Texas is now gearing for the Texas Music Awards which is an award for Texas Music as well as Americana Music. I have the pleasure of interviewing one of the nominees Mark Allan Atwood to talk about Texas Music, the Awards, and the inspiration for his records. The following was conducted via E Mail from Florida to Texas.

 1. How did you get started in the Texas Musix Scene?

Well, there’s a long answer and a short answer to that so I’ll try and keep it short. I got my start on the Dallas Acoustic Songwriter scene in 1980 playing some of the songwriter nights and open mics that were hosted by amazingly talented writers. I was very influenced by the folk and americana writers of that place and time. I’ve been involved in playing music in different genres and all over the southwest US ever since. I had a moderate level of success on the hard rock scene of the late 80’s through early 90’s with my band Wasteland. There was an almost 9-year break that I ended in 2005. When I came back to writing and performing, it was the excitement and talent on the Texas Alternative Country or Red Dirt scene that really got my attention and it seemed to be an easy transition for me that was essentially reverting back to my roots as a songwriter.

 2. What can Texas Offer Musically that the Mainstream cannot or will not offer?

 Texas Music, whether it’s called Red Dirt, Alternative Country or Americana, has a distinctive vibe that seems to play off more real life experiences of the artists and the listeners and for me is more the music of, by and for the people. Corporate Country radio these days seems so formulaic that it most often is just easy hooks and cheesy lyrics that are designed to elicit a desired emotion and radio success with little or no thought to the actual art of the song and lacks a personal connection to the artists.

 3. Who were your musical idols and how were you able to form your own style?

My musical inspirations have always been the real songwriters of the craft, not just superstar performers. Kris Kristofferson, B.W. Stevenson, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jackson Browne, Bruce Springsteen and others who breathed a real sense of life into their music. Some of the writers and performers on my scene now are just as talented and I am proud to be along side such amazing songwriters like Kevin Higgins, Hayes Carll and Tres Womack, all former winners, as a TMA nominee.

 4. What was your reaction when you were nominated for the TMA?

I was actually driving home from a gig when I got the call and damn near drove off the road! Awards don’t necessarily define an artist, but to be nominated for a TMA, which means being recognized for your hard work and contributions to a scene that is very close to my heart, is an amazing honor. The first ever winner of the TMA for Rising Star of the Year was Hayes Carll, who’s work as a writer I respect so very much. To have my name in the category of nominees for an award with folks like that is a huge thrill.

 5. What was the inspiration behind «How Country» and how long did it take you to produce and record the album?

 The stories you’ll find on the 10 original tracks on How Country lean heavily on my experiences as a 30 year veteran on the Texas music scene. Many of them are taken directly from real life experiences that happened to me on the road during the Wasteland years. Full Of It, track number two, is a good example. Every single word of that song is a true story. We began the project in April of 2008, wrapped up recording mixing and final production in June of 2009 and it was finally released in December. I was fortunate to have some of the finest musicians in the business take part in making my vision come true.

 6. What were the inspirations behind «Digital Side of the Moon» and «Come Feel The Metal»? I was thinking about Pink Floyd’s «Dark Side of The Moon»

 These were both compilation albums on which Wasteland was honored to have been chosen to participate in. Digital Side of the Moon, on Big Noise Records was distributed worldwide to industry professionals and Come On Feel The Metal, Steve Records, was a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and sold fairly well across the state. It was a concept album with some of the hottest bands in Texas at the time contributing their favorite remakes of classic guitar rock covers.

 7. Have you been doing or will you start doing tours around America and the world?

 Right now I play an average of 25-plus dates a month, all over Texas. But as the album starts to reach new audiences we’re planning shows across the southwest U.S. and my passport is ready to go as soon as shows outside the U.S. come our way.

 8. What are your recommendations for those who want to get started in music?

 This is a very simple answer. First, make certain you’re doing it for the right reasons. If you just want to be a big star and make money, this business will chew you up and spit you out. Audiences can sniff out a fake, eventually. It has to be foremost about the music. Also, be willing to work hard. Being talented is no substitute for hard work and the willingness to put your entire being into what you do. And finally, learn how to connect with your audience. No matter how talented you are, if folks don’t feel like you’re there with them and for them, they will stop spending their hard earned dollars to come see you and buy your music.

 9. Where can people buy your albums?

Right now How Country is available at MyTexasMusic.com, LoneStarMusic.com and will soon be available on CD Baby and iTunes for digital download. You can also purchase copies of the album at any of my shows. Digital Side of the Moon is out of print and unavailable. Come On Feel The Metal is also out of print but can still be found on sites such as Amazon.com.

 10. Do you have any message for your fans?

 Of course. If it wasn’t for the wonderful support I receive from fans and friends I wouldn’t be able to do what I do. Although I’d still write and play even if there wasn’t a soul listening, I would not be able to travel around and live a true dream of performing for a living if it wasn’t for them. I never have and never will forget that. My supporters make my life possible. That’s a big thing.

 
Thanks for everything and best wishes from Miami