October 5, 2015

A prominent Nashville musician talked about how his newest album came together on Wednesday during the first night of touring at Asheville’s Grey Eagle.

“This is an album where I’ve slowed down a bit. There’s no need to scream and yell to get my audience’s attention,” said Patrick Sweany, a 41-year-old Nashville singer/songwriter.

The album in question, “Daytime Turned To Nighttime” is Sweany’s seventh full album encompassing the sound of the blues and the American south. Sweany, who was originally from Ohio, grew up and performed with Dan Auerbach, current frontman and guitarist for The Black Keys.

The album, which was released last month, is now being promoted by a full tour of the east coast.

“Tonight is the first night of the first leg of the tour,” Sweany said. “It covers the Carolinas, Georgia, and on up into Pennsylvania and upstate New York,” said Sweany.

When asked about why he chose to start the tour at the Grey Eagle, Sweany replied, “The last time I played here in April, the room had a great feeling. I love playing here at the Grey Eagle.”

“The Eagle is a very special spot for a lot of musicians,” said Nick Marshall, doorman for the venue. “I think it’s a very memorable room that they feel very comfortable performing in.”

However, Sweany said the new album did not come together very easily.

“It’s not how I would typically want to write an album,” chuckled Sweany. “I was constantly working on my new house with my wife. I would lock myself in the laundry room for a few hours a day, and I wouldn’t come out until I had something.”

“The new album is a bit more toned down,” Sweany said. “On the last album, ‘Close To The Floor’, I was dealing with a lot of personal loss, and I think that now in the new album, I’m a bit more mature.

Sweany is first and foremost an entertainer. His stage presence commands attention in the same way that James Brown or Joe Cocker would, dancing and swaying with a primal rhythm. The energy of the room was a driving force that pushed the band through its blistering one hour set.

“Watching him perform is an inspiration to me as a musician,” said Alex Cox, concert attendee. “He is hypnotic.”

While many bands grow tired after months of touring and recording, Sweany looks forward to the rest of the tour.

“This is my job, and I’m good at it,” said Sweany. “I can get in that van and drive all day to the next show. Check in to the hotel, go to soundcheck, play the show, and do it all over again the next day.”  

When asked about writing music on the road, Sweany said “You don’t typically have time you’re moving so fast. If I come up with a guitar part or song idea, I sing it into my phone while I’m driving. Then its back to the laundry room when I’m home.”