(Photo by Anthony Scarleti)

Coming off the heels of his 2018 debut four-song EP, “I Can’t Quit,” rising country artist Bobby Watson (not to be confused with the jazz saxophonist of the same name) has released a new single, “Let It Go,” from his new album scheduled for release later this year. It’s a country radio hit if I’ve ever heard one!

Bobby blends a soulful voice with a classic country sound on original songs that’ll make you stomp your boots and sing right along. Until the new record comes, there are six Bobby Watson tunes over at Spotify to whet your appetite on.

Bobby also loves playing songs he loves and his Facebook page “Bobby Watson Music” has several self-made videos of him covering some of them in acoustic versions. They are sure to make you a fan of this much-traveled young man who has found a home here as a welcome face to the Music City scene.    

Thanks to Bobby for doing the 11 Questions. He will soon be announcing some tour dates to support the new single.

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

I was born in Sarasota, FL, but I spent most of my younger years in different cities in NC, GA and FL. If I had to call a place my hometown, it would probably be where I attended high school in Flagler Beach, FL. I took off to Tallahassee for college, but only made it through my sophomore year at FSU before moving up to Nashville to pursue music. I left Nashville after living there for a couple of years, but in 2016, I made my way back to finish what I started. I’ve been here ever since.

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

Early on, I got tons of records from my parents’ collection (I think a Lionel Richie’s greatest hits collection might have been the first), but the first record I bought for myself was The Jimi Hendrix Experience (CD).  The most recent record I have bought is Chris Stapleton’s From A Room: Volume 2 (digital).

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

The first concert I ever went to was Incubus. I can’t remember if my best friend or my high school girlfriend bought the tickets, but I do remember being right in front of a speaker and feeling like I was never going to get my hearing back. The most recent concert I attended was to see Midland at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. Those guys know how to put on a show!

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

George Jones. Few have had as big an impact on the music that comes out of Music City. I can’t believe he isn’t already there!

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

I’m at the Barista Parlor in Germantown every weekend picking up coffee… my wife is truly addicted. As for pizza, my new favorite is Slim and Husky’s in North Nashville.

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

Travis Tritt’s Down the Road I Go. I’ve probably played that CD at least a million times over the years.

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

Unfortunately, it’s closed now, but Paradise Park was the perfect place to grab a late-night bite after a show or a night out on Broadway. Who wouldn’t like eating greasy food next to the “Mullet Hall of Fame”?

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

Jeffrey East. He’s such an amazing writer and I’ve had the opportunity to cut two of his songs… so far!

Jason Saetveit. I’ve written several songs with this talented guy. He also happens to be my producer, a great friend and all-around great dude.

Justin Wilson. I haven’t had a chance to work with him (or even meet him) yet, but I’ve seen him a few times at The Listening Room in Nashville, and I love his songs and the way he performs them.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

There are so many great places around town, but honestly the best places to play are little house parties. It’s one of my favorite things about this town. Every other party you show up to has someone playing live music. It’s amazing to be able to contribute to that part of Nashville’s culture.

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

Marc Broussard. This dude can SING! He’s done a lot of work here in town, and I’ve seen him in-concert a few times. If his moving here meant I’d get to see him play live more often, then I’d definitely like to see that happen.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

A lot more songs! I feel like I’m finding my sound and really growing as a singer and songwriter right now. This city and the people in it inspire me every day. I’m going to continue to push myself in order to make the best music I know how and then get out on the road and share it with whoever will listen. That’s what being an artist is all about.