Channing Wilson is very appreciative of his fans, and always loves to hear from them.
The Georgia native talked to us about why he shifted from a songwriter to an artist, how “Bro Country” was a dark time in Nashville, the influences that have helped to shape his music over the years, and not being a fan of the social media upkeep that most artists have to endure.
Wilson actually went on to tell us that, in order to avoid social media, he agreed to do the new singing competition series called The Road. He discussed his experience as a part of the show, told us about how his Landman and Yellowstone connections helped him get on it, and shared that he’s got a new album on the way.
That last tidbit will certainly excite Wilson’s fans. So far, he’s only released one album in 2023 titled Dead Man. Even with the small amount of music (of his own) out in the world, his fans are still passionate as ever when he plays shows. Channing told us connecting with fans out on the road is what gets him out of bed in the mornings:
“There’s nothing better than your fans showing up to your show, and knowing your songs. That’s the thing that keeps you going. Sometimes when, a lot of people in Nashville can tell you no, and different things.”
Specifically, Channing Wilson really enjoys having conversations with his fans. He likened it to back in the day, when country music greats like Merle Haggard would have fan mail accounts. Though that’s a lost art nowadays, the country singer and songwriter gets the same experience by spending time at the merch booth after his shows:
“When you go out on the road and people talk to you and tell you how you impact them, it’s like, ‘Alright man, I’m still doing it. I’ve gotta do this.’ It just recharges you every single time. It don’t even take much, man. Just one person at the merch booth can really change your (outlook) and give you a whole other year.”
@whiskeyriff @channingwilsonmusic @Carolina Country Music Fest #whiskeyriff #whiskeyriffraff ♬ Sunday Morning Blues – Channing Wilson
All that being said… Wilson did admit that all of the stories he hears aren’t winners, so to speak. He’s grateful for every single fan that he has out there, but he did voice that some of them should maybe shorten up their stories a bit:
“Sometimes the stories can be long. When I’ve got 50 people to talk to and you’re telling me about your uncle that I remind you of, and how you all used to go fishing on Dale Hollow. It’s like, ‘Alright buddy, I appreciate it.'”
The “Blues Comin’ On” singer also touched on his upcoming festival date at the Carolina Country Music Fest. Some of the best artists in country music – including Riley Green, Tucker Wetmore, Flatland Cavalry and Post Malone – will be there in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina June 4 through June 7. It’s four days of great country music, right on the shores of Myrtle Beach. Make sure to get your tickets while you still can!
Channing Wilson will be there, and you can hear more from the country singer by checking out the interview on YouTube or making sure to download the podcast on Apple Podcasts by searching “Whiskey Riff Raff” or by clicking here.
We’re also available on Spotify and wherever else you can listen to podcasts.
Cheers, y’all.
