JT Trawick Interview — The Artist behind “Newton County Breakdown” featured in Shuffle Graphic Novel
A 4th generation musician and songwriter originally from the heart of Arkansas where the Ozark mountains fade away into the Arkansas River valley, JT was influenced early on by his Grandpa’s fiddle music and the invigorating sounds of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys.
Today, JT performs a wide variety of music within the acoustic Americana spectrum including covers of Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Glen Campbell. His own originals have been compared to the likes of John Prine or Guy Clark and he always has a hot breakdown fiddler in the band. Bring your boots and a partner to dance, or just come for some good songs and remember the good times.
JT’s song, “Newton County Breakdown” is featured in the upcoming superhero graphic novel, Shuffle. Available for pre-order on Zoop, the comic features David (AKA Shuffle) who gets superpowers based on what songs his suit plays. Too bad his powers only last as long as the songs do…
JD Boucher: Can you tell us a bit about your experience in music leading up to now?
JT Trawick: I first learned to play guitar to back my Dad at local get togethers and fiddle contests in the area. For a number of years, I would show up at every fiddle convention, square dance or bluegrass festival within driving distance. I found my way up to Portland, OR and held a residency at the iconic, Landmark Saloon for nearly 6 years playing my own version of Texan swing, and bluegrass. Today, I continue performing my original music at my Wednesday Livestream on Facebook and local venues. Wedding season is always a busy one, but there is still nothing more satisfying than tuning in to my fiddle or guitar here at the house.
JD: What was the production process like for the song featured in Shuffle?
JT: I actually had just finished recording a collection of fiddle tunes in the old school raw sort of method. Just me and my fiddle here at the house. I thought it could be fun to submit one of those tracks.
JD: What song have you been listening the most to lately, and what superpower do you think it would give you?
JT: I’ve been listening to a lot of T-Bone Walker lately. There’s superpowers all over his music.
JD: What would be the best way for someone reading this to support your music?
JT: If you are actually into my music, feel free to check out my livestream every Wednesday on Facebook. I am releasing an album of original songs next and will post updates at jttrawick.com. In fact, that is also the best place to listen to my samples as well.
JD: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
JT: Thanks for listening! Maybe I will see you at a square dance somewhere…
You can follow and support JT Trawick using the links below:
- http://www.jttrawick.com
- Soundcloud
- Facebook: travellinarkansawyer
- Instagram: jttrawick
- Youtube
Don’t forget pre-order Shuffle on Zoop before April 8th!
You can also find links to stream the rest of the Shuffle soundtrack at Shufflecomic.com!
