Nashville-based singer-songwriter Andrew Adkins will be releasing his new album “…To Become Immortal Then Die” on December 8th. Andrew is a fine tunesmith whose well-crafted songs on this record are presented in a variety of styles with arrangements chock-full of a potpourri of sounds. All this makes for a delightful-sounding record that I think fans of Pop, Rock and Americana will all enjoy.

Adkins first made his name known in Nashville with his band Mellow Down Easy, and in 2006, Nashville Scene readers voted him #3 in the Best Songwriter category behind Marcus Hummon and Will Hoge. He later garnered further attention through his song “I’m Indestructible” which found its way into movies and television. Another one of his songs, “Fire & Brimstone,” made its way into the trailer for the Colin Hanks “All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records” documentary. Both songs appear on the new record.

Thanks to Andrew for working with us.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I’m originally from a town called Defiance, OH, a little south of Toledo, OH. I came to Nashville because it had this very welcoming, warm vibe. It sure has changed a lot since I came here but there’s still a communal, camaraderie amongst the artists and musicians here. It’s not as fast as NYC and is way cooler than Los Angeles!

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

When I was around five, my late Aunt gave me a stack of original 45s from Sun and RCA of Elvis Presley. Those records changed everything for me. I remember neighbor kids coming to my window to try and persuade me to come outside and play. I’d be too busy and preoccupied in the middle of my bedroom floor with my little Fisher-Price record player, listening to those songs over and over!!

Townes Van Zandt’s Live at the Old Quarter was the last vinyl I bought. I’ve had that album on CD for years. I just wanted to get a record copy to hear the warmth and intimacy that the digital version lacked.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first concerts were as a small child. My mother used to be friends with the late country singer Marty Robbins. I remember hanging out backstage and watching his shows first. Those experiences definitely made an impression on my young mind. The last concert I went to was John Prine at The Ryman in Nashville, TN.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

Tommy Womack Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Coffee: I like Sip Cafe or Portland Brew – both in East Nashville. Pizza: Five Points Pizza – it’s the best Brooklyn-style pizza I’ve had outside of actually going to Brooklyn itself.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

That’s a tough one – Townes Van Zandt’s Our Mother the Mountain which was recorded by Jack Clement. Also, Neil Young did some of Harvest here. You can’t forget the old Elvis RCA sessions, all those glorious albums and singles cut by Owen Bradley and so many of the Chet Atkins records. Kristofferson’s Monument Records cut and released here. It goes deep. I have no idea. There are too many classics to choose from!

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

Cafe CoCo is good, Family Wash, Beyond the Edge…some weekends there’s always Prince’s Chicken.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

It’s always so fun and often surreal to play The Bluebird. I’ve been fortunate enough to have played there a few times over the years. Hmmm…that’s another tough question. Guy Clark, Townes Van Zandt and Roger Miller (You didn’t say dead or alive!). I have too many amazing friends who are also some of my favorite writers. In reality, it would be based on who’s schedule is free.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

I love The 5 Spot and 3rd & Lindsley. City Winery is awesome! Also, Family Wash, Basement/Basement East.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

I’d like to see Kris Kristofferson move back to Nashville.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

I have a handful of shows throughout Tennessee (Nashville, Memphis and Knoxville) over the next few weeks. I’ll also be releasing my new album, …To Become Immortal Then Die, on ONErpm on December 8th. I’m feeling optimistic about 2018. I plan on getting back on the road a bit more. I haven’t been touring much of recent years due to getting burnt out a bit by it over the course of the last decade. It’s been good to be back on certain stages and back to certain cities and states. I’m sure there will be new music in the new year as well!