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Tennesseean John Delk only began recording his songs within the past few years, but we’re lucky he did. The region around his home features heavily in his songs, but perhaps surprisingly he avoids any stereotypical regional musical categorizations, instead mining a quiet, moderately country-folk core. His minimal, strummed-guitar-based accompaniment and stark production aesthetic frequently provide a modern ‘indie’ twist. ‘A Gallon At A Time’ revisits the classic theme of a moonshiner trying to get by, and John’s confessional delivery makes the song at times inspiring and plaintive, humbling and riveting at the same time.

Q & A

What is your goal in recording and sharing music?

I’d say the main goal is to keep trying to get better and just make myself happy with my music. Not to sound selfish but it’s got to be alright with me or I might as well go fishing.
I think a long range goal is to have enough decent songs that I can get a cut by a “real”” artist. I feel like I am close to that on some songs I have co-wrote with other songwriters.

Come up with a descriptive, original genre name for your music.

It’s Hound dog music. Hound dog around here is the equivalent of taking the 5th on something. It’s lazy but can get up and go at times. It’s a little playful at times but mainly more on the down hill side of the mountain.
Funny how sad can make you happy sometimes.

Who do you view as a likely audience for your music?

It would probably be the current boomer generation. The people that grew up in the small country towns. Working people that don’t necessarily see any way out other than to keep going. I don’t know that I can relate much to the younger folks. I enjoy talking to older folks much more.

If trapped on a desert island with only 3 songs, which would they be?

Oh this a tough one. I’ve always related to leaving or running or that sort of dream. I guess it goes back to the small town roots and wondering what else is out there.
1. ‘Running On Empty’ by Jackson Browne
2. ‘Minutes To Memories’ by John Mellencamp
3. ‘Someday’ by Steve Earle

Is there an instrument you do not currently play that you’d like to learn?

That would be the mandolin. Maybe like Sierra Hull!

Who is your musical hero(es), if any?

Steve Earle, it changed me when I heard his stuff. I was going to tech school in Nashville and listening to pop like Steve Winwood. I did some work for a guy named Tony Brown. His wife gave me Steve Earle’s CDs Guitar Town and Exit 0. I have not been the same since. I don’t know if that sort of thing happens to everybody in some crazy fashion but it had to be the way the kids felt about Elvis or the Beatles or Dylan.

You can hear more from John Delk on his Facebook page: Click Here