ERIC PASLAY is an architect and craftsman of both lyrics and the 1950’s farm house that he’s renovating with his wife just
outside Nashville, TN. Paslay found his first measurable success as one of the writers on the song made famous by JAKE
OWEN, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”. He additionally penned “Deep As It Is Wide”, which he recorded with AMY GRANT and
Sheryl…as in SHERYL CROWE…who just happened to be in the studio that day.
Now standing just to my right was the very same EMI Nashville recording artist, engaged in a lively round of the arcade game
“Buck Shot”. We were situated in the back of the music venue WHISKEY BARREL in Laconia, NH, just before the country star’s
sound check. It was evident that the popular singer/songwriter has not let fame change him—ranking high on the
“approachability factor”--which makes him even cooler in my book. Eric is apparently also an “architect of the arcade” as well,
swiftly adding his name to the top 10 in overall points, while unwinding a little before his Friday night performance.
Not wanting to miss this opportunity, DANIEL JOHNSON (Senior Photojournalist and Media Coverage Coordinator for ION Indie
Magazine) and I walked over to the production manager to introduce ourselves, inquiring if there would be time for an interview
with Eric.
“Yeah, I don’t see why not. I can check with the publicist to be sure, but he’s right behind you,” NORWOOD WOOD said,
motioning to the arcade game that was incessantly chiming as Eric expertly hit the targets. “Eric’s really cool. Just go talk to
him,” Wood encouraged. It seemed too easy, but it really was that simple. And Eric Paslay gave ION Indie Magazine as much
time as we wanted--talking about his music, DIY projects and his involvement with “Habitat for Humanity”.
Regarding the crafting of his music, Eric explained that his writing process is simple. He shows up to the studio with both his
guitar and a computer to record the session--just to see (as he puts it) “what falls out.” His songs aren’t premeditated, in fact,
Paslay said the best songs “come out of nowhere...falling out of the sky.” These are the moments when he and fellow artists
would say they “caught magic”. The lyrics were something he just couldn’t not write, because he’s that passionate about it.
Paslay is careful in his songwriting not to overthink the words. He wants to stay true to his original intention, but also balances
the importance of the message being universal enough to be relatable. Just like the DIY projects Eric takes on, he doesn't
want to cut into lyrics--or the vanity for his bathroom, for that matter--without measuring what would be lost in reconstruction.
He's cautious to be sure that his pieces of music and furniture alike keep their original value...and that any edits add to their
worth.