Interview with David Abundance
How did your project come together? What is the story behind its formation?
COVID and downtown Nashville. When all the honkytonks and clubs were shut down, people still wanted to get out of the house and enjoy themselves. Open-air party busses and party tractors were already around, and they were the perfect way to keep the good times rolling while getting around everything being closed, or later, sitting room only. They became THE way to party. Coupled with the fact that people moving here and tourism has skyrocketed post-COVID, the party bus industry exploded onto the scene and continues to expand.
COVID and downtown Nashville. When all the honkytonks and clubs were shut down, people still wanted to get out of the house and enjoy themselves. Open-air party busses and party tractors were already around, and they were the perfect way to keep the good times rolling while getting around everything being closed, or later, sitting room only. They became THE way to party. Coupled with the fact that people moving here and tourism has skyrocketed post-COVID, the party bus industry exploded onto the scene and continues to expand.
Living downtown, I open my sliding door and see and hear people yelling "WOO" over the already booming music on their Woo Wagon. It's fascinating to me how all of these social and economic factors have come together to create this unique New Nashville experience, and I wanted to be the first to tell the actual boots-on-the-ground tale of what it's like.
Can you describe your musical style and sound? How would you define your unique sound?
I think "Woo Wagon's" sound is a metaphor for a day out on one: rapid organized chaos, wrapped in non-traditional country and stadium rock. It's for fans of the non-pretentious, those who like country that does not follow the contemporary cookie-cutter formula for songwriting and music making, but instead gives accessible excitement with an upbeat and different sound to be shared with friends.
Overall, my musical sound and style will change with how a song escapes my mind onto paper. I have an upcoming song that leans more into hard rock 'n' roll and another that is an entirely different electropop sound. I think my musical style will be a never-ending work in progress, as it should continue to evolve.
Who are your biggest musical influences? How have they shaped your music?
My biggest musical influences are my parents. Growing up there was no shortage of amazing music from the '60s through to the '80s playing in their cars or at home. This 'golden age' of music has seeped deep into my brain, and it interplays enthusiastically with my taste in contemporary music to subconsciously shape and influence my style.
My biggest musical influences are my parents. Growing up there was no shortage of amazing music from the '60s through to the '80s playing in their cars or at home. This 'golden age' of music has seeped deep into my brain, and it interplays enthusiastically with my taste in contemporary music to subconsciously shape and influence my style.
What is your songwriting process like? How do you collaborate on creating new music?
For "Woo Wagon" it all started by being surrounded by this unique party bus atmosphere wherever I went. I took this narrow concept and I wrote the lyrics first, with a general idea of genre and sound in the back of my mind. I knew that I would like a rapid drum beat in the verses, as well as the little guitar riffs between lines, but the chorus had an entirely different tempo in my head. My producer wasn't on board with the tempo change from verse to chorus and back to verse at first, but I wanted to take some creative risks and let the music flow as I thought it should. The finished product came out as a fun tribute to the ups and downs and chaotic nature of a day out on a Woo Wagon. Generally I'll follow my instincts until something is truly not able to be accomplished within the bounds of music and taste.
For "Woo Wagon" it all started by being surrounded by this unique party bus atmosphere wherever I went. I took this narrow concept and I wrote the lyrics first, with a general idea of genre and sound in the back of my mind. I knew that I would like a rapid drum beat in the verses, as well as the little guitar riffs between lines, but the chorus had an entirely different tempo in my head. My producer wasn't on board with the tempo change from verse to chorus and back to verse at first, but I wanted to take some creative risks and let the music flow as I thought it should. The finished product came out as a fun tribute to the ups and downs and chaotic nature of a day out on a Woo Wagon. Generally I'll follow my instincts until something is truly not able to be accomplished within the bounds of music and taste.
Overall for me the music or the lyrics can come first: I build off of an idea or a feeling and I work to capture its essence and lay it out for myself and the listener to feel, enjoy, and think about.
What are your goals and aspirations as a band? Where do you see yourselves in the future?
I hope to create and leave something meaningful behind. I see myself traveling and living life, collecting experiences and perspectives, and writing about them.
I hope to create and leave something meaningful behind. I see myself traveling and living life, collecting experiences and perspectives, and writing about them.
Are there any upcoming projects, releases, or shows that fans should look forward to?
I am set to begin work with a talented producer on two singles I have written, so those will be coming out by the end of the year if all goes as planned. I am also shooting a music video for "Woo Wagon," and I have conceptualized a kind of mega-album that I am beginning work on now.
I am set to begin work with a talented producer on two singles I have written, so those will be coming out by the end of the year if all goes as planned. I am also shooting a music video for "Woo Wagon," and I have conceptualized a kind of mega-album that I am beginning work on now.
Can you discuss any challenges you've faced as a musician and how you've overcome them?
Cutting through the noise. Getting your music out there is an art in itself which requires dedication and creativity. I have gone around town like a kid hanging up lawn mowing fliers around the neighborhood, hanging up song posters one by one, had friends at bars, clubs, and even food trucks put my song on the location's playlist, created viral content to drive traffic on apps, and gotten creative by throwing out Mardi Gras style beads around town with bus shaped medallions imprinted with the song name and QR to get it playing.
Cutting through the noise. Getting your music out there is an art in itself which requires dedication and creativity. I have gone around town like a kid hanging up lawn mowing fliers around the neighborhood, hanging up song posters one by one, had friends at bars, clubs, and even food trucks put my song on the location's playlist, created viral content to drive traffic on apps, and gotten creative by throwing out Mardi Gras style beads around town with bus shaped medallions imprinted with the song name and QR to get it playing.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians or bands trying to break into the industry?
Realize who your people are. Your people will support you, tell you when something is not working, and inspire you. They will be the wind in your sails and also keep you from flying away. Being around the wrong crowd will have you feeling low, judged, and anxious, impeding your progress and leaving you disillusioned. When I am around MY people, I can't help but feel a burst of creative energy, euphoria, and like I can accomplish anything. Mingle with other creatives, but approach with caution and choose wisely.
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