Land of Color is the name of the Nashville-based duo of Gary Rea and Thomas Ewing. Gary is from South Africa and Thomas is from Colorado. In 2015, the two met in Montana and since then have merged musical talents. Prior to meeting, both were church worship leaders. Gary and Tom first called themselves HOLY MNTN and just recently changed their name to Land of Color after signing a recording contract.

The pair have just re-released an acoustic version of their 2018 “Morning Song” that you can watch them perform. The lyrics in the song “Looking at the flowers grow…” is a reminder to slow down and let life happen. “We are not in charge of the process of life,” says Gary. “But a part of it.” It’s a gentle and simple song of praise that will bring you peace and surely bless your morning.

I’m sure you will love the single as much as I do, and I thank Gary and Tom for their 11 answers. They are currently out on the road playing churches across the US and Canada. Nothing on the current calendar for Music City, but you can watch their website and Facebook page for updates.

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

Gary is from Cape Town, South Africa, and Thomas is from Fort Collins, CO. We both landed in Nashville due to a community of friends that were living in the area. Because of the music industry and entrepreneurial spirit that has been established in Nashville, making the move was also a chance to take our passions and dreams to the next level. It’s always a risk and step of faith, but you’ll never know unless you try.

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

Thomas: Bought is the key word here. Ha! When I started discovering music, the majority of my listening came from burnt CDs from friends. The first CD I bought was Let It Happen by MXPX from the Bible Super Store at the Foothills Fashion Mall in Fort Collins. The last CD I bought was The Silent Circus by Between the Buried and Me.

Gary: The first album I bought was a cassette of the Ghostbusters soundtrack. The last physical album I bought was a CD of Dizzy Up the Girl by the Goo Goo Dolls. I started downloading from iTunes after that.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

Thomas: The first show I went to was Petra, and the last show was Jeff Tweedy of Wilco.

Gary: My first concert was Rod Stewart, and the most recent was The Prayer Chain

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

Thomas: A few months ago, I discovered Blaze Foley. In order to appreciate his music, I’d encourage you to dive into his story. He was a raw and understated talent.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Five Points Pizza in East Nash has the best NY-style pizza and Honest Coffee Roasters in Franklin never disappoints.

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

Thomas: When I think of classic Tennessee music, I think of “Moanin’ the Blues” by Hank Williams.

Gary: Don’t know about the best, but I quite liked Document by R.E.M.

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

If you wanna be cool you go to Dino’s. If you want to be accepted for who you are, you go to Waffle House.

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

Steven Dayyid McKellar, Matthew Perryman Jones and Paul Duncan.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

We’ve got fond memories of two places. We played a show at Grays on Main in Franklin as a showcase for the record label that ended up signing us. And BB King’s Blues Club was where we showcased for the National Festival Association that resulted in booking us 15 festivals this summer.

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

We are inspired by all sorts of artists and genres. Jose Gonzales is one of our favorites and would love to collaborate with him.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

We’re learning that the secret of life is contentment. We are riding an exciting wave and trying to be present with every opportunity. With that said, we’d love to eventually host our own tours which would allow us to bring along friends and other musicians. Tour the world and be a part of something way greater than ourselves.