Ahead of his sold-out show at the Mercury Lounge, rising folk artist Hunter Metts spoke with The Knockturnal about life down South and his musical journey.
“It’s almost like a living room,” folk singer Hunter Metts told The Knockturnal when describing his first headlining tour. Hours later, he proved himself right at his Mercury Lounge show, creating a refreshingly intimate atmosphere with just him, three instrumentalists and a soft golden glow lighting the stage.
Based in Nashville, Metts channels both the quiet depth and leisurely warmth of the South. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to his 2021 breakthrough in Season 19 of American Idol, he captures a pristine mix of woe and joy through his acoustic music. With new earthy EP, A Crater Wide, released Oct. 10, Metts cements himself as the voice to watch with escapist lyricism and harmonies that will tug at your heart.
On stage, Metts invites the audience into a glimpse of his world, remaining calm and collected even as he navigates the nerves of performing. His three-piece band is the perfect accompaniment to his sometimes shy demeanor, underscoring his stories — which he claims he needed to get better at telling — with light, ambient chords. Offstage, Metts maintains the same grounded, personable energy while speaking with The Knockturnal hours before his show, never missing a chance to offer a music recommendation or discuss the people he loves.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
The Knockturnal: How does it feel to be in New York on your first headlining tour?
Hunter Metts: New York’s the best city on Earth — I wouldn’t say that about any other place. There’s always such a special community and energy. I really can’t wait.
The Knockturnal: Does being away from home impact your creative mindset on tour?
Hunter Metts: A lot of the time, I feel most inspired when I’m away. While you’re out, you’re forced to see many different things, and it throws you into various situations, experiences and scenarios that are truly inspiring. That’s when I’m most excited to get back home and write more music.
The Knockturnal: On your song “Blue Ridge Run,” you have lines about “Carolina sun” and “American spirit.” How have your own experiences with Southern American culture inspired your craft?
Hunter Metts: Visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains was the first time I had ever experienced true mountains. In Tennessee, there’s not much. I think it had a huge impact on my songwriting because it’s inherently a part of me. Also, I have my own unique experiences of living in the South, and both my parents grew up there as well. It’s really interesting how [southern culture] makes its way into my songs. When I’m writing, I’m not actively trying to sneak it in there. It just is the way it is.
The Knockturnal: Did you grow up with a lot of folk and blues?
Hunter Metts: Yeah, it was mostly bluegrass, actually. Country and bluegrass music were huge components of my childhood, especially on my Dad’s side. He grew up in the middle of nowhere in Mississippi, and the bluegrass scene there was strong. He played the trumpet for a long time and still does today.
The Knockturnal: What kind of music are you listening to now?
Hunter Metts: Fleet Foxes and Ben Howard are the soundtrack to my life. They always feel like a little safe space to go back to. Right now, I’m really into an older folk artist named Nick Drake and also Little Feat, both from the 70s.
The Knockturnal: Before you became a full-time musician, you worked with software — quite a different field. Do you find any similarities between the two jobs now?
Hunter Metts: For both, you have to be really patient. There was a lot of problem-solving with software, and in many ways, patience within the music industry is a really underrated skill. It’s all about taking steps every day. On the tour, you have to focus on every detail and make sure you get everything right. All those skills cross over more than I thought they would.
The Knockturnal: Your music is vulnerable and emotionally honest. How do you balance that sense of integrity with the demands of making music as a career?
Hunter Metts: I do try to write music first and foremost for me. And you know, when there is a demand, that’s a really good problem to have, right? But at the same time, I think it’s always that music comes first, and it has to be true to me, or else there’s no way I can keep doing it. Maybe that’s selfish, but it has to be extremely fulfilling to me.
The Knockturnal: Do you have any long-term goals?
Hunter Metts: There’s always a hope that you’ll get the red carpet or get the Grammy. But for me, if it’s about the money or the accolades, it’s the wrong approach. Right now, I want to meet as many people who support me, keep playing shows and keep getting better, you know? I think there’s a big difference between an artist and an entertainer, and I do want to get better at the entertainer part on stage. I just want to keep making good music for a long time; that’s my goal.
The Knockturnal: You had a great run on American Idol in 2021. How do you feel your performing style has evolved since then?
Hunter Metts: I think that show as a whole was one big first impression through someone else’s lens. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes in terms of what makes good TV. My tour is completely different from that. I just want something honest. I hope people get a glimpse of who I really am and can relate to my stories. [American Idol] was a good experience, but I hope I can convey a new message now.
Feature Photo by David Od