by Dakota Levitt
Spending a weekend spellbound in the saturated Nashville scene, and immersed in a world full of talent, sparkling with grit, and dripping with ambition, having the opportunity to bask in the confines that the powerful Broadway strip has to offer, is something truly special.
I was lucky enough to stumble into Honky Tonk Central near closing time when I first encountered PJ Ferguson & The Tennessee Strange. Immediately taking note of just how extraordinary this group was, it is no surprise that they began releasing originals, each one better than the next during the months following my short trip.
Nashville superstars PJ Ferguson and The Tennessee Strange, are one of the hottest bands on Broadway. The 5-piece group includes PJ Ferguson as their frontman and guitarist, Tommy Leland on guitar, Brandon Cantwell on bass, John Rodrigue playing drums, and Roger Smith on the saxophone.
Their latest release “Leap of Faith” tells a tale of authenticity and happenstance. The song highlights their talent as musicians encompassing a retro and groovy vibe while not losing sight of the intricate jamming guitar riffs, twangy thudding bass, and roaring high-pitched vocals. A song that truly makes you want to get up and dance, tap your foot to the beat, and take that chance on yourself, making all your dreams come true.
If you happen to be in Nashville, Tennessee anytime soon, you do not want to miss this group. You can catch them crowd-surfing and bar-top dancing Thursday-Sunday!
Please tell me a bit about your background, take me through the journey of where you started and how you got to the point of rockin’ around Broadway.
PJ: I am originally from a very small town in Upstate NY. I have made a living playing 200+ gigs a year since I was 15/16 years old. During COVID, I
decided to move to Nashville as I had little left for me in NY at the time. I began by playing mostly to tables and chairs for last-minute acoustic gigs (they would call me at 9 am and ask if I could be there in the next fifteen minutes.) After months of that, I got my gigs on Broadway - at first working 6-7 nights a week. Now we’re rocking 3-4 nights a week and playing our original shows as well.
How do you think being in Nashville impacts your creativity and songwriting? What is the dynamic of your writing process- can you please take us through your creative journey?
PJ: It is a catch-22. The talent around you in Nashville is very inspiring and I learn every day. It can also be discouraging if you spend too much time comparing yourself and your path to others.
Tommy: Being surrounded by such a community is endlessly motivating and inspiring. PJ usually writes a song on acoustic guitar, then we get together as a band and work out arraignments and instrumental licks. After that, we play the songs live on stage and take them to the studio.
How does geographic diversity influence the band's coming together? You’re all from different places- What are some things you all have in common and some differences, how does that affect your band dynamic?
PJ: Even if you’re from the same place, your home life and parental upbringing were likely different. So, it’s likely just like anything else in life: we all bring different perspectives which helps us all learn more about each other. I hope we go out to Tommy and Brandon’s neck of the woods very soon.
Brandon: Funnily it doesn't have too much of an effect in my opinion. Yes, we’re from different areas, but I think we all grew up with similar interests, tastes, and character. That's why I believe we all gravitated towards each other and worked well together right off the bat.
Tommy: Our musical influences are what connect us. We all come from rock and roll backgrounds where we like to push the envelope and see how far things can go. But we all have taken musical journeys back in time to appreciate and learn from older music - the influencers that influenced the ones who influenced us.
This year is a huge year for you and the band with lots of originals being released, where did this spark of inspiration come from?
PJ: My life dream is to see the world playing music and to have songs that impact people enough to where they want to listen and sing along. I’ve played in bars all my life but I am ready to take another Leap of Faith (pun intended) and pursue my own music full-time.
Tommy: Recently we’ve been kicking it into high gear. We are rehearsing more, recording more, booking more shows, and releasing more music. The band just started a little over a year ago. All the hard work and excitement have built up to now, and it’s all just starting to happen.
What is the story behind your song “Leap of Faith”?
Tommy: PJ is notorious for crowd-surfing at our Broadway gigs. He wanted to have a high-energy original song that he could also crowd-surf to. Aside from the double meaning of literally “leaping” into a crowd of people, the song is about taking chances, having no plan B, and going all in.
What are some leaps of faith you have taken throughout life?
PJ: Doing what I believe is right for me regardless of how others may feel about it. On a personal level, believing in love again and quitting drinking alcohol.
Tommy: Everyday is a Leap of Faith. Nothing is promised to us. We never really know what’s going to happen next. The only thing we can do is have faith in each step we take.
With the upward projection of the band, what are some goals you have set in the immediate future?
Our immediate goals include playing original shows in nearby regions outside of Nashville (OH, NC, KY, AL, etc). We are recording a full-length album in November. Writing, recording, and coming to a town near you!
What is it that you’ve got that makes you who you are and sets you apart from other bands?
Brandon: Hard work, time spent together, and trust. There are plenty of hard-working bands out there, and we’re one of them. We have invested a lot of hours into writing, rehearsing, and performing. And we do it consistently. It’s because of that we've developed a sense of musical trust. Every one of us comes to the table with our own voice, and that is what makes us The Tennessee Strange.
Your songs seem to follow the idea that authenticity is one of your most important values. If you could go back and tell your younger self something, what would you say?
PJ: Don’t sacrifice your happiness for the happiness of others.
Tommy: I would tell my younger self that you are already living the dream. I’d say “You’re already doing it, kid.” The key is just to keep staying active.” Doing the things to become an artist or musician is so much more fun than just saying you are an artist once you have become one.
Brandon: Believe in yourself, Learn as many songs as you can, and always record your ideas because you will not remember them the next day!
All photos taken by Dakota Levitt
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