Anders Osborne on Early Song Titles and Setting Career Intentions

Photo credit: Zack Smith

Tell us about your tour vehicle. Any notable breakdown stories?

I use airplanes, tour buses and rental cars. I did own 3 vans earlier in my career. First one was a 1982 Ford Econoline cargo. With our futon in the back and a U-Haul trailer. Probably put 150k miles on that vehicle. I duct taped the clutch west of Houston once to get back home to New Orleans. Then had two more Ford Conversion Vans that sustained me through the nineties. Lotta miles and steady repairs.

How do you eat cheaply and/or healthy while on tour?

I focus on eating healthy same way I do at home. Purchase fresh fruit and vegetables. Nuts, grains and seafood. Cook if possible. Avoid fast food at all cost. My body is my holy vessel and temple.

How many strings do you break in a typical year? How much does it cost to replace them?

Don’t know the exact number but I probably go through 2-3 packs a month. Have an endorsement with D’Adarrio.

Where do you rehearse?

Don’t have one, only a storage facility for all the gear.

What was the title and a sample lyric from the first song that you wrote?

I don’t remember. I’m sure it was about a girl or my place in the universe. Titles like Butterflies, Her, Alone and Why? LoL !!

Describe your first gig.

I was 9 and my friend and I put my drum kit and his bass and amp in our neighborhood maintenance guy’s gardening cart that was filled with sand and dragged it over to our school. We had show and tell every Friday afternoon to end the week of class. He and I jammed something we had practiced in my attic. We killed it!!

What was your last day job? What was your favorite day job?

Horse farm cleaning in Folsom Louisiana.

Working on a farm in Israel and in Greece.

How has your music-related income changed over the past 5-10 years? What do you expect it to look like 5-10 years from now?

It has mostly increased with a few periods of exceptions. I’m hoping and aim to keep it steady but it will depend on our needs and expenses.

What one thing do you know now that you had wished you knew when you started your career in music?

I didn’t have to work as much as I was taught to believe. Set your intentions first then go into action. Spend some time figuring out what you want and desire in your life, don’t compare to anyone else. There are endless possibilities on how to make music not only the traditional “Rockstar” being famous method. Focus on your relationship to the Gods of music and respect.

Between the potency of his richly detailed songwriting, his intensely emotional, soulful vocals, and his piercing, expert guitar work, Anders Osborne is a true musical treasure. Born in Uddevalla, Sweden, he began his artistic journey at a young age, inspired by a spectrum of luminaries such as Vivaldi, Chopin, Black Sabbath, Robert Johnson, Joni Mitchell, John Coltrane, Bob Dylan, and Bob Marley. At age 19, he visited New Orleans, fell in love with the rich culture of the city, and never left. Since his 1989 recording debut, he has released 16 full-length albums and steadily toured all over the world, either with his own band, as a solo artist, or as a guest with his countless musical admirers, including Toots and The Maytals, Dr. John, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Keb’ Mo’, Bonnie Raitt, and The Grateful Dead’s Phil Lesh.

He has collaborated and co-written with artists such as Keb’ Mo’, Brad Paisley, Aaron Neville, Trombone Shorty, and Tim McGraw which scored him a #1 hit with the song “Watch The Wind Blow By.” His songs have appeared in multiple feature films and he can also be seen performing as himself in an episode of HBO’s New Orleans-based drama Treme. Osborne works closely with the “Send Me A Friend” foundation and through writing music for New Orleans Children’s Museum. He has additionally worked closely with Million Strong, Love Rocks NYC, Stand Together, Trombone Shorty Foundation, and Phoenix.

Picasso’s Villa, his latest album, will be released on 26 April. Connect with Osborne online and on the road.