Aaron Watson works on keeping his tunes fresh

Missouri residents who may not know Aaron Watson will have the chance to see him perform four shows for free during the Missouri State Fair.

The Amarillo, Texas, native has been in the music business for 10 years and his faith in God has helped him reach a point where he is comfortable in his career.

“I could stay right here where my career’s at for the rest of my life,” Watson said.

Watson grew up in Texas playing baseball. He attended Abilene Christian University, where an injury halted his baseball dreams.

Watson said he turned to music “when I realized none of the big-league teams were calling me.”

He enrolled in a guitar class, and the rest is history — well, almost.

Watson has produced nine records, with a new one released almost every year, on his independent record label.
He said like most young musicians, he wanted to have a band, a big tour bus and just make music, which he has done just in a different way.

“Some folks take the elevator straight to the top, but others take the spiral staircase,” Watson said.

Watson is a father first, a musician and then a businessman. Being an independent artist lets Watson control his music, but also forces him to know the business aspect and how to promote his music.

“I earn fans one night at a time,” Watson said.

He credits his faith and his “old-fashioned ways” to his success.

“I consider myself about the most average guy in the whole wide world,” Watson said.

Watson’s song, “The Honky Tonk Kid” is one that he said reflects his feelings about country music. He wrote and recorded the song with Willie Nelson. It is about other musicians who may have all the fame in the world and no friends, which is something Watson does not want to happen to him.

“I try to stay focused on things that are important and things that last,” Watson said.

His advice for young musicians is to remember to focus on the fans. Watson tries not to worry about other artists and how they are making money, he just tries to take care of the people who are taking care of him.

“I always thank the fans every night for putting diesel in the bus and diapers on my babies,” Watson said.
He has a live CD/DVD coming out Sept. 15 and a new record coming out in February.

“You really have to keep it fresh,” Watson said.

Getting to know Aaron Watson

What’s your favorite color?
“I like them all.”

What’s your drink of choice?
“I love Dr. Pepper.” He also likes to drink sweet tea and lemonade.

What’s on your iPod?
“I am a big fan of U2’s last record.” He also listens to the audio Bible, Waylon Jennings, Neil Young and Lyle Lovett. “I like pretty much everything.”

What TV show do you never miss?
“‘24.’ ”

What’s the last good movie you’ve seen?
“I watch a lot of Disney movies with my boys.” Recently he has been watching some of his John Wayne classics.

Web site: aaronwatson.com