Artist Spotlight: November South
Courtesy of November South
The Appalachian Preservation Project is proud to present November South as this week’s artist spotlight.
Tell Me about your background. Who are you at your core? Why did you become a musician?
I’ve been playing guitar and piano as far back as I can remember. And I've always had a passion for performing and entertaining, and even as a kid, I would put on shows for anyone who would watch. Throughout my late teens and most of my twenties, I toured the country as a singer in a couple bands and as a solo artist, which allowed me to hone my skills as a musician and performer.
Although it hasn’t always been an easy road. Its definitely had its challenges, including becoming homeless for a period of time in Texas. But it all worked out in the end. At my core, I believe music is a universal language that can bring people together, and I am driven by the desire to connect with others through it.
How long have you been recording/gigging?
I started pretty young. I think I made my first demo in a professional studio when I was about 14. Since then I’ve worked in a bunch of different studios. One of my favorites was Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta GA
I had the pleasure of recording a few songs with Rick Beato. It was a really cool experience and I learned a lot!
Although I've been recording and playing out for some time now, it wasn’t until recently that I began releasing music under the name November South. I’m excited about this new chapter in my career and look forward to sharing my music with a wider audience.
Why did you begin pursuing professional music?
My decision to start making music again was inspired by a life-changing event that made me reevaluate my priorities. After taking a long break from music, I received a diagnosis of early-stage stomach cancer, which was a wake-up call for me.
I quickly realized that music had always been a powerful tool for me to manage stress and find meaning in life. I had lost sight of my purpose, and it was taking a toll on me. However, it reminded me of the healing power of music, and it reignited my passion for pursuing it professionally.
What is the most challenging part of recording/gigging? The most rewarding part?
One of the most challenging parts of playing shows, in particular, is performing for audiences who may not necessarily appreciate or connect with my music. I tend to write dark, emotionally driven songs, which can sometimes be a hard sell for some folks at the bar. I'm more “whiskey country” than “beer country” I reckon lol But, that hasn’t stopped me yet. I trust with enough time and effort my music will find the right audience.
Despite the challenges, the most rewarding part by far is the opportunity to connect with people through music. There’s something truly special about sharing a piece of yourself with others and seeing how it resonates with them. Whether it's a shared emotional experience or a moment of pure joy, these connections are what makes all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile.
What artists inspire your songwriting the most?
As a songwriter, I have been influenced by a wide range of artists and genres over the years. But if I had to name one artist who has had the most significant impact on my songwriting, I would say Ryan Adams.
Courtesy of November South
What life experiences inform your music?
Life experience has always been a significant source of inspiration for my music, but my latest album, “Heartspace>Headspace” was shaped by a particularly challenging time in my life.
Within the span of a year and a half I faced a series of traumatic events that left me reeling. I underwent multiple surgeries and had most of my stomach removed, which was a significant physical and emotional ordeal to say the least. Shortly after, I lost my job of 10 years, which added financial and professional stress to an already difficult situation.
But perhaps the biggest blow came a few weeks later when I walked into my dads house to surprise him on his birthday and found that he had passed away on the living room floor a few days earlier… That experience was devastating. We were very close. I channeled my grief and pain into writing a song called “Scars” which became a pivotal track on the record.
Creating “Heartspace>Headspace” was an intense and cathartic process for me, as I confronted my fears and emotions head on through my music. While the album is deeply personal, I hope that listeners can connect with the universal themes of loss, resilience, and healing that run through its core.
How do you hope your music impacts people?
As a musician, my ultimate goal is to create music that resonates with people on a deep level and helps them find comfort and healing in their own lives. I believe that music has the power to transcend language, culture, and time, and to connect us all on a fundamental level.
When I write and perform my songs, I hope to create a space where listeners can let go of their worries and immerse themselves in the emotions and stories that I am sharing. Whether someone is going through a difficult time, or just looking for a way to connect with something larger than themselves, I hope that my music can be a source of solace and strength.
Of course, everyones relationship with music is unique, and I don’t expect that my music will have the same impact on every listener. But if even one person can find something meaningful in my songs, then I feel like I have accomplished something worthwhile as an artist.
What has been the most personally impactful moment in your career so far?
I guess I would have to say finding my people on TikTok. Discovering the power of social media to connect with people and build community has had a huge impact on my career.
When I started making videos on TikTok, I never imagined that it would become such an important part of my creative process. But over the past year, I have been blown away by the response that my content has received. Seeing people from all over the world connect with my music and creations has been truly humbling, and has made me realize the potential that social media has to break down barriers and bring people together.
Through the socials, I have been able to connect with fans. Share my music, and hopefully inspire some folks to learn some primitive skills. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience. And has inspired me to keep pushing myself as an artist and a person.
How do you marry your interests in music and your work as a craftsman?
My love for traditional archery and flintknapping has always been a big part of my life. Similarly, my fascination with traditional musical instruments, particularly the acoustic guitar, has always resonated with me. I think it's amazing I've found a way to meld all of my passions into one thing through short-form videos on the internet. I love that I'm inspiring some folks with all the things I’ve found that have inspired me throughout my life.
Who or what inspires your sound?
As an artist, I believe that my sound should always be evolving, and usually, its a reflection of what I'm listening to at the time. Currently, I'm really into Beck’s “Morning Phase” and Sturgill Simpson’s “Sailors Guide to Earth” While I’m not sure how much they’ve influenced my sound yet, they might give an inclination as to where I'm headed.
November South is releasing a single each month leading up to the release of his full-length album in November titled “Heartspace>Headspace”
