Illinois native Adam Warner‘s family history centers on generations of hard working farmers and members of the U.S. Armed forces, both of which have greatly influenced him. A Veteran of the U.S. Marines himself, Warner’s current single “4 Square Miles” is a wonderful tribute to family that is very personal but also universal.
We caught up with Warner to talk about his military service, working with Trace Adkins, 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?
AW: I grew up in a little farm town in Southeastern Illinois called Lawrenceville. Both sides of my family are farmers. I grew up working on our family farm and started my first band around 13 years old. After school, I joined the military where I served 4 years in the Marine Corps. Music continued to be a huge part of my life as I went through college at MTSU and began to pursue music full time after graduating.
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?
AW: I am thankful that everyone in my family has stayed healthy. Of course, I miss normal life and really look forward to being able to play live music again.
CN: Today is the 245th Birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, and tomorrow is Veterans Day. We want to extend our gratitude to you for your service as a Veteran of the USMC. We are forever in debt to those who sacrifice to protect our freedom. Would you be able to share some of your experience in the Service?
AW: First of all, thank you, and Happy 245th Birthday to all Marines, everywhere! The Marine Corps was the best job I’ve ever had and I met some of the finest individuals that I am still friends with today. It’s a brotherhood that lasts forever and I’m honored to be part of the few, the proud.
CN: While you were attending college you decided to join the Marines. What sparked that decision?
AW: The war was in full swing at the time, and while a lot of my friends were doing their part, I decided that it was time to do mine. So I decided to put college on hold and join.
CN: Two years ago you released the incredible song “Semper Fi” in tribute to all active and former military. How important was it to you to release this song as a Veteran, but also as support for your fellow brothers and sisters in uniform?
AW: I remember how much the song spoke to me when I first heard Trace’s version of it, and I’m honored to be able to share it with others who have worn the uniform as well.
CN: In asking for permission to record “Semper Fi,” Trace Adkins, who originally recorded the song, joined you on the single. You’ve opened up for Trace on several occasions, what was it like to work with Trace on this song?
AW: This was an unforgettable experience. Trace is a hero of mine and being able to sing with one of my heroes was a milestone in my music career.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
AW: Trace, of course. He is such a class act and an amazing performer. It was priceless being able to learn from him on the road. Growing up, I listened to a little bit of everything. Some of my favorites are Lynyrd Skynyrd, Charlie Daniels Band, Garth Brooks, Brooks and Dunn, Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Tool, Jay-Z, and the Notorious B.I.G., just to name a few. Plus, I really appreciate the legends as well like Waylon, Johnny, Merle, and George Jones.
CN: You started songwriting in high school, continued through the Marines, and then moved to Nashville. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
AW: As far as my songwriting process goes, I’m more of a ‘hook’ guy, so I get a lot of my inspiration from everyday life and conversations. For example, inspiration for ‘Someone God Can Use’ came to me in church while listening to the sermon.
CN: You have said that you see yourself in Hank Jr. and released “Rowdy as Randall” as your first single. How similar are you and in what ways?
AW: [laughing] Without getting myself in trouble, I would say that we both just do what we want to do, and then worry about the consequences later.
CN: At the beginning of September you released your new single “4 Square Miles.” This song is very intimate and personal to you. Can you share with us the story behind this song?
AW: I wrote the song about my grandfather and my hometown where I grew up. It’s a song about going back to where it all started that I hope others can relate to when they think about their own “4 Square Miles.”
CN: The video is equally personal as it includes several family photos throughout.
AW: When I wrote the song, I wanted the listener to see the story come to life, so I included what it was really like growing up in my hometown and working for my grandfather on the farm.
CN: During this pandemic, you created Beer:30 a weekly social media live-streamed music variety show. How did the idea for these virtual events come about?
AW: Because of the virus, I had 30+ shows cancelled all at once, not including the one-offs that we had here in Nashville. I wanted to be able to keep my band busy and also give my friends a platform to play on as well. I know the world is missing live music right now, so this is my way of bringing it to them.
CN: Where can fans find the live stream?
AW: We stream on Facebook Live and my YouTube channel every Monday at 6:30pm CT.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
AW: Reba and Brooks and Dunn.
CN: If you were able to collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
AW: If I could do a duet with anyone, it would have to be Dolly Parton.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
AW: Humble. Because there is so much talent in this industry, I feel very blessed to be where I am, and I don’t take that for granted.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you? Any more new music on the way?
AW: Yes, I am always working on new music and writing new songs. I am currently working on a new project for 2021 and look forward to playing these new songs out live when we are able to get back on the road.
Download or stream “4 Square Miles” here.
For more information on Adam Warner, visit his website at www.adamwarneriscountry.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.