Skip Ewing has long been the quintessential troubadour, a poet armed with a guitar and a wealth of emotions that have shaped some of country music’s most unforgettable songs. Continually evolving as an artist, Ewing’s recent projects include the acclaimed Road to California, which showcases his growth as an artist and songwriter through heartfelt tracks like “Knots” and the playful “Road Dog.” With a legacy of hits recorded by legends such as Keith Urban and George Strait, Ewing’s No. 1 successes, including Collin Raye’s “Love, Me,” Skip continues to showcase his multifaceted artistry.
Most recently, the song he co-wrote with Dean Dillon in 1996, "Would If I Could" has made a recent resurgence. Lainey Wilson released the song as part of Apple Music's "Lost & Found" series and ERNEST tapped Lainey once more to do a duet version of the song for his most recent album. The song is being played on country radio, further cementing Skip’s influence in the industry.
Hi Skip! Thank you so much for talking with us. What was the inspiration behind "The Highway Won," and what do you hope listeners gain or feel when they hear it?
Highway Won started as just a fun musical signature that I thought would play well on electric guitar. I typically walk a lot when I write, and after I had the guitar idea I went walking and kept playing it in my head, messing with melody and lyric ideas. I’m not exactly sure how I landed on the old saying “my way or the highway”, but somehow that came to mind. Ultimatums like that never sit well with me, so it seemed fitting to turn it around.
Listen to “The Highway Won” on Spotify
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
I have some fairly diverse interests and pursuits. In addition to my love for cooking, horses, and music, I studied martial arts for many years and it taught me a great deal about life… almost as much as horses. I hold upper level black belts in Goju-Shorei weapons and Taekwondo. However, my martial arts efforts have now turned significantly to Tai Chi and meditation.
Earlier this year you released your album, Road To California. What inspired the overall theme and sound of this project, and how does it reflect where you are in your life?
I feel fortunate to get to make the kind of music I do now. I’m able to craft musical moments and speak to far more diverse themes with the lyrics I write. I’ve been able to collaborate with some of the best musicians, producers and engineers on the planet to build records that are unique to me, unique to us. Road To California encompasses musical influences from bluegrass to southern rock, Nashville pick-fest to full orchestra. All of this is a blessing. Road To California is a natural progression from the Wyoming album. (Wyoming is the first album Kyle Lehning and I produced together.) It definitely has elements of my life in it, my family’s life, even our dog Shotgun’s life in it. However, it reaches into where all of us are similar, the ways we experience heartbreak and rebound, how much we’re capable of loving, our need for acceptance, and the power of friendship and humor.
Listen to Road To California on Spotify
Did music play a big part in your life growing up? Was there always music playing in the kitchen when you were younger?
They say I asked for a guitar when I was 4 years old. I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing guitar, singing or writing.
Do you have a go-to playlist or favorite songs you enjoy while cooking?
Cooking is a kind of meditation for me. It’s a pursuit full of love. Music, horsemanship, and cooking are all ways to put love in the world. I don’t usually listen to music while I’m cooking. I’m honestly putting my full attention on making great food and caring for those who’ll be dining. If I do listen to music while I’m cooking, it will be whatever fits the moment. Could be: Vivaldi, James Taylor, Lainey Wilson, Ernest, Sting, Haggard, Sarah Jarosz, The SteelDrivers, Béla Fleck, Rob & Trey, Keb Mo, The Beatles, Wood Box Heroes, could be anything!
When it comes to pizza, what's your ideal combination of toppings? Do you fold your slices or eat them straight? And the big question: ranch or no ranch?
As for toppings, I love many different combinations. I didn’t use to be a pineapple-on-pizza person, but my wife loves it and she’s changed my mind. For a traditional combination, pepperoni, sausage, and mushroom (with or without pineapple) is always a hit. As for folding or not, that is almost entirely dependent upon the type of crust. Overall, I’m pretty much a non-folder. Ranch? Linda hasn’t quite talked me into that yet :) However, I’m definitely a red pepper flake user. Love it spicy.
Since you're based in Wyoming, what are some of your favorite activities, local restaurants, or getaways during the fall and winter months (weather permitting)?
Wyoming is a stunningly beautiful place. We’re fortunate enough to live in a location that is inspirational, and beautiful. We literally live in our favorite getaway location. Our town of Dubois doesn’t even have a stoplight, let alone many local restaurants, so we cook-in most of the time.
If you could be sponsored by any food or drink brand, which one would it be, and why?
If I endorse something, I like it to be an authentic endorsement. Something that I genuinely like and use (Santa Cruz Guitars, LR Baggs electronics, The American Hat Co. as perfect examples) I cook as much with my Traeger as I possibly can. It seems to suit a lot of our cuisine in Wyoming. A sponsorship with them would definitely be authentic and amazing. Drink endorsement? Liquid Death! I love their sparkling waters, Cherry Obituary being my absolute favorite. Our four-leggers are family to us: 4 horses, 2 dogs (sometimes more) and at least 1 cat. So Chewy.com comes to mind. Feeding the whole family is a priority for us :) As for “people” food, I would most love to partner with a brand that was also heavily pro-active in unselfishly helping to feed those in real need, for Wyoming, for America, and for the world.
As we head into fall, what are you most looking forward to, both in terms of upcoming projects and personal experiences?
I’ve had to be away for a good bit of the summer. So I’m genuinely looking forward to time with my wife Linda. It really doesn’t matter what we do. Time with our horses and pups, some home-cooked meals, the first fires in the fireplace. You get the picture. We have more Skip Ewing & Horsepower 307 concerts in November and December including Christmas shows. Those are more awesome reasons to be excited. Plus we have more music and some new radio releases coming between now and January. I’m feeling like 2025 is going to be a great year!
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