Check out Will’s new album Living With Ghosts out September 6th. His new single “Jacqueline” is out now and available for streaming, which is a catchy fusion of Roots and Americana and rockabilly that will inspire you to explore more of Will Payne Harrison’s catalog!
In Lafayette, LA Johnson’s Boucaniere has the Begnaud Special that is out of this world or if you want a poboy, go to Pop’s Poboys and get the Cajun Castro. Locally in Nashville, it’s the Turkey Bacon Avocado all day at Mitchell’s Deli. Now you’re making me hungry.
The Beatles or Elvis? Why?
This feels like an unfair question. Haha. Mainly because The Beatles wrote their own songs and Elvis blew everyone’s mind with his performances. So if we’re going for songwriting: The Beatles; if we’re going for performance: The King.
Lyrics to live by?
“I want to set fear on fire and give dreaming a fair shot, and never give up whether anybody cares or not” – John Moreland“Desert Island” album?
Graceland by Paul Simon or Sweet Revenge by John Prine. Sorry, I couldn’t pick one.
What country music artists do you listen to the most?
Willie Nelson, John Prine, Guy Clark, Merle Haggard, Steve Earle, Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, and of course Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. Some of the newer guys I really like are Tyler Childers, John Moreland, Lukas Nelson, and Shooter Jennings.
How would you describe your “sound”?
This is the toughest question for every artist. I think Living With Ghosts sounds like a Country/Americana album steeped in Roots, Blues and Louisiana music. But honestly, I’d love for everyone to listen and tell me what they think!
Where do you see your musical career in 5 years?
I’m hoping by then to be asked to do my own remix of “Old Town Road.” But truly, I’d be honored to be playing venues like The Ryman in 5 years.
Are there any instruments you don’t play but wish you did? Why?
Pedal Steel or Fiddle. Because those are two of my favorite sounds in Country music. They’re both equally the hardest instruments to learn, though. So I’ll just stick to guitar.
What was the best advice you have received?
Scott Avett told me “Just because you have more money and fans doesn’t make it any easier, you have to really love what you do”.
What advice would you give to yourself at the start of your musical career?
Don’t take anything personally and be patient. Be grateful for everything.
Where does most of your inspiration come from?
I once read that poetry is dirt in the corner. Inspiration can come from anywhere: a deep conversation, a prayer, a family member, or a close friend. I wrote a song about passing a funeral home, so anything goes really. Each song is a new inspiration for me.
What do you consider to be your biggest achievement in your career so far?
Meet Country 