planning. My family and friends are pretty spread out across the country, so touring is also some of the only chances I have to see them. A home cooked meal in North Carolina or a day on the lake in upstate New York can really recharge you when you’re out on the road.
What have you not missed about touring?
I don’t miss the break downs, flat tires, broken AC, and sleeping on floors. I also am involved much more in booking than I’d like to be, and booking is my least favorite aspect of being a musician.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
If people have the means, buying a vinyl or some merch really goes a long way. Following on YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram are always appreciated. But I think the best support is putting our records on at bbqs and parties and telling your friends in person. I know I’m personally much more motivated to check out a recommendation from a friend than something that pops up on my socials. I put a newsletter out every month with our shows, new projects, and ways to support. Fans can sign up on our website, or by shooting me an email at booking@wildearp.com.
Recent release you cannot stop listening to?
We put on Melissa Carper’s Daddy’s Country Gold most Sunday afternoons around here. It has an old school, jazzy, western swing vibe that’s perfect for a little easy day drinkin’.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I don’t have a bucket list, per se, but I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a boy. In my free periods in elementary school I would draw maps and memorize facts from all the books I could find about the continent and its animals. Country & Western seems to be popular there, so I’d love to do an Australian tour someday!
Dyin’ For Easy Livin’ will be out on July 9th.