Finding Freedom in Family
by Michael Herman | posted 4/01/2003
 1 of 3
You may not hear Wayne Watson on Christian radio as much as you used to, but he's still making music and happier than ever because of the freedom and family involved. The longtime music veteran lent his perspective on the music business today, in addition to the making of his new album.
This project,Living Room, involves your family extensively. Was that the plan? If so, how long have you wanted to do a project with the help of your family?
Wayne: I had entertained the idea of getting family involved with a project in the past, but every time it came up I envisioned us on a bus—as "The Watson Family." Then I thought, "Ahhh, I don't think so." So I put that idea down pretty quickly.
I do remember the moment it occurred to me to get Neal, our oldest son, to produce the record. I was sitting outside at home, and I was getting a little depressed that I couldn't get passionate about another project. I had some song ideas, but I didn't know how to get revved-up to write or record them. It occurred to me that of all of the pieces of the puzzle were in place to do a project except one—and that one missing piece was Neal.
I called Neal and asked him if he'd want to co-produce this project with me. He was thrilled—speechless at first. As we started working, I allowed him to take the wheel. He did things I never would've done to make it sound fresh and new, without dishonoring 25 years of recording and creating music. I've had an audience that's been faithful to me and I didn't want to do something that would leave them behind. But at the same time, I wanted to freshen it up and bring a new sound. Working with my son allowed me to do that.
On the writing end, Adam, my youngest, has always been a reflective-writer-kind-of-guy. He came home from college with a couple of song ideas and we worked on them together. The lyrics were a little idealistic, and I shot them down pretty hard. As I challenged him, he gave me the old eye roll—like, "Oh Dad, okay. I know what you're getting at." We worked together on the songs after that and we were happy with the results.
That's a long answer to your question, but no, it wasn't a master plan to get my boys involved. It just turned out that way.
So with your family more a part of your career, do you see their involvement continuing in your musical future? And if so, how far down the road are you thinking?
Wayne: I'm thinking "down the road" now more than ever because of my boys' involvement. Usually when I finish a project, my attitude is, "I don't know if I can ever do this again. I'm worn out. I'm tapped out creatively." Now I'm already thinking about how much fun it'll be to do this again.
I wish I had the material to go into the studio tomorrow because I just enjoy spending time with them. Both of my boys have reached the age where we can be friends—they don't need me to be "Dad" as much as they need me to be their friend. There have been times when I've had to put the hammer down and be Dad, but trusting God's insight has enabled me to know when to be "Dad" and when to be "friend."
As a veteran musician, can you give me some of your thoughts about the changes—good or bad—in the music industry you've seen over the past 25 years?
Wayne: I don't see [the inside of the industry] as much as people might think because I don't live in Nashville. I have nothing against Nashville—my son and his wife and my new grandson live there, as well as my publicist Beth, Spring Hill Music, and many good friends. (Turns to his publicist and laughs: Did I miss anyone Beth?) But I decided a long time ago that it would be better for my marriage and family if I were not there.
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