Showcase Artist Feature: Zoe Jean Fowler

1) You were introduced to songwriters like John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, and John Denver at an early age. Who introduced you to them? What are your favorite things about those songwriters?

I have an amazing dad that introduced me to those legendary songwriters growing up. He loved Americana and classic country, so that's what filled our house - among a few other genres. The thing I love most about historically respected songwriters like John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, and John Denver is that their songwriting feels effortless - like they are writing only what they absolutely know. Their writing never feels like faking it or reaching for what to say next - they just write what is true. 

2) You're a country singer but you started out your touring journey with a faith-based traveling show. What was that experience like? How did it shape how you approach your career now?

Touring in Christian music was such a fun time in my life. I was fresh out of college and really wanting an adventure and it was a creatively-fulfilling and exciting way for me to see a lot of the US. We mostly played at college campuses, so it taught me to be flexible and to really engage with how a crowd is interacting with the music. In short, the show was always unpredictable because we weren't playing for fans, we were playing for people who wanted a place to sing about their faith. Because of that, I feel like I'm a little more aware of what a crowd is doing than if I had only ever toured my own music. 

3) You host a show on Radio SoBro, which famously helps promote independent artists. What brought you to them and how did you get the show?

Radio Sobro is such an encouraging resource for independent artists in Nashville, and I learned that through the ways they promoted my music before I ever started working with them professionally. The way I got the show is kind of wild - I went to lunch with one of the co-owners of Radio Sobro to thank him for playing my songs throughout my album release cycle. While I was there, my publicist asked him if he had any gaps in his programming schedule and he said they were hoping to host more interviews on the station, so I sent him a pitch deck that night with a show idea. The next week, he offered me the show! 

4) Tell us a little more about "Cry Baby Country Music." 

I have such a strong belief that music makes us feel all of the intensities of life. I can be in such a distracted, numb place and music will bring me back to feeling again. So when I started to think about my music, I wanted to give people a safe place to feel life fully. I always say, "If you want to scream, scream. If you want to dance, dance. If you want to cry, cry" and my listeners understand that my music gives them permission to do all of those things. So we started calling my fans "Cry Babies" because of this idea and it just stuck.  

5) What can people expect from your upcoming deluxe release of your album "Cry Baby"?

"Cry Baby" came out in October with 10 songs on the original album, but as I sat with it after release, I just wasn't ready to move on. I put so much of my heart into these songs and into this brand identity that I wanted to keep going and adding to the "Cry Baby" sound. So, we've gathered 5 new songs that we are adding to the album, leading to a deluxe release this summer. If I'm honest, it's the proudest I've ever been of a compilation of work and I just don't feel like it's over yet. 

6) If you could have a dream duet partner, who would it be and why?

My dream duet partner for the sheer vibes would be Kacey Musgraves - I've looked up to her writing and her artistry for so long that I would be over the moon to do anything with her. But if I were to create a record with someone and wanted to see how we sonically worked together, it would be Stephen Wilson Jr. He is an incredible writer and his sound is unmatched. 

You can hear Zoe’s music along with the rest of our lineup on April 2nd at 3rd & Lindsley!