I guess everything has a shelf life, including “11 Questions to a Nashville Musician.” Well, MCM’s come up with a way to give the members of this elite society a way to refresh their pages, answer a few new questions, and tell us what they have been up to. Our good friend Jason Erie gets the honor of being the first Nashville musician to test drive this new feature.

Three years ago, I gushed over Jason’s debut EP and now I am just completely overtaken with his upcoming debut full-length LP, “Tiny Fires.” If am a wrong about this one being Jason’s entry into the big time, it’s probably time for me to quit. Once again, Jason Erie shows that he can write songs and perform them like the best ones can.

I’m not a big fan of the RIYL method of describing artists, but in the hope that it makes you listen to “Tiny Fires,” fans of Bruce Springsteen and Jason Isbell will definitely appreciate this record. Like those two artists, Erie writes with a passion for life, family, and social justice. His songs can rock like the E-Street Band and 400 Unit on songs like “Amazon” or get sensitive and tender on songs like the simplistically gorgeous “Meadowlands Fair.” Check out the video for title track of “Tiny Fires” here.

Thanks, Jason, for kicking “MORE Questions” off and I can’t wait to see you playing these songs live on a Nashville stage.

What have you been doing since your first “11 Questions” interview?

Well, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I think the last time we spoke was November of 2018. I had just put out my debut record and things looked real rosy back then. I toured hard for most of 2019 up to the start of the pandemic. Since then, I have been laying low, writing, and recording my sophomore effort, Tiny Fires, set to release March 25, 2022. It’s been a crazy couple of years, I think I documented it well. We’ll see.

Anything you said in your last interview that you now want to change?

I stand by my last interview; you are a man who knows his pizza and his music, so instant connection there. If I had to choose one thing I said, it would be, “I will be recording and releasing a second record sometime in 2019. It’s going to be a busy year, got a lot planned and a lot to hope for.” Obviously, I did not release a record in 2019. Tiny Fires would have been a completely different record if I had. I think through the last few years we have learned to celebrate time a little more than before. It’s a precious thing that we take for granted.

Tell us something you love and something you hate about the “New” Nashville.

The “NEW” Nashville, I love that it is becoming such a diverse cultural hub of the South, but I don’t dig that this city is following in the footsteps of so many cities before, making it unmanageable for the artists and natives to live here, despite the fact that they called the spotlight to Nashville in the first place. I also hate the drivers and the roads. It’s like all the worst drivers from every part of the country have decided to move here.

What was the most recent record you bought, where did you get it, and what format was it?

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band’s, Letter to You. It’s a solid record by the Boss and Co. I bought it at Grimey’s on vinyl.

What was the most recent live show that you saw?

The most recent show I attended was Genesis in Charlotte, NC, last November. It was awesome. Phil Collins was back on vocals, and it will probably be their last run in the U.S. as a band.

What Nashville musician are you currently jealous of?

I wouldn’t say that I am jealous of anyone really, I would use the word admire.

I admire a lot of my musician friends: John Dennis, Anana Kaye, Irakli Gabriel, Brett Ryan Stewart, Kristen Englenz, Ryan Sobb, Jon Latham, Nick Nace, Josh Gray, Chris Moyse, Nathan Evans Fox, Rosemary Fossee, Darrin Bradbury, the list goes on and on. All are incredible artists and songwriters. It’s amazing to have such a positive and strong community that I am lucky to be a part of.

What is your favorite new music venue in town and which one that’s gone do you miss the most?

The Wash at Eastside Bowl is an exciting new venue just a few blocks from me. They have two different stages, a bowling alley, and a diner. What more could you want? I’m excited to book something there in the future.

Radio Cafe out east was a great small venue that I miss. Always sounded great and was a perpetual good time with stellar talent. RIP

What do you listen to in the car?

Mainly the radio on WMOT 89.5. They are a great place to discover new American Roots music. Ana Lee, Jessie Scott, and the whole team on that station are dedicated to the Nashville scene and truly play incredible music. No need to change the station.

Tell us the last TV show that you binge-watched.

The Norsemen. It’s a Norwegian comedy about a group of Vikings living in the 700s. It’s like something Larry David would have written if he was from Norway. I highly recommend it.

What do you really think of Nashville hot chicken?

I understand why people like it. Just not my cup of tea. I would rather have a good slice of pizza.

Finally, like I asked you last time, what’s in your musical future?

My new record releases March 25, 2022, via Wirebird Records. I plan on touring heavily starting this summer in support of it. I’m cautiously excited for the future. Hopefully we can get a bite one of these days, I still haven’t tried Joey’s House of Pizza.