Singer-songwriters can (and should) be inspired by so many things, both musically and lyrically. It is just a question whether they can turn any or all of these inspirations into some meaningful (and listenable) music. Some solid experience, both in life and in music, will certainly have an impact on what comes out with every new release of any such artist.
Arizona singer-songwriter Wayne Merdinger, obviously has both, as Troubadour, his latest EP (following three albums and six singles) has the sound and feel of both. Devoting the title song to his musical inspirations, “Nebraska Bay” is about his direct experience with a ’70s band that never made it, both filled with positive emotion and experience.
On the other hand, “Poison” is Merdinger’s comment on fake news, “Waiting For the Love” was written about the current situation in Ukraine (Wayne is 25% Ukrainian), while “It’s Gonna Be Okay” offers a parent’s perspective on letting go of adult children.
As for his, themes, Merdinger’s music is similarly varied, wrapping up together nicely all his musical inspirations, firmly rooted in the music of some past decades, but with the foil of modern production that firmly roots Merdinger’s music into modern times.
