10 Questions For Troy Cartwright

The Dallas-raised singer/songwriter began life in a conservative household where his modern music education pretty much consisted of Steven Curtis Chapman’s records and the soundtrack to the Academy Award-winning film “Forrest Gump.”  His parents gifted him with a guitar on his 12th birthday and the lad was gigging in bars and churches soon after. 

Cartwright ventured to New York City where he attended a summer program at NYU, which eventually led to attending Boston’s Berklee College Of Music.

Cartwright’s 2013 Bull Run EP earned the artist top honors  in the B.W. Stevenson Songwriting Competition.  His new EP, Don’t Fade, arrives Oct. 7 via Hard Luck Recording Company.

1. What excites you the most about next month’s release of your new EP, Don’t Fade?

I’m excited for other people to hear all of the hard work we put into getting this record just right. We started with almost 50 songs and tried to pick the best five, which was not an easy process.  With Rob Baird and Brian Douglas Phillips’ help, I think we took a big step forward both sonically and from a songwriting perspective. I truly can’t wait for others to hear how all our hard work has paid off.

2. If you could have one country music star, past or present, hear Don’t Fade, who would it be?

I’ve always admired Jack Ingram so much, he has always been great at riding the line between thought provoking and commercial viability.   I hope he hears the new record and loves it. It would be a dream come true to get his thoughts and glean wisdom from someone who has been so well admired by fans and artists.

3. What was the first song you ever learned to play?

It honestly might have been “Hey There Delilah” by the Plain White T’s.  At least that’s the first one I learned all the way through.

4. When did your parents realize you were serious about making music a career?

I think once I started getting paid regularly when I was 15 or 16 they realized I might not be joking. They’ve always been incredibly supportive of me.

5. The description “singer/songwriter” can be applied to many song-crafters across multiple genres.  What makes your compositions country music songs?

I think one of things that makes a country artist be considered as such is that their songs are lyric driven. The words have always been the most important part of the song to me, and I think the country instrumentation gives me a great avenue to get those words across.

6. How has signing with booking agency William Morris Endeavor improved your career?

Prior to joining WME, I was booking up to 150 shows a year completely on my own and, as an artist, it was always a struggle to find time to continue being creative while trying to book shows at that pace.  After DIYing it at that level for so long, you don’t want just an agency/agents you can trust with what you’ve built, you hope for the most strategic, innovative, and creative team possible.  WME came to the table with a passionate three-part team consisting of Kevin Neal, Rush Davenport, and Henry Glascock who have all brought something different to the table.  They’ve each been incredible in helping us to navigate and grow the current touring business while also looking downstream at the same time for future opportunities, not only in touring, but in brand development and strategic partnerships.

7. Do you ever sing when no one is around, such as in the shower or driving? 

Absolutely! I’m singing all of the time – one of my favorites to sing along to is Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin'”… that song is such a jam.

8. Many artists talk about the performers who have influenced their music. Along the same line,  which artist/artists have influenced your live performance?

I have always admired how much work Granger Smith puts into his live show – he was doing that even before he hit the big time. I also love the simplicity in Jason Isbell’s live show. I think anyone who is being deliberate in what they’re doing is worth emulating.

9. What’s the one social media outlet (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) that works best for you?

I love them all – but I love the direct connection you can get with the fans on Facebook. 

10. What advice would you give a struggling young artist trying to get their music heard?

Never be afraid to send that email.  We’ll get 1,000 no’s before we get any yes’s but all those no’s build character and make the yes’s so very worth it.

Troy Cartwright’s touring calendar:

Sept. 20 – San Angelo, Texas, Fiddlestrings Sports Bar
Sept. 21 – Dallas, Texas, Twilite Lounge
Sept. 22 – College Station, Texas, The Tap
Sept. 23 – Fort Worth, Texas, Magnolia Motor Lounge
Oct. 1 – Amarillo, Texas, Midnight Rodeo
Oct. 8 – Katy, Texas, Mo’s Place
Oct. 14 – Wichita Falls, Texas, Denim & Diamonds
Oct. 15 – New Braunfels, Texas, Gruene Hall
Oct. 20 – Mansfield, Texas, Fat Daddy’s
Oct. 23 – Dallas, Texas, Truck Yard
Nov. 4 – San Angelo, Texas, TBA
Nov. 13 – Lubbock, Texas, TBA
Nov. 24 – Fort Worth, Texas, Billy Bob’s Texas

Appearing with Wade Bowen Oct. 1 and Granger Smith Oct. 8.

For more information, please visit Troy Cartwright’s website, Facebook page, Instagram HQ, Twitter feed and YouTube channel.