Joel Timmons (center) pictured with Lovers Leap

Joel Timmons doesn’t mess around when it comes to making music. Rivaling triple-threat Jack White, Timmons also has three working bands: Sol Driven Train, Sally & George and his current project, acoustic artisans, Lovers Leap. The Lovers Leap quartet is rounded out by his wife and partner in Sally & George, Shelby Means, along with Mary Lucey and Billy Cardine.

This collective of talented musicians makes bluegrassy Americana music so pure and simple that will both delight your ears and liven your spirit. You can hear the debut single “Walnut Tree” here at Folk Alley. Lovers Leap also plays WMOT-FM’s Finally Fridays for free during lunchtime at the Nashville Place on April 5. If you can’t make it, you can hear it on your radio at 89.5 on the dial.

Lovers Leap release their self-titled debut six-song EP on April 19. Thanks Joel for taking the time with our questions eleven!

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

I moved from Charleston, SC to Nashville in 2015 for love and music. My girlfriend (now wife, Shelby Means) was living in Nashville, and our relationship was at the point that we needed to live in the same town. My Charleston band, Sol Driven Train, was slowing our tour schedule and it made sense for me to make the jump.

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

My first record was Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation, purchased on cassette through BMG’s mail order tape club. The most recent was Soul Journey by Gillian Welch, purchased on vinyl from The Groove in East Nashville.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen? 

First real concert was Aerosmith in Columbia, SC when I was 14. Most recently, I saw Justin Hiltner at The American Legion Post 82.

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

Langhorne Slim and Jim Oblon

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I usually brew my own at home, but I also enjoy Dose and Crema. Five Points Pizza for a slice!

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

Gosh, probably the aforementioned Soul Journey by Gillian Welch.

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. 

Molly Tuttle, James Wallace (Skyway Man), Maya De Vitry

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

City Winery, The 5 Spot, Dees Country Cocktail Lounge

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

How about Sizzla? One thing Nashville lacks is a reggae scene.

Finally, what’s in your musical future? 

Touring, touring, touring… Lots of new releases this year. Lovers Leap releases our debut EP this spring. Sol Driven Train has a full-length album coming out in the summer, and Sally & George has some new music coming this fall!