Questions w/ John Paul White (part one)

If I had to pick a favorite new artist for 2009, the choice would be easy. I'd give it to The Civil Wars in a heartbeat. That should come as no surprise if you've followed StSL for any length of time. John Paul White and Joy Williams have created something really special and their new EP, "Poison & Wine", is on a seemingly endless repeat cycle on my iPod. I had the chance to interview Joy Williams back in October, and now I'm really excited to complete the "Civil Wars" circle and bring you the final installment of "Questions" for 2009. Here is part one of "Questions" w/ John Paul White...

StSL – As The Civil Wars, you and Joy Williams have been enjoying some great success with the release of your free live album, “Live at Eddie’s Attic”, and your single and music video for “Poison & Wine” (which is SUCH a brilliant song). Now you’ve released your first studio EP of the same name. What can you tell us about that?

John – We joined Charlie Peacock at his place, The Art House, for tracking. it's a converted old church in Nashville. We recorded all our parts live in the tabernacle together, then reconvened later to add some atmosphere with the help of Tim Lauer, Jerry McPherson, and Ken Lewis. Richie Biggs engineered and mixed.

StSL – I had the chance to interview Joy a couple months ago, and she relayed the story of how you two met. However, I’d still love to hear your version.

John – Yeah, she remembers it differently than I do. I was an injured GI in Korea. I came to in a mash unit to the beautiful song of a Red Cross nurse two cots away. The rest is history.

StSL – As solo artists you and Joy have very distinct styles and, when you come together as The Civil Wars, a whole new feel emerges. Did you put focused effort towards a certain sound or was it all completely organic?

John – We've totally stayed out of the way of it. It's been a bit mind boggling; the vein of creativity we've tapped into. It's almost like she had the dynamite, I had the detonator. Together we're going places we never would have considered possible given our backgrounds. Although, Joy grew up with a healthy appetite for crooners, and I for Appalachian and country music. So somehow that's showing up.

StSL – I love learning the stories behind songs. Can you share the story behind “My Father’s Father”?

John – We try to keep a bit of mystery and vagueness to our songs, so that the listener can inject his/her own images and meanings and have it feel personal. But this song was written on inauguration day. That should sum it up.

StSL – A stranger comes up to you and says, “Play me the best song ever written.” What do you play?

John – The Psalms. In Modern Terms, "For the Good Times" – Kris Kristofferson

Visit TheCivilWars.com or JohnPaulWhite.com for more info, and be sure to check back here tomorrow for part two!