Wright place, Wright time

Many young performers in and around Knoxville have joined the area’s older mountain musicians to contribute to the city’s growing reputation as an American music hub. The everybodyfields. Robinella. Scott Miller. Wild Blue Yonder. The Maid Rite Stringband featuring WDVX radio show host and Blue Plate Special impresario Matt Morelock.

Brendon James Wright is another name to add to any list of promising Knoxville Americana artists. The talented singer-songwriter who grew up in Knoxville has East Tennessee coursing through his veins when he works up a soulful sweat on stage. His tunes are made of artful riffs and memorable melodies that bring to mind Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, or Darrell Scott. His colorful lyrics tell compelling stories, and he sings them with gruff-throated conviction.  

“I think to write good music, you can’t go in with a purpose,” says Wright. “You’ve got to let what moves you, move you. Americana kinda happened to me. It wasn’t that I chose Americana exactly. You can tell when somebody’s writing from an honest place or if they’re contriving things. The more honest you can be, the more people will be drawn to what you’re doing.”

That kind of appreciation for keeping in touch with his roots is what led Wright to record his 2008 debut album in a log cabin on the Cumberland Plateau. Though he generally performs as a solo artist, he brought in gifted local musicians Daniel Kimbro, Cory Kimbro, Barry Hannah and Mike Allen to record his songs for the self-released, self-titled album, Brendon James Wright & the Wrongs on Barfight Records. Despite a shoestring budget the recording drew plenty of attention, hitting No. 2 on XM Satellite Radio’s X Country charts, No. 20 on Roots Music Report’s Roots Rock chart, and No. 17 on the Euro Americana chart. 

Wright is currently keeping up his steady solo performance schedule at small venues in Knoxville while continuing to consult his muse in preparation for a sophomore CD. He and the band will begin working in earnest with the new material this spring and summer as Wright looks for an autumn release. 

“I don’t have a formula for writing songs,” he explains. “Sometimes it takes me 15 minutes; sometimes it takes me three years to get it right. So, as an artist, I try to do it different every time. That’s how I can keep it fresh and interesting.”

 As the city’s Americana music scene continues to grow, Wright recognizes the crucial roles of the city’s influential radio station WDVX and prominent music production company AC Entertainment.

“A few local bands reaching beyond their regional reputation to national prominence could make all the difference,” Wright says.

To find out more about Brendon James Wright visit www.brendonjameswright.com.