Aaron Raitiere is one of Nashville’s most respected songwriters with cuts by Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Anderson East, The Oak Ridge Boys, Midland, Shooter Jennings, Brent Cobb, Hayes Carll and many more.

Until now, Raitiere’s career has mainly been behind closed doors, working with some of the biggest names in country music. In addition, he’s written with huge stars such as Lady Gaga on A Star Is Born’s “I’ll Never Love Again”, which won Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 62nd Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Single Wide Dreamer is Aaron Raitiere’s latest project, and the album is produced by Miranda Lambert and Anderson East - It’s a long-awaited artistic dream for the behind-the-scenes songwriter.

With his single “For The Birds” just released, I caught up with him to ask some further questions.

“For The Birds” is a jolly and catchy number that has just been released. How has the reception of the song been so far?

AR: Based on the tweedle-deedles and the cuh-caws and the chirpin I’ve been hearing from the folks whose opinions I value, I'd say I'm happy with it. Miranda had already road-tested the song and put it on a record, so I knew if my version didn’t go over well, it wasn’t the song’s fault.

Did we do it justice? I think so.

• I believe your upcoming album Single Wide Dreamer was produced by Miranda Lambert and Anderson East. What was it like having a star like Miranda’s input to the project?

AR: While it was certainly a creative advantage, I think it was also more of an honor than anything. She has a lot of other things going on and took the time to put some heart and life into this project. You can feel both her and Anderson's musical gifts throughout the entire collection of songs. And I'm lucky to call both of them my friends.

• I have listened to some of your previous work and a lot of it has a great bluegrass sound and feel, with often fun and playful lyrics. Is this the style you plan to carry on in the future as a solo artist?

AR: Thanks! I'm from Kentucky. I can try to send something in another direction but if it's coming out of me there will always be elements of bluegrass and the country. Lyrically I think I'm just singing the ones that fit me. A lot of songs are like shoes or pants - and you know when one fits ya just right. I figure I'll just keep wearing the shoes and pants that feel right. 

• You have written with some of the biggest names in country music, and I believe you wrote A Star Is Born’s “I’ll Never Love Again” with Lady Gaga. What was it like to be involved with such a huge project, and is this the type of thing you would like to be involved with again?

AR: If you stand in the middle of the road long enough, you’ll get hit by a car. I got hit by a bus when that happened. Pure luck. Right time, right place. Right friends and producers and publishers. One of those things that can't be explained.

And hell yeah. I like pressure like that. Where you have to deliver something great because there’s no other option. I was the 4th writer in the room that day. Hillary Lindsay, Natalie Hemby, and Lady Gaga led the charge.

• How would you describe your general songwriting process?

AR: Get an idea, develop the idea, add music - I am a lyricist - or a songwriter/singer as Brent Cobb calls himself. I'm into the lyrics way more than the melody or sound or music. Music is always there, it's easy to find, and musicians are everywhere. But words are tricky and there are many kinds of writers, but songwriting is a real sumbitch most days. Not a pleasure but a painful squeeze. It's work. And it's an addiction. The best part about writing a song is when it's over. 

• If you could choose one person to collaborate with (dead or alive) who would this be?

AR: Dead: Chris Cornell

Alive: Mick Jagger/Keith Richards/Willie Nelson

• Who are your main influences?

AR: Too Short, Beck, Beastie Boys, Sir Mix A Lot, Kriss Kross, MC Hammer, Mr Big, Mudhoney, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Doc Watson, Guy Clark

• What has been your best gig or show you have played to date?

AR: I used to play guitar and sing by a fire for a bunch of old guys in the woods in Madison, FL on the Withlacoochee River. We would all drink beers and laugh and make up songs. 

John Baker and Johnny Carter were extremely important in my life and in encouraging me to go play in real places.

They’re both dead now. But those “shows” live on in my heart.

• I believe you currently have a residence at Nashville’s The Basement. What do you think of the whole Nashville music scene in general?

AR: Mike Grimes, the owner of the basement, has let me work out my kinks in front of his microphones over the past few years. He’s turned into a good friend also and I appreciate the shit out of that opportunity. Nashville is a special place. There are thousands of brilliant songs and ideas born there every day and night, all day and night. There’s nothing like it if you know where to look.

• Are there any artists currently on your radar who you’re really into at the moment?

AR: Bob Weir and I have been writing lately.  Which is insanity.  Never would’ve thought. So, he’s on the radar. Brent Cobb, Paul Cauthen, Anderson East, Ben Chapman, but you know I still listen to all the same stuff I did in high school. I have terrible taste in music too. So maybe all those guys are terrible and that’s why I like them so much.

• Have you got a message for your followers and fans?

AR: Thanks for your patience, tolerance, encouragement, and kindness. Any luck in the music business is only a result of the folks that lovingly put up with your garbage. So yeah, I'd just say thanks.

Thanks Aaron - all the best for the future!

Author: Andrew Braithwaite

Andrew is the founder and Managing Director of Music Talkers. He's also a keen music enthusiast and plays the guitar.