Inspired #173 - Alan Power
Alan Power has just released his second album ‘Songs To Break America’ - which sees him take a fresh approach with the roots of country music to create something unique. We had a chat with him about the inspirations behind his music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen… Leonard Cohen represents the head, Bruce the heart and Bob Dylan the mystical or the unknown. I think all three elements are important when making music and these guys are the masters. The holy trinity.
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
I always loved ‘My Own Private Idaho’. I read somewhere it was an allegory or Shakespeare’s Henry 4th. But I was more into the clothes. For inspiration I like a documentary though. Maybe ‘Running Down A Dream’ on Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. The Brian Jonestown Massacre documentary, Dig always has me screaming with laughter.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
Probably LA. I’ve hardly spent any time there myself but I would love to live there and make music there. You know I’d probably hate it if I did ever end up there but I imagine living in Hollywood in the 70’s would have suited me just fine.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
Leonard Cohen. I like his story. Forever searching for meaning and purpose without compromise. If only we all had the courage to live that way.
What were your inspirations when writing your new album?
Country music was the main inspiration for this record… But then it didn’t turn out as country as I’d hoped.
We ended up somewhere between Van Morrison and Kenny Rogers. There was a moment when a Sheryl Crow song was referenced, I forget which one. Big Star always makes an appearance in any Alan Power session, Springsteen of course… Someone always mentions David Lynch. But I have a theory that his name comes up in every recording session ever.
How would you like to inspire people?
I wouldn’t dream of it.