Let It Snow: A Journey Through Writer's Block

As I sat on the subway, scribbling out lyrics in my notebook, I couldn't help but think about the song that had been stuck in my head - 'Whippoorwill' by Jake Winstrom. The breezy tune is a highlight on his new album, and it's easy to see why. With its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, it's no wonder the song broke through the ice of writer's block.

But for Jake, getting to this point wasn't easy. After the demise of his band, The Tenderhooks, he found himself struggling to find inspiration. 'There are cool clubs, and there's great music to hear here,' he says, referring to Nashville, where he eventually settled after leaving Knoxville. 'But I feel like you have to be an archeologist to find it.'

Jake's journey back to songwriting began in 2017, when he started to regain his creative spark. He teamed up with producer Jeff Bills and a cast of local music greats in Knoxville to record his new album.

The result is a gorgeous collection of songs that showcase Jake's distinctive vocal style and lyrical prowess. From the catchy hooks of 'Whippoorwill' to the introspective balladry of other tracks, it's clear that Jake has found his footing again.

But it wasn't always easy. 'Maybe I wasn’t happy with the material I had after being in The Tenderhooks and being with a fantastic co-songwriter in Ben and fantastic players in Matt and Emily,' he says, referring to his time with the band.

Despite the challenges he faced, Jake persevered, eventually finding a new sense of purpose in his music. 'There’s not the camaraderie of places like the Pilot Light,' he says, referencing a Knoxville music venue where he used to play. 'But I feel like that's what makes this album special - it's a reflection of my own growth and creativity.'

So if you're struggling with writer's block, take a cue from Jake Winstrom. Don't be afraid to take your time, experiment with new sounds, and find inspiration in unexpected places. And always keep in mind the wisdom of his song - 'it doesn’t have to be like pushing a huge boulder up a hill every time.

93.9 my fm let it snow song