Kevin Bronson on May 16th, 2020

0

Not only has 2020 been a wash for Brian Whelan’s work in music, he had postpone his nuptials until 2021. With a new single just out, Whelan tells Buzz Bands LA about sticking to a schedule, the rewards of giving music lessons and getting an earful of Texas sunshine. Today’s QUARANTUNES:

THE LATEST FROM BRIAN WHELAN

Singer, songwriter and guitarist extraordinaire Brian Whelan hasn’t released an album since 2016’s “Sugarland,” but it’s not like he’s slacking. Besides his “day job” playing in Dwight Yoakam’s band, he’s been involved in many other collaborations as an in-demand live and studio player. But Whelan returned on Friday with the new single “So Long Blue,” a lilting roots-rocker punctuated by a sweet guitar solo. Produced by Luke Adams (Pete Yorn, Jacob Dylan, Priscilla Ahn and Brandon Flowers, among others) and mastered by Dave Way, it’s a song Whelan co-wrote with Jimmer Podrasky (The Rave-Ups). Yoakam himself premiered it on his Sirius XM show last month.

HOW ARE YOU HOLDING UP AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MANAGE THE ‘STAY AT HOME’ EDICT?

I’ve been teaching virtual music lessons while I wait for live performance and studio work to return. I’ve been enjoying it a great deal, as I feel that the students are also getting something out of it — nice to be a part of something positive during this dark time. In case anyone out there is interested.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO WHEN THIS IS OVER?

Well, the big thing is my wedding, which was postponed until 2021. I will be so psyched to have that party. To be honest, I really miss seeing my friends and family. I miss watching sports in a bar. I miss playing music onstage — it’s such a huge part of my identity that is on hold.

ANYTHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS PLAYLIST?

Sticking to a daily schedule, for me, has been really helpful in staying sane. Every day I make dinner for my fiancé and I, and I have a playlist that I’ve been listening to that has a lot of Texas music, although there’s other stuff on there as well. I wanted to share it with everyone, hopefully it will bring a little Texas sunshine your way!