Brian Whelan: Zen and the Art of Session Musicians

Brian Whelan is a professional musician with a range of impressive credits to his name. He’s supported Post Malone’s early forays into country music, was a mainstay in Dwight Yoakam’s studio band and supported one of last year's best albums, Jake Owen’s Dreams to Dream. In addition to his studio work, Whelan is a regular on stages across Southern California and beyond.

Like so many musicians based in Los Angeles, he called Altadena home. The proximity to recording studios, affordable and interesting housing and a slower pace of life were appealing.

Along with his wife, they welcomed their twins home to the city, and not long after that, their lives changed, along with so many others, on a windy night in January. More than 9,400 structures burned down in that fire that raged through the hills and neighborhood east of Los Angeles.

The Dads speak with Whelan about music, the impact of the Eaton fire on the music scene in LA, especially the roots, Americana and country scenes, and how being a dad, growing up and getting "Pro Vibed" have provided balance in his life and approach.

Show Notes:

2:20 - Brian claims he knew he’d be a performer at 6 years old—and never looked back. As he got older, he became a “liner note junky” and knew he wanted to be one of those guys.

4:22 - Becoming a father drastically shifted his priorities and changed his idea of time. Brian flipped the script on Dave and Donnie and put the question on them -- always a good guest power mover.

7:50 - The Kid Happy Hour: Putting on the greats, right after kid dinner and before bath and bed, the family gets some music, the parents get some drinks, and everyone dances.

9:59 - Brian has mixed feelings about having his kids go into the arts, but he will support them no matter what. But that is sometimes a bit harder said than done, and the guys explore that kind of support.

15:35 - Exploring how a session player helps develop and advance the sound of an artist's album, Brian explains that he sees himself as a connector and supporter of music. Almost as important is how he’s matured as a person, and how his fatherhood and getting “Pro Vibed” have played into that process.

20:05 - We talk about Dwight Yoakam and how much Brian learned and grew when working in his band.

24:00 - Discussing Jake Owen’s most recent album and his role in “the five-piece band in the middle of Hollyweird.”

31:50 - The impact of a local haunt on the trajectory of Brian’s career -- a personal history of the Cinema Bar in Culver City.

37:05 - Eaton Fire and the long-term impact. Brian lost his first home, most of his guitars and most of the family photos. But his kids gave him and his wife purpose. He had a place to put his energy -- and his kids gave him an incredible gift.

45: 18 - The Dad Life Sound Check!

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Mentioned in this Episode:

• Marissa R. Moss on Jake Owen in the Don’t Rock the Inbox newsletter
• Brian Whelan's website
• Cinema Bar
• MusiCares
• Tom T. Hall's children's record Country Songs for Children
• Vincent Neil Emerson's health issue post
• Tender Country - Thomas Csorba
• Review of Tender Country
• Country Cutler newsletter for new music discovery
• Nathan Evans Fox interview
• Children's books episode

References:

• Theme Music: “Dark Country Rock” by Moodmode
• Second Hand Heart - Dwight Yoakam
• I'll Pay the Price - Dwight Yoakam
• Dreams to Dream - Jake Owen
• Barefoot Blue Jean Night - Jake Owen
• Wouldn't Be Gone - Jake Owen
• Can't Let Go - Lucinda Williams
• I Love - Tom T. Hall
• Fox on the Run - Tom T. Hall
• The Great Highway - Vincent Neil Emerson
• He Would've Loved This - Thomas Csorba
• Little Green Apples - Thomas Csorba