While growing up in the land of Grunge, the decision to become a Country singer is the antithesis of what one could possibly expect, but that is exactly the path Joey Hendricks took. His passion for storytelling from the masters like Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson as well as modern day lyricists including John Mayer led Hendricks to the genre home of three chords and the truth – with the truth being the most important to him. After leaving Washington, Hendricks headed to Music City (via Arizona) and signed a publishing deal with Parallel Entertainment in 2017. This past July Hendricks turned another corner in his career, signing a recording deal with Sony Music Nashville and releasing his debut single “Yours or Mine” soon after.
We caught up with the storyteller to talk about those who have influenced him as a songwriter, his current single and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JH: My name is Joey Hendricks. I’m 23 years old and I’m from Anacortes, WA. I love spaghetti and meatballs. My favorite movie is Dewey Cox Walk Hard. I used to do magic.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
JH: Everyone is safe and healthy, so that’s a good thing. I’m holding up. It started off rough, but I think I’m finally starting to adapt.
CN: You grew up in Washington State – the home of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden – all amazing and influential grunge and rock bands. How did you discover country music?
JH: I was definitely influenced by those bands as well, but it wasn’t until I got into guys like Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash that my love for songwriting and storytelling began.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JH: So many. The Beatles, John Mayer, Neil Young, Kacey Musgraves, and so many more. I’d say those are a few that definitely inspired me as an artist and songwriter.
CN: You started playing guitar at a young age when your dad brought home a guitar book. Did playing guitar come easy to you?
JH: Playing chords came relatively easy. As far as ripping sick solos go, I still have a lot of work to do haha.
CN: What was the first album you ever owned?
JH: I don’t remember my first album, but I grew up listening to whatever my dad played which was The Beatles, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, and stuff like that. So I got bit by the bug pretty early on.
CN: Neil Young and John Mayer are credited as inspirations for your songwriting. What is it about their styles that clicked with you?
JH: They are incredible musicians and prolific songwriters. As artists they’ve covered a lot of ground and styles musically, but have still always found a way to stay true to themselves. That’s the kind of artist I want to be.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? In what ways has the current COVID-19 situation affected your craft? Perhaps in regards to inspiration (providing some or a lack of?)
JH: I don’t really have a songwriting process. I usually try to have a melody or an idea going in, but I think it just comes down to sometimes there’s magic and most times there’s not. Sometimes I’m just lucky enough to be there when it all connects. I’m still looking for the perfect formula, but I don’t think I’ll ever find it haha.
CN: Late last year you decided to go from songwriter to solo artist. What led to your decision to switch from behind the lyrics to behind the mic?
JH: I just was starting to write a lot of songs that felt like me, I don’t know really. I think I always wanted to be an artist, but the insecure side of me was like “I’ll just be a songwriter”. I’m so grateful I had a team around me that pushed me out of my comfort zone.
CN: In July of this year you signed with Sony Music Nashville and soon after released your debut single “Yours or Mine.” What was going through your head when you realized this is it – you were about to introduce yourself with your first single?
JH: Nerves, excitement, every emotion haha. I’m so proud of the music we’ve created and now I’m just pumped to get all these songs out into the world.
CN: Can you share the story behind the song?
JH: It’s just about the beginning stage of getting to know someone and the back and forth of who’s going to be the first one to call it what it is. Who’s heart will take it harder when we say goodbye, yours or mine?
CN: What was the first concert you attended?
JH: Aerosmith at the California Mid State Fair.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
JH: Too many. Paul McCartney, John Mayer, Billie Eilish, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JH: Handsome. I don’t know, that’s what my mom always said haha.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you? Any new music on the way?
JH: Definitely more music and content to support it.
The official music video for “Yours or Mine” was released today – click here to watch.
For more information on Joey Hendricks, visit his website at joeyhendricks.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.