Lance Cowan of Middle Tennessee on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Lance Cowan and have shared our conversation below.

Lance, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
For years, as I managed my time for my public relations business, I NEVER spent any time on my music while I was in the office. I showed up around 9:30 a.m. and worked til 6 p.m. A couple of years ago, I decided if I ever wanted my music to move forward, I’d need to carve out time to work on me. So I began coming into the office around 8 or 8:30 a.m. and giving myself the first hour of the day. Then at 9:30, I shifted work to my clients. It wasn’t long before that began to pay off. So I’m up every morning with the dog around 6:00. We go for a walk, then I come in and watch the morning news and have a couple of cups of coffee. But I’m in the office covering my music for the first hour of the day. That’s been so successful that now, I’m often working on my music again at 6 until I finish, sometime around 8 p.m. It’s easy to be dedicated to that, since I love my work, both as a songwriter and as a publicist.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
For the past 30 plus years, I’ve worked in the entertainment industry as a publicist for some of the best songwriters in Roots / Americana Music. I never mixed my songwriting career and my pr career, so most of them never knew that I had any interest in being a songwriter. I kept that under wraps despite encouragement from my family and a very few colleagues. In 2024, I put together a collection of my songs with the hopes of finding places where I could play. I’d been playing, basically, The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville several times a year, but as fame grew for that venue, it got harder to find a slot there. Plus, it’s really difficult for folks who want to see a writer as it sells out in minutes.

I sent my little cd to a friend who’d been among my supporters, and he called me after a few days and told me he’d gotten me a distribution with CPI / The Orchard and that he was now my manager. He’s been a terrific partner to have in my corner!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
That’s a tough question. I suppose all the folks who’ve stepped up to support me as I wade into this career. Of course my wife, who has for years wanted me to release music. But then, the industry that has helped me, including my old friend John Porter, who now manages me. Also, the guys who produced my record, Scott Paschall and Jason Stelluto. There is no way to tell you how much they did for me to get this thing rolling.

I suppose what’s been equally validating has been the incredible support I’ve received through critics and radio folks who I’ve known for years but didn’t know I wrote songs. These are people who are determined to maintain their integrity, and they would’ve said if they didn’t like my records.

I questioned myself in my early years. I’ve finally begun to see myself I believe the way these people have seen me for years. I’m growing more confident performing than I’ve ever been, and I absolutely know the songs I’m writing are worth sharing.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I know a lot of songwriters who work for years on their craft with no luck who then decide to throw up their hands and walk away from trying at all. Sometimes, at the last minute, something great calls them back in and they wind up having amazing success.

Generally, the musicians and artists I most admire are the ones who can’t help doing what they do, even if they never make a dime doing it. It’s who they are. The need to create runs in their veins. It’s the air that they breathe. I’d like to think that I fit into that group.

Sure, I’ve been frustrated at times. I look back over the years at people – many powerful industry people – who said they loved what I do and, even though they could’ve helped me when I was younger, did not. I suppose I could be bitter. But then I look at all the folks who are standing beside me now – my wife, my kids, my manager, my producers, my distributor and all of the the amazing and wildly respected musicians who are constantly giving me their time and support – and it’s impossible to dwell on any negatives.

Besides, now is the time for me to release this music.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They would tell me that every single song I write and sing is absolutely amazing. Just kidding.

Years ago, when working for a manager on Music Row, one of our clients – a very well known artist – brought in a stack of songs written for an upcoming project. My boss took the songs and listened very, very closely. He spent a lot of time with them. Then, he told his client the songs were not up to par. Sure, that upset his client, who then went home and began working. Then, she brought back an amazing record of songs.

My own manager taught me that the greatest kindness you can extend to someone is often giving the cold hard truth. He does that for me. So I would say my best friends and the ones I trust most are the ones who give me honest criticism. They do that out of love. Sometimes it’s hard to be objective about your work, and you need someone who will tell you the truth. I try to extend the same courtesy to the people who I care about.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What will you regret not doing? 
Had I not tried to step out as an artist, I think I would’ve regretted it. I would’ve always wondered if the songs I was writing had merit. I mean, I know they are good songs, and I know they connect with people. Getting so many stellar reviews from some great critics has been validating.

I guess I regret not starting this 15 years ago when there was actually a living to be made for a songwriter, before streaming services destroy the revenue streams.

But as I say, this is really about connecting to people through my songs. And it seems to be working.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lancecowanmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lance.cowan.75/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-cowan-8474176/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lance.cowan.75
• Youtube: @LCMedia100
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lance-cowan-1/sets/lance-cowan-against-the-grain-mp3

Image Credits
Photos by Nancy Cowan