Texan country artist Joe Buchanan talks about his faith and country music

HI THERE, THANKS FOR ANSWERING SOME QUESTIONS FOR US

Howdy! It’s my pleasure. Nice to be here with y’all.

PLEASE TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF…

Well, I’m a Jewish country music artist from Houston, TX. I always feel the need to say that because it’s like setting the table a little bit. I’m Jewish, yes, but also the music I write is largely informed by that.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR NEW ALBUM (‘HEAVEN & EARTH’) OR SINGLE (‘MY BELOVED’)

Heaven & Earth is a blend of classic Texas country and Jewish spirit, bringing two traditions together in an authentic & joyful way. This is a big album with 15 tracks celebrating love, identity, and belonging. The music in there is a beautiful bridge between the bimah and the bar room with all the things folks love about classic country.

WHICH SONG WOULD YOU SAY SUMS UP YOUR SOUND THE BEST?

I don’t know that I can pick one but I would say ‘My Beloved’ is the closest. I’ve been married 26 years and my wife has been such a big inspiration in my life. We love to dance and I love a good love song. This tune combines all the things I love about country music. There’s storytelling, pedal steel, fiddle, and a ton of heart.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO MUSIC?

I used to write for myself just as a hobby and no intention or plans of doing anything professionally. 13 years into my marriage my wife told me she was Jewish and when we started exploring that, it changed everything. The healing we found there inspired me to convert and now I just want to share that healing with other folks and hopefully do some good out there with this music.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL WRITING AND RECORDING DAY LOOK LIKE?

Recording with this band is a damn good time. We roll in early and start laying down tracks back to back. It’s pretty focused. Thankfully, everyone loves playing music together and really enjoys each other’s company. We have a saying that the hang has to be as good as the music.

WHAT HAS BEEN THAT HARDEST THING ABOUT YOUR MUSIC JOURNEY SO FAR?

You know, I had no idea if any of this would be accepted when I started releasing music. The level of acceptance has been wild. The Jewish community has had completely open arms about these tunes and the country music community has done the same. We’re part of the Recording Academy now and working on the first Jewish music category at the Grammy’s. I’m thankful that the music has connected with so many folks.

The downside has been the hate and there was no way we could have been prepared for it. Every day, mixed between some of the kindest comments you can imagine are the most hateful things you could say to someone. Truly vile things. I don’t mind if someone doesn’t like my music. That’s fine and everyone likes what they like. It’s the antisemetic hate that gets my goat.

Thankfully, I know how to block those folks and have zero patience for hate. Folks don’t say that stuff to my face but they’ll hide in a comment section and when they do, I kick ‘em out the door. That’s my community and hate has no place there. Pair that with what my people have been through lately and I feel an even greater responsibility to represent them in the biggest way possible. I’m proud of who I am, the music I make, and the way I make it. I’m proud to be Jewish and I’m proud to stand with them and against folks that would see us wiped out.

We don’t have to all live in the same house to get along but we can be good neighbors and take care of our neighborhood together. No matter what religion you follow or don’t follow, we share a lifetime together. We can do better for each other. I hope we can all raise a glass together someday, somehow.

WHAT'S BEEN THE EASIEST?

The easiest and most fun is playing live shows. Seeing all the faces and meeting folks who give some of their sacred time to be there with us. It’s a joy to spend that time together.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING IF YOU WEREN'T MAKING MUSIC?

I would definitely be running a business with my wife. I don’t know what that would be but we’re an awesome team and work great together.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?

As an artist and performer, you’re always either giving people something for their time or taking it from them. Their time is sacred and precious. Always give. Never take.

WHAT'S NEXT?

We get back on the road right away and the schedule is pretty packed so far! Looking forward to spending the next year playing shows and sharing this music with everyone.

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TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram: @joebuchananmusic