An Interview with JD Hinton

If you haven't heard too much from JD Hinton, then now's the time to start, especially since the artist recently released a full EP of amazingly performed tracks that have the feel of an old western movie, in a way.

The songs on this release speak volumes for JD because he lets a lot out throughout its course.

Certain aspects of this record make it feel like these are songs that display certain chapters or maybe even one big chapter in his life, and the way it is all expressed is something that grabs you.

The overall sound of the guitars and band has a strange way of putting you there in the moment so that you're holding on to the premise, character, or overall vibe that is given.

There is a certain level of wildness to the record, which was something that felt particularly good, and that comes through not only vocally but instrumentally as well.

There are a lot of great effects on the guitars, vocals, and even drumming at times.

The mix of this record is something that lets it be as impactful as it is. Whoever was mixing this release completely understood what was going on and let the entire feel and spirit land exactly the way it was meant to, in my opinion.

A lot of the guitars are peppered with a wonderful reverb effect, and this adds a touch of depth to the sound of many of the instruments, but especially those guitar parts.

There are several approaches to songwriting throughout the span of this EP, and they have a great range to them.

There are a few songs that are more emotionally driving than others, like "Let's Do Now", a song featuring Katherin Shorr performing some vocals with JD and just doing an outstanding job at bringing out even more of that emotional value to everything.

These are songs that came from an authentic place.

They have a sense of deeper meaning, and like I said, certainly feel like they came from real chapters in JD Hinton's life.

Listening through to this record lets you get a greater understanding of who JD is as an actual person. It feels almost like sitting down with an old friend and listening to their stories. Getting an understanding of who they are now.

It's all quite beautiful and JD really took it home and really something that feels open, freeing, genuine, and with that, we wanted to ask him a few questions about the record.

Lucky for us, we were able to do exactly that.

Read this interview so you can get an understanding of where these songs came from and where JD is coming from, then listen to this EP.

Check out the interview below.

Buzz Slayers: Let's get into the So Close So Far EP! This was wonderfully performed with such a lively approach! Where did this record come from?

It’s part inspiration and part dedication. Some days the muse appears. Some days I write to discover what’s possible by just getting out a notepad, picking up the guitar, or sitting at the piano. In a broader sense that’s how my EP “So Close So Far” came together.  I write songs to stand up on their own, but when I look over what I’ve written, I can see how several live in the same neighborhood. 

Buzz Slayers: I heard you draft songs like movie scenes, with plot twists and “camera moves” built into the chords! Can you elaborate on how that works and where it started from?

This is something I do organically. It’s the way my imagination works. It's probably reinforced from all the movie and television scripts I’ve read. Between the dialogue, scenes and characters are described so you can “see” them as you read. I’ve found songs have a “theater of the mind” power. My imagination makes up words when I hear an instrumental play. Words add more direction, but the result is still a vivid scene. It happens when I hear “Johnny B. Goode” and it happens in Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” too. 

Buzz Slayers: Can you tell us about "I Have To Dream"? You wrote this song, correct? When and how did Celine Dion get into the mix here?

In the indie film ”Children On Their Birthdays” 13 year old Miss Bobbitt sings a song for a small town Alabama talent show. I submitted an uptempo song that leaned into the comedic tone of the talent show. At the last minute, director Mark Medoff asked me to write a new song (that aimed for the heart). I wrote “I Have to Dream” with Rick Solem, my longtime  music co-conspirator. Ross Vannelli orchestrated the “I Have to Dream” theme throughout the film score. After an early cut of the film was screened, producer Phil Anschutz made calls to get Celine Dion to sing this song over the end credits of the film. 

Buzz Slayers: I've been told you bounce between Nashville co-writes, Hollywood sets, and Vatican stages and it all helps shape your ousn! Why are you all over the place?

To me this is similar to what cross-training is for an athlete. Creativity comes in many forms. I learned about the creative process as an actor. I added that to some instincts for songwriting that came from being a radio disc jockey where I played hit songs for hours every day. All that listening attuned my ear to songwriting forms that worked. Performing also heightens your sense of communication with an audience. So, all this melds together for me when I begin writing a song. My background looks varied/is varied, but it is consistent in my mind because the creative process is at the center of each area. 

Buzz Slayers: How did it all begin for you as a songwriter?

There wasn’t a formal start. I had classical piano training. In college, I learned to play chords on a guitar, and that’s how I found a way to write songs. My songwriting school was church hymns and Top 40 hits I had been playing on my radio shows. Hollywood music publishers picked up a few of my songs, but I turned my attention to acting after landing a role in a television cop show on my first audition. Years passed before I saw a way I could bring my guitar to a music program at the church I attended. All my past music experiences coalesced and I began writing songs in earnest. This led to opportunities to put together a band and begin to play shows. So, I did. 

Buzz Slayers: Are you performing live now? 

The short answer is… soon. I’ve been recording almost non-stop since the pandemic shut down all the venues. I’m still recording, but now in discussion with a few places to set up dates. I’ll have that info as soon as it’s available on my website. (jdhinton.com)

Buzz Slayers: How does it feel to have been doing this for so long?

Great. There’s nothing like the moment when you’ve written a song and realize it’s finished. It’s here! This is what I did not have until now. The more I do this… the more I wander this path… the better I see myself and the world around me. It’s not all fun but it is absolutely all joy. 

Buzz Slayers: Do you write lyrics first or does the music happen beforehand?

Each song has its own way of showing up. I do not have a format where it has to be lyrics first or music first. 

Buzz Slayers: What is next for you as an artist?

Truly, I would like to begin playing live shows again this year. As I alluded to earlier, I am in the middle of recording new songs now. 

Buzz Slayers: What can people expect from this release

I hope the way to answer that is in the lyrics of I Have to Dream — “I have to wonder. I have to dream.” I hope others find wonder and hear their dreams in the still, quiet moments where they live.

Buzz Slayers: Thanks so much for taking the time, JD! Wonderful record!

Thank you. I appreciate your time and thank you for listening. 

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