As the calendar creeps towards 2019, the list of new records on my radar now includes the February 1 release of the debut LP, “Say I’m Pretty,” from Patrick Damphier. If you would like to share in this anticipation, give a listen to the three tasty preview songs Patrick has dropped on-line at Spotify and Bandcamp.

The latest single, “Pretend It,” is a perfect pop song that will jangle your attention with its guitar and vocal hooks. Then after your thoughts turn to the lyrics, this lament about life moments we’d like to forget will rattle through your brain for the rest of the day.

“Pretend it never happened / Say it isn’t so / We often end up goin’ where we shouldn’t go / Pretend it never happened / Only you know how to feel / Pretend until – till it’s real”

While his name may be new to you, the list of local artists Patrick has worked with as a sideman, producer and sideman is quite impressive. He will soon be touring both solo and with a band to which Damphier said: “I’m not super concerned with replicating the record. That’s why I wanted to make sure the songs were good. It’ll be nice to just play them naked—or at least in a bathrobe.”

Thanks Patrick for giving us eleven! Looking forward to hearing the full record and seeing you play live soon.

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

I was born in New York, but my immediate family moved to Nashville when I was 11 months. Before I was born, my dad, Tom Damphier, was signed to Don Kirshner’s label and publishing company as an artist and writer. After those deals ended, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn recorded his songs. With him getting more and more attention from Nashville, my folks decided to make the permanent move south, so he could focus on writing for artists other than himself.

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

Out of Time by R.E.M. on cassette was first. The last was Mother Earth’s Plantasia by Mort Garson on vinyl.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

First was Sesame Street Live!. Last was Charlie & the Evil Mothers.

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

David Berman and Kurt Wagner.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Coffee is Portland Brew or Dose. For pizza, it’s Pizza Perfect or NY Pie.

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

John Wesley Harding by Bob Dylan.

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

Dino’s.

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

Jasmin Kaset, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Molly Parden

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Radio Cafe and Fond Object.

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

Alexander Gow (Oh Mercy).

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

Selling out, ✍🏾, Oregon, 🏴, Nederlands, 🇳🇱, a finished garage, yk, debt, guilt, 🤦🏾‍♂️, 🃏, 🕐, 🕑, 🕒, 🕓, 🕔, 🕕, 🕖, 🕗, 🕘, 🕙, 🕚, 🕛, 🕜, 🕝, 🕞, 🕟, 🕠, 🕡, 🕢, 🕣, 🕤, 🕥, 🕦, 🕧.