Interview: Hunter Lott
Hunter Lott talks to Louder Than The Music about his song 'Life Of The Sinner', with T. Graham Brown, his background in music, and his new single out next week!
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Sure, I’m from Mississippi, and I grew up with a strong Christian family, attended a private Christian school, and spent a lot of time with my grandfather. My dad and I did a lot of hunting and fishing, and my mom has always been my soft place to land with all the good advice and comforting words. when I was 16, my grandfather who was only 64, passed due to a massive heart attack. It literally tore my family to pieces, especially my mom, who was the strongest person I knew. Four months into the grieving process, I grabbed an electric guitar out of my closet that I received as a Christmas gift, for no special reason, when I was 8 years old. It had a broken string, a lot of dust, and I just started picking at it.
Long story short, I realized I could actually play. I began listening to songs, playing them fully, and started singing. Decided to sing for my parents one day, and I watched my mom come back to life. I knew then, if I could help my own family with music, maybe I could help others in the same way. It was very rewarding to provide a lifeline for my mom. It quickly became a way of life for me and something that I truly loved. It also was a lifeline for my healing as well, as I began writing songs, and wrote a song about losing my grandfather called, “Can’t Wait for That Day.” This was also my first music video. We filmed at the funeral home where we all said our final goodbyes, his gravesite, and on the ball field where he coached. I wrote the song in a way that others who have experienced a loss so deep, could hopefully relate. This solidified what I felt was my calling and what I was meant to do, and regardless of what comes of it, I wasn’t going to stop. In a way, I credit my grandfather for leading me on this journey.
Tell us about your new single 'Life of the Sinner' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Well, anything about Faith, God, and Grace, always sits deep within my soul. Although I write 95% of my songs myself, I had a friend of mine send me a poem about God always being there. She asked if I could put music to it for her. As I began doing this, I told her, “You know what, if you will allow it, I have this great melody in my head, and I can change the wording to fit, and this would be a great song.” Well she agreed, we became co-writers, and “Life Of The Sinner” was born! At the time, my dad had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, and once again, we were trying to navigate this horrible news. As my dad dealt with the uncertainties, he would listen to my demo of this song all the time. He listened after surgery and during radiation. This song became a lifeline for him, and with Gods grace, he is in remission. I knew I needed to record this song as it meant so much to my dad. The summer of 2023, I was in Lebanon, TN, at the Capital theatre with T. Graham Brown, and a few others like Colin Ray, and John Berry, and I sang this song live for the first time. I explained to the audience that I was recording and releasing this song soon! The song was well received! Backstage, T and I decided to make it a duet, and we were in the studio together 2 weeks later.
Do you have any plans to release more music in the near future?
Oh yes. I have so much music. Most of my music is Christian based, and a lot of it is Modern Country, maybe a little Pop. I even wrote a rock ballad I’m recording soon. I just write where the guitar takes me, starting with a melody first. I have New Music dropping this Monday, on May 6, titled You Had Your Chance. The message behind this song is for people to Know their worth. It’s more of a Country Pop type song you hear today.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
That it’s ok to lean on God. That everyone goes through trials and tribulations. That there is still a lot of good out there, and life is not easy. You have to roll with the punches, weed through all the hate, and strive to be the best you can possibly be. Let you light shine no matter how dark your world can be sometimes. And most of all, we are only here for a short period of time. We haven’t even begun to know just how good we will have it some day. I never thought I could say this… but I am so happy for my grandfather because as much as he Loved the Lord, I know he’s over the moon every day for eternity! I wouldn’t bring him back here if I could. I will see him on the other side one day!
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I’m not exactly sure my style. My message is always good I think, and my music will always be kid friendly. I guess I’m 90% Positive Country with a little edginess at times, lol. I like a good beat, and I like the vibe to be catchy or meaningful. That’s the best answer I have at the moment. My influences? Really anyone and anything that is consistently positive. T. Graham of course. T is not afraid to talk about his past and how God helped him turn his life around. You feel his testimony. You hear it when he sings. Many artists such as T have influenced me.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Probably Luke Combs. Luke is real. He is super talented. He bleeds honesty and integrity. His team is consistently positive. Luke lives the life of what you see is what you get, and Luke could never be influenced to be something he’s not. Definitely Luke Combs. Man, I wish that could happen. For starters!
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Having a large enough following to be a positive influence on people. Being able to show the world that my generation is not completely lost. Success for me would be to have a much larger fan base and show young people that it’s ok to love the Lord and that you can have a good time without caving to peer pressure and life’s “not so good for you” influences.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I have so many, but you're not going to believe this, probably any of the older Metallica albums. I was raised on Metallica mostly because of my dad. I saw them in concert, and I had a really good time. Metallica was the first thing I shredded on the guitar. Country, that’s what my mom listened to mostly. Maybe that’s why my music is the way it is.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Hunter Lott, “Can’t Wait for That Day,” definitely!
What does the rest of the year hold for you?
Just one day at a time, focusing on where God leads me. I’ll keep doing what I’m doing. I will continue to follow the right path, walk through the doors God opens for me, know He opened them, and just enjoy each day I’m given because I know just how quickly it can change. That’s it!
Thank you so much, Hunter!
