Artist Spotlight - Seth Walker

Seth Walker’s Why the Worry glides (“I Must Be in a Good Place Now”) and grooves (the title track) with effortless elegance. We recently caught up with the Asheville resident about chasing his songwriting muse, letting go and the seamless new album.

“I got together with my longtime collaborator Oliver Wood and we wrote the tune ‘Why the Worry,’” Walker says. “‘Why the Worry’ became the mantra for the entire process as we made this record. We just took everything and went from there.”

Alt. Country Specialty Chart: Describe how the new album took shape.

Seth Walker: I backwards landed into the record. I went into the studio – these sessions started in November 2023 in Nashville – and just started kicking things around with my trio. We stumbled into this sonic space as well as a relaxed groove and tempo and that laid the groundwork. Then I started writing with that in mind.  

Describe the album’s common lyrical theme.

I didn’t really have a preconceived notion going into the album, but looking back there was a through line with a spiritual and mother nature vibe without even planning that. I live on the mountain outside Asheville and am surrounded by nature. I think that feel is throughout the album.

Definitely on the title track.

Yeah, “Why the Worry.” We live in a noisy climate where we’re always trying to get somewhere but we’re not there yet. I guess this was about finding a compass as we were navigating through this record. We (made the record) trying not to steer.

Describe your goal by not steering.

I’m just saying the muse is not to be steered. You can guide and dance with the muse but you cannot control the muse. The tricky part is just getting out of the damn way. The muse is the boss.

Explain why getting out of the way is so difficult.

(Laughs) I know. You would think that would be a no-brainer. All this shit is wrapped up in fear, insecurity, and control.

You’re saying you need to let go and breathe.

Yeah. Bill Frisell has these ten commandments before he records a record. One is “Don’t think for others.” I really like that. His is like the Rick Rubin ideology. Thinking about what someone is going to like or worrying that they won’t like something is no place for art. We’ll be very tired if we think of those things.

I really dug Rick Rubin’s book (The Creative Act: A Way of Being).

Yeah. Me too. I love Rick Rubin’s book. What was so interesting about it for me was that the themes were all so simple. Not to compare him to (spiritual leader and peace activist) Thich Nhat Hanh, but he has a similar idea about being in the now.

Basically trust yourself and live with the results.

(Laughs) Yeah. I really loved the chapter where he said, “Just do the complete opposite of what you think you should do. Try that as an exercise.” Our behaviors and patterns get so hardwired the older we get. We fall into the same traps almost like muscle memory. It’s easier said than done but Rubin (encourages) you to rewire.

Explain how you rewired for this record.

Well, I don’t remember making a conscious effort, but I sang with less air and relaxed. I didn’t need to push as I had done in the past. I found that the actual tone of my voice matched the songs and the feeling (better). Also, my vocal was able to become part of the track instead of something different than the track.

Kelley Mickwee sings on a couple tracks. She totally fits that vibe.

Yeah, she’s an old friend from my fourteen years in Austin. Actually, we met after I left. I met her with the Trishas on the Delbert McClinton cruise and we’ve been buds ever since. She sings on “Up on the Mountain” and the J.J. Cale cover of “Magnolia.” Kelley’s not only my close friend but so good at singing harmonies.

– Brian T. Atkinson