I was wondering if you have listened to the new song of Midwest Royal called Bourbon?I had the chance to watch it after its release on September 3rd, and it’s pretty;; killer, wouldn’t you agree?I’d say that Jonathan Rodebaugh has really embraced that outlaw country aesthetic while not being overtly traditional.
And from the word ‘go,’ it’s a gut-punch – those rasp-toned guitars and the cold, eerie twang of a pedal steel are so apt. Some of the words are textually highlighted as follows: Hello there! Rodebaugh has this world-weary voice that is just perfect for these lyrics. He doesn’t hold back with the lyrics either, having a go at the ruling elite and wondering why all these bloody conflicts we are drawn into.
The music itself is high-quality to the extent that none of the songs can be considered as average. My favorite part: Scott Guberman on the Hammond B3 – he destroys it – and Ben Helson on guitar – he absolutely rips it up. Yes, the whole bourbon and cigarettes imagery in the whole of the song?It’s like a very fitting representation of attempting to anesthetize all the turmoils happening in life, but simultaneously going against it at the same time.
This is not just the chorus of some hippie song – it is almost as if Rodebaugh is singing exactly what a lot of people today are thinking. That anger at how things are, right?First of all, the term “Bourbon” denotes something that is a kind of anthem for all the people, who have had it with the system. Still, one has to note that Midwest Royal has done a great job with this particular release for sure.
I feel quite excited waiting for them to unveil what they have been coming up with next. If you like modern outlaw country then you should check this out.
Listen to Bourbon
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What is your stage name?My name is Jonathan Rodebaugh, but I write and record music under the name “Midwest Royal”.
Is there a story behind your stage name?I use this moniker because my music is more of a collective than an individual. I write songs and can play guitar, bass, some drums, and can sing some tunes. I hear the songs close to complete in my head and know what the songs need. Because of this, I write in many genres because the goal is to make the song it’s best.
Therefore I use musicians and vocalists to bring my music to life. Sometimes I only play bass and other times I do most of the instrumentation. Just depends on the song. So it if kind of like Queens of the Stone as there are revolving musicians. I prefer to write and record this way because it allows me to have control over the song to see it through, giving it every opportunity to reach it’s potential.
Where do you find inspiration?I find inspiration everywhere. I am inspired relationships, art, other music, nature, travel, reading, religion, politics, etc. I love living and experiencing life so I can be inspired by anything.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?I have loved music since birth. I grew up in Eastern Kentucky along the country music highway and bluegrass, country, rock, r&b, Motown, and blues were all part of my history. I loved listening to records as far back as I remember. I listened to the Beatles and the Monkees with my cousins while at my grandparents’ house. My first records were 45’s of Prince’s Delirious and Huey Lewis’ The Heart of Rock n Roll.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?Not a lot musically. All of my families love music. My dad’s side sang in church. My great grandfather on my mom’s side played banjo and my great aunt played guitar. That is all the musicality that I am aware of. My parents are both talented with their hands. My mom is good with painting and my dad is good with mechanical things.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?I think growing up watching Hee-Haw and the emphasis that my family put on music as an enjoyment gave me the inspiration.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?I still don’t think I have learned how to sing lol. I have never taken vocal lessons or sang in choirs. I actually do not enjoy singing. I prefer to play bass or guitar. I started playing upright bass in 3rd grade and played until 8th grade. I gave up playing music after 8th grade until I inherited my great aunt’s guitar in 10th grade.
I kept the guitar but didn’t learn to play it. After high school I worked at a factory and a coworker, who was a musician, began to teach me to play guitar and gave me tips on songwriting. I have been eternally grateful to him ever since.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?Other than southern gospel groups in church, my first concert was Carman in Lexington, Kentucky back in 1988 or so. It was an elaborate production. I was never a big fan of his music, I just went along with my cousins.
How could you describe your music?I believe that genre’s are just marketing tools. I write to the song, not the genre, while keeping my style ingrained throughout the process. I write and have written rock, alt-country, country, pop rock, alt rock, indie rock, and grunge/hard rock style songs thus far. I love all types of music (except modern jazz and death metal), so there is a good potential that I will write in more genres in the future.
Describe your creative process.I write one of two ways. Either I hear a melody with lyrics in my head that I write music to, or I write music that I like and form melodies and lyrics to that. Once I have the song structured, I take it to the studio and begin to develop it further. I take phone notes when I have ideas and usually do the complete writing process in the studio.
What is your main inspiration?Experiences that I have had are my primary inspiration. If I haven’t felt or experienced something it is hard to write about it.
What musician do you admire most and why?I am a big Paul Simon fan. He is the best songwriter of all time in my opinion. I believe that he wrote to make the song as best as possible. His entire catalog is amazing.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?Some. I used to try write a song like x, y or z. Now I just write songs.
Who do you see as your main competitor?Myself. Music is like golf. You do not play against other people as much as you play against the course.
What are your interests outside of music?I love travel and experiencing new cultures, playing tennis, working on cars, hiking, being outdoors, cooking, and reading.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?It is not my career. I work in rubber hoses.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?Easily getting my music in front of people who might like it.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?Gatekeepers
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?This single is called bourbon. I have been deeply irritated and affected, as all Americans have, by corrupt politicians. We should all be able to agree that Washington is not working for us but working for themselves and the people that multiply their net worth.
The idea and lyrics of a real American sitting at the bar, watching news on the bar tv with a bourbon in one hand, smoking a cigar or cigarette in the other hand, and being so fed up with the news that they give the middle finger to the TV. I wrote this idea into an anti US corruption song talking about all the things that make me angry.
Bourbon was a good title because it is in the song, is short, and is always something that comes with a good conversation. This song is a conversation about why we support bad behavior and theft in Washington. United we stand, divided we fall.
What are your plans for the coming months?I will be releasing a new single each month for the indefinite future.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plansNot outside of my normal writing process.
What message would you like to give to your fans?Keep listening and sharing Midwest Royal!
