Interview: Vaden Landers
Vaden Landers is an East Tennessee musician branded the "The Yodelin' Country Bluesman." His music comes across as authentic and suggests a genuine embrace of classic country tradition.
Last Thursday I stopped by to see Vaden play Skinny Dennis Nashville, the second location of the iconic Brooklyn honky tonk bar which opened in Spring of last year. His live show did not disappoint— highlights include a standing bass, an Elvis cover and lots of young couples dancing. Incredibly wholesome and enjoyable.
I talked to Vaden about cigarettes, hog noises and modern life below.
The Pamphleteer: As someone with an appreciation for old-fashioned ways of living, what is your least favorite aspect of modern life?
Vaden Landers: My least favorite thing about modern life would have to be how ugly cars are.
Who are your biggest influences?
VL: I have two major ones. I’m influenced by everything, but I wouldn’t do what I do if it wasn't for Merle Travis and Hank Williams. I think as two innovators of the style, few have curated how important their contributions are to country music.
You have a single called “Goin’ Hog Wild.” My toddler is really into Charles Mingus's "Hog Callin' Blues" lately, so it's important to ask... what instrument do you think sounds the most like a hog?
VL: Hmm…. Never really thought about that. Maybe a bassoon.
What is the best cigarette brand?
VL: Lucky Strike Red.
I was born and raised in North Carolina and went to school in Western North Carolina, and I believe you have spent time in both NC and TN as well. It has been my experience that everyone is remarkably nicer in Tennessee, which I didn't even think was possible. What do you think causes this?
VL: I think in tourist areas people in NC are not as kind is because they aren’t North Carolinians. I’m from East TN. Very close to Western NC. So the people were very similar. In my experience, the further out the city, the nicer the people get.
Listen to Vaden Landers on Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, YouTube, and all major streaming platforms.