Meet Whit | Singer, songwriter & creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whit and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whit, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
I grew up incredibly (and probably excessively) disciplined, so doing things thoroughly and well is in my bones. And whether I’m on the road touring, doing sessions in the studio or just in my every day habits, I think approaching things a bit regimented has allowed me to find success, simply because I’m consistent. That being said, art and inspiration require flexibility because great ideas aren’t usually on any sort of timeline, so my challenge is always to find agility daily, where I can and whenever it might be required.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My friend’s dad, David Ballew, always says luck is just when preparation meets opportunity. That being said, though music has always been a constant thread in my life, music as a career found me and for that I consider myself incredibly lucky.

The first person I met in Nashville was an assigned roommate and she’s one of my best friends today. She was taking a recording technologies class and had heard me in the shower or maybe singing around the apartment and asked me if I would sing in her session. I had no idea what that meant at the time, but I did it, and never really looked back from there. Hilary was also a huge part of broadening my musical influences beyond pop – so really, I owe my career to her. If not for her, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. I’ve sung on some of the most hallowed stages, along with the most talented artists and lent my talents to some incredible albums. All of this equally surprises me and feels correct.

While singing has always come naturally to me, I can’t think of a less easy industry to be a part of. Music is so subjective and the industry is fickle and often super restrictive. I do it because I love it and because I have to, I think. But I wouldn’t say I recommend it. Not as a career, anyway. I just happen to find most, if not all, of my joy when I’m being creative – singing, writing, performing, all of it. It’s very clear it’s what I’m made to do, but easy? Far from it.

What I wish people knew more is that artistry looks different person to person and it takes time (and often a ton of money) to make good art. It can be a journey with no end. That’s definitely something I wish I knew sooner. Honestly, I’m just now feeling ready to go beyond the bounds of comfortability when it comes to the art I make and what I put on display for anyone to think anything about it. My biggest hurdle to overcome has been getting out of my head and ultimately, out of my own way. I feel nearly there, so I’m super excited for what comes out over the next couple of years. I hope to surprise myself; that’s what I’m really after.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ve only been in LA 3 years and have been on the road touring for most of it, so I still feel quite “new” to the area. That said, east LA is the best part of LA and I won’t hear otherwise!

There’s still so much I’ve yet to explore, but here’s a few favorites I like to take friends to when they’re in town:

Food & Drink: Blair’s (Silverlake) – consistently great, rustic Italian; an incredible wine list and the friendliest staff; Girl and the Goat – I fell in love with this restaurant on the road years ago while visiting Chicago. I was also a fan of Stephanie Izzard on Top Chef; they opened the downtown LA location the week I decided to move to LA and it felt like a sign. Honorable mentions to Musso & Frank, Bestia, Saffy’s, L&E Oyster Bar and Manuela.

Outdoors: I’m big on long walks and my #1 place to clear my head is the Silverlake Reservoir. I also love the intensity of the trek up to the Griffith Park Observatory.

Venues: Every show I’ve seen at the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek has been 100% worth it. Same goes for Hotel Cafe. That’s a venue I heard about for years before moving here and it always feels very much in favor of the artists and I like that.

Coffee Shops: I actually don’t drink coffee, but I’m a huge tea gal and I know Lamill hates to see me coming at this point. I love their matcha lattes and yes, it’s better than Maru’s and I won’t apologize for saying that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate my shoutout to my Nashville community. Ever-present and always supportive. I’ll never forget the town that helped me discover myself,.

Instagram: @yeswhit

Image Credits
Anthony D’Angio
Nicola Harger
Dean Berner