As the saying goes, you have your whole life to make your first record. However, with all of that time comes the pressure to make it worth the wait, and Jeremy Studdard has done just that with his debut album, On My Own, released today.
Studdard first introduced himself in April of 2020 with his single “Your Heart or Mine,” a song that put him on the radar of country music fans all over the world, and has since earned the Oklahoma native well over 100,000 Spotify streams and several thousand more views of its music video across platforms.
That success, as well as the success of its two follow up singles, lit a fire under Studdard as the release of On My Own drew closer. Now that it’s here, it’s hard to project where the ceiling is for Studdard, as he weaves his way through the 12-song album that is accompanied with neotraditional flare, rock solid vocals and a diverse mix of songs.
We caught up with Studdard to talk about his success, all about On My Own, working with several A-list studio musicians in Nashville, his plans for the year and more!
Pro Country: The four songs you released prior to the release of your debut album, On My Own, have earned over 200,000 combined streams and earned you over 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. What has being able to tangibly see the support from your friends, family and fans meant to you?
Jeremy Studdard: Honestly, I can’t believe it. We’ve been working on this album and this music for more than a year. To finally be able to release this music and to get that kind of a response has really humbled me. We can’t wait for what’s in store for us in 2021. We are excited to share our music and hopefully get some new fans along the way!
PC: Your single “Your Heart or Mine” has earned over 120,000 streams itself. What do you think it is about the song that has allowed it to connect with listeners the way it has?
JS: When we heard that song, written by Chad Roland and Jerry Glidewell, we knew we wanted it. Our producer, Casey Wood, really made this thing come to life in the studio. It’s a complicated song about complicated feelings and complicated relationships. Honestly, I think we have all experienced the feelings that are brought up in this song. I guess it’s a song about forbidden love in a way. I’m really thankful to of been a part of it, and I’m even more thankful that this song has connected with fans.
PC: What went in to the decision to release “Whiskey Rain” as the final single from your new album, On My Own, prior to the album’s release?
JS: We felt like “Whiskey Rain” was fitting for the time of year, and even though this song is about alcoholism and relationship issues, it’s a song that’s ultimately about healing and getting through those difficult times in our lives that end up defining us. With all the crazy things going on in the world, we thought a song about personal triumph would be fitting.
PC: “Last Time” is one of our favorite songs on On My Own. Can you talk about the inspiration behind the song?
JS: I wrote this song about one of the most difficult times in my life. I really think being a single dad is one of the most rewarding and challenging things I’ve ever had to do. Everything I do every day is for my kids. I think this song was really written out of heartbreak. I let someone in my life and close to my children and things just ended up not working out. I know there are a lot of single parents out there who have shared experiences with this topic. I hope anyone who hears this song will find healing in those broken relationships and their families.
PC: You included a cover of Radney Foster’s hit “Just Call Me Lonesome” on On My Own. What went in to the decision to cut and release it on the album?
JS: I consider myself a neotraditional country artist. This is one of those classic songs that I grew up listening to and I wanted to include some of that sound in this project. It’s a great two steppin’ song, and we figure it will go well in the honky-tonks and bars. But ultimately, I just love the song.
PC: “At the End of the Day” closes On My Own. Can you talk about why you decided to have it serve as the album closer? Is sequencing something you pay a lot of attention to?
JS: I started writing this song after my brother passed away a few years ago. A little while after that, my best friend, who was also the lead guitarist in my band, also passed away. I experienced the death of two people who were so close to me and a part of my music on such an intimate level. Every decision I’ve made in my music career has been influenced by them in one way or another. We decided to finish this project with this song in honor of them.
PC: On My Own features high caliber musicians like Lonnie Wilson, Jeneé Fleenor and Mike Johnson. What was it like for you to have them be a part of On My Own and to record with them?
JS: Those guys are the real deal. Casey Wood, my producer at The Insanery in Nashville, brought in some of country music‘s best talent to work on this project. It was an honor to have them help build my vision for this album. I can’t wait to get back in there and start working on the next one.
PC: Do you have a favorite song on On My Own? If so, why is it so special to you?
JS: I think that’s a really hard one for me. I love all the songs and they all hold such a special place for me. One song I’m very proud of is called “All Nighter.” As soon as we finished writing that one, I just felt like it was special and I think fans are really going to enjoy it. The way we captured that song in the studio really shows what I’m trying to be as an artist and the kind of music I live for.
PC: What do you hope listeners take away from On My Own after listening all the way through?
JS: On My Own has a lot of different stuff on it. We got drinkin’ songs, heartbreak songs and dancing songs. I hope the music we created can speak to people regardless of how they’re feeling that day. I think this project is well-rounded enough that it can meet the listener right where they are. And we are very proud of that. Country music is about real life and real stories. When you listen to this album, you are listening to my story, and my story is the same as any small town guy trying to make a living and take care of his family.
PC: Of the things you can control, what are your plans for 2021?
JS: Well the first thing we are looking to do is get this music in front of his many people who will listen to it. We are excited to have already booked a few festivals and big rodeos for this upcoming year. I’m hoping we can get ahead of COVID by the summer and have a full swing of shows like we had scheduled last year.
*Jeremy’s music is featured on The Best of Pro Country playlist!*
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