Growing up with traditional country music and bluegrass laid the groundwork for Cliff Waddell‘s passion of performing and songwriting. As a child, he and his parents would attend bluegrass festivals during the summer, putting fuel to that already burning fire in is soul to follow his dream. Growing his talent over the years, Waddell released his first Christian country album in 2016, which featured three singles to hit country radio including ‘The Church Pew” and “That’s What I Keep My Bible For”. Now, Waddell is currently hitting the road this summer in support of his latest single “Drinking On An Empty Heart” as he works on this upcoming album due out later this year.
We recently caught up with Waddell to talk about his love of country music and his influences, the upcoming album (and who he’s working with on it!) and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
CW: After releasing a Christian country album as my first solo project in 2016, I moved to Nashville in 2019 to further pursue my writing and my love for country music. I released an EP in 2022, ‘A Six Pack and a Sunday,’ and just recently have finished my third album with my manager and Producer, Willie Vanhook.
CN: Please tell us about your family. Do you have music in your family tree?
CW: I grew up going to several bluegrass festivals every year. My dad was a guitar player and singer, and nearly every weekend we had folks over at the house playing music. I still have the record cabinet full of my dad’s records that I grew up hearing and that sound has never left me.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
CW: Alan Jackson, Tracy Lawrence and George Strait were always my top three!! Mark Chesnut and the rest of the late ’80s early ’90s guys were in my wheelhouse.
CN: We hear you’re working on a new album. What can you share with your fans about what to expect?
CW: The hands that have touched this project are bathed in country music! From the musicians (all who have played for my heroes and so many country records spanning several decades) to the writers (Willie Vanhook, Kirk Roth) what an honor it is! How can a record go wrong with heavy hitters like this behind it??! To be working with Vanhook as not only a co-writer but his ear for production is a gift to country music and I’m really enjoying bringing new country music back to the forefront.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process?
CW: All of my songs begin as just an idea, with a hook. When an idea comes to mind, I immediately add it to my list of hooks. Sometimes the song comes to me right away and I’m able to write it right then, but other times I refer back to my notes and just let one pop out at me and write it from there. I’ve also recently been collaborating with other writers which has certainly been a great experience and allowed me to step out of my own box of creativity.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
CW: Hands down, this would be my hero, Alan Jackson.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
CW: I went with my parents in 1989 to see George Jones and Conway Twitty. I remember this like it was yesterday and of course both have been huge inspirations to my music through the years.
CN: Can you dance? If so, are you good?
CW: Well, I have rhythm, yes. But I’m no expert so I just roll with the flow of the music! So yes and no.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
CW: Overthinker – while this can be great for creativity, it comes with its challenges!
CN: If you were able to sit down and talk to one of your heroes, who would that be?
CW: I’d have so many questions for Alan Jackson and ironically I’ve done this in my dreams a few times over the years!
CN: What can fans look forward to this summer?
CW: We look forward to releasing a lot of new music starting with my current single, “Drinking On An Empty Heart.” We will be touring in Texas and surrounding states, so stay tuned!!