Legendary Musician John Oates Brings His Soulful Storytelling to the Ozone Songwriter Festival

In a captivating interview, legendary musician and songwriter John Oates opens up about his storied career, his passion for songwriting, and his upcoming performance at the Ozone Songwriter Festival in Covington, Louisiana. Oates, known for his iconic collaborations with Daryl Hall as the duo Hall & Oates, shares insights into his creative process, his musical influences, and the evolution of the music industry.

Uncovering the Roots of American Music: John Oates' Journey through the South

Discovering the Ozone Songwriter Festival

John Oates, the renowned musician and songwriter, has been invited to headline the Ozone Songwriter Festival in Covington, Louisiana. Oates, who has collaborated with festival founder Greg Barnhill, is excited to bring his unique blend of storytelling and music to the event. "We met and he's been trying to get me down there for a bit. I'm looking forward to it. It sounds like a great event," Oates shares. The festival's focus on songs and stories aligns perfectly with Oates' performance, which features an intimate acoustic quartet and promises to be a captivating evening for attendees.

Exploring Louisiana's Musical Legacy

While this will be Oates' first time performing on the Northshore, he has a long history of playing in Louisiana, dating back to the early days of his career with Daryl Hall. "When Daryl and I first started out in the 1970s, we had these regional pockets of popularity. The Northeast where we're from was one of them. Then, we had a pocket in the Portland, Oregon area. A third was in Louisiana, and not necessarily New Orleans. We played Thibodeaux, we played NSU in Natchitoches. I remember going down there and playing a series of shows in the smaller cities and that was great."Oates' connection to Louisiana's musical heritage runs deep, and he fondly recalls his first performance in New Orleans in 1977 at a venue called The Warehouse, where Eric Carmen opened for Hall & Oates. "I remember Eric Carmen opening for us, and he only did a few shows and then he went home. It was a weird deal. I don't know If he didn't want to open for us or if he just packed it in because he didn't want to be on the road." Over the years, Oates has played at iconic New Orleans venues like Tipitina's and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, even sitting in with the legendary Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

Honoring the Roots of American Music

Oates' solo album "Arkansas," which delved into the Delta blues, country, and ragtime influences, was a deliberate homage to the musical heritage of the South. "That record 'Arkansas' you mentioned, it was an homage. I wanted people to realize how things tied together and that American music didn't start with rock and roll. … The wellspring is New Orleans. That music touched me."Oates' reverence for the musical legacy of New Orleans and the surrounding region is palpable. He speaks with awe about witnessing the legendary Allen Toussaint perform at the Aspen Songwriters Festival, describing it as "one of the greatest shows I've seen in my life." Oates also cites the influence of other New Orleans icons like Professor Longhair and Fats Domino, whose music he grew up listening to and which continues to inspire his own creative journey.

Embracing the Evolving Music Industry

As Oates reflects on his decades-long career, he acknowledges the significant changes in the music industry, particularly the challenges faced by emerging artists in the digital age. "Now it's a bit different with the technology dictating so much of what's going on. The good thing is that everyone can be heard. The bad thing is that everyone can be heard (laughing)."Despite the shifting landscape, Oates remains optimistic about the opportunities available to musicians today. He encourages younger artists to focus on building a dedicated fanbase rather than chasing commercial success on a massive scale. "The majority of people, I think, have to lower their expectations when it comes to commercial success and making a living at it."

Embracing the Next Chapter of His Musical Journey

As Oates enters the latter stages of his illustrious career, he is embracing a newfound sense of creative freedom and passion. "Daryl and I are no longer working together and we will not be working together. There's something that happened, it's almost like a new lease on life. It's a chance to really focus on the latter part of my career."Oates is excited about the collaborations he has been pursuing, working with a diverse range of artists, from established musicians to up-and-coming talents. "I'm having the time of my life. … I can give it 100% of my attention and my passion, my commitment."With his upcoming performance at the Ozone Songwriter Festival, Oates is eager to share his musical journey and the stories that have shaped his life. Audiences can expect a captivating evening filled with soulful renditions of classic songs, as well as glimpses into Oates' creative process and the rich tapestry of American music that has inspired him throughout his remarkable career.