MTS Management Group works with a wide range of talent including some incredible country musicians. Michael and the team at MTS know how much I like country music, so when they introduced me to Heather Whitney, I got excited. Heather has a great voice and is an incredible songwriter. She also looks like she belongs on stage. Her brand is on point and I can’t stop listening to her. Needless to say, I was excited to learn more about her when I confirmed this interview. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Heather Whitney.
Tell me about your new album Moving On available now on Spotify and iTunes.
Moving On is upbeat, yet has a story to tell that I think everyone can relate to. We all have our story of that moment we threw in the towel and we were moving on. We may not of wanted to, it might have been a hard move. But no matter what we’ve all had to move on a time or two. I tried to make every song on my album relatable and something that I went through. I wanted this album raw and personal. It has heartbreak, loneliness, all the normal feelings when having to move on from something maybe you weren’t ready to let go. I’m extremely happy about it and really feel like the album is rock solid. I couldn’t be happier with it.
Speaking of Spotify, I love it. But not all artists do. What are your thoughts on streaming solutions like Spotify and Apple Music?
I personally love Spotify. When people ask me questions about things like this I’m interested in the question itsself. Like really, people don’t like Spotify? Where are they from? I type in the song I’m looking for and it pops right up. Seems pretty easy to me so I don’t know if I’d change anything.
You are originally from Texas. Sounds like you are from a small town. Tell me more about where you grew up. Do you go back to visit often?
I grew up in a little town outside of Beaumont called Newton, TX. Football is pretty big here and people literally wear a purple football shirt every Friday even in the off season. I actually still live here. I couldn’t wait to move when I was in high school but here I am, still sitting here. We ride back roads, drink around camp fires, ride buggies (ATVs) and blare loud music! We go to the river to swim and we love a good reason to drink around these parts.
Who designed your logo? I love it!
Lauren Manderbach with Alloy Signature commercial photography and brand development. She did do an amazing job. My logo is exactly what I wanted. I couldn’t be more happy with it.
Tell me about the guys in your band.
I’m actually in between bands. I don’t have a set band for myself but I have a group of guys known by the name of the urban cowboy band helping me as much as they can couldn’t thank them enough.
I’ve never been to Nashville. What is it like? Where are some of the best places to see live music?
You could walk into any bar on broadway and Listen to great music, you could actually walk into dang near any business and hear great live music. It’s literally amazing. I really got a feel for the saying “Nash Vegas” when I went there without Gramps. (Laughs.)
Lauren Manderbach also did your photography and designed your website. How do you know here? She did a great job with all of that, by the way!
She sure did along with Adrian Payne. They both did an amazing job. I actually met her through Cherish Lee, the daughter of Johnny Lee. She did a phenomenal job on both my pictures and my website! She nailed what I was looking for perfectly.
What is your songwriting process like? Do you lock yourself in a room and write or do songs just come to you?
Songs just come to me and I write them as I do. They are completely spontaneous.
You release a video for your single “Shut Up & Dance.” Tell me more about the video and where you recorded that.
Shut up and dance was recorded at The Crying Wolf in Nashville, TN. It was so much fun to do. Cherish Lee put together an amazing team of people to get it accomplished.
Tell me about your relationship with Buddy Hyatt.
Buddy is like family to me. He is such a hard worker and so talented at what he does. I’m so happy that Johnny introduced him to me. He’s been an absolute pleasure to work with.
What is the best concert you’ve ever been to?
The best concert I’ve ever been to was a Cody Johnson concert. Absolutely talented and you can tell his heart is in it. I hope to be half the performer he is!
You are currently working with MTS Management. How did you connect with them and what has it been like working with Michael and his team at MTS?
Again Cherish Lee. Where would I be without her seriously? She’s been such a blessing to my career. Michael is super duper good at what he does and he is the most organized person I know. (Laughs.) I’m glad our paths crossed.
Tell me about the first time you heard your music on the radio. Where were you?
I haven’t heard it on the radio yet. But looking forward to this Saturday where it will be playing across the nation on several stations around the us and world.
There are a lot of great country musicians out there… Names like Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Gary Allan and Diamond Rio. Who are some of your biggest influences? Who are you listening to when you aren’t writing/singing?
I listen to Jon Pardi, Cody Johnson, lots of classic country, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert and so many more.
You write about whiskey… What is your favorite whiskey to drink?
I love Crown and Coke. It’s all I drink.
What’s next for Heather Whitney?
I hope to start playing around Texas a lot more. I’m excited about the future and its definitely going to be bright.
In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
I just want to thank my fans, my family, every person who has invested time and effort into my career, including you guys. I can’t thank y’all enough.
Connect with Heather Whitney:
Website: https://www.heatherwhitneymusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherwhitneymusic/
