Meet Edwin Yaeger | Artist, producer & songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Edwin Yaeger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Edwin, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
Whether it be writing a songwriting, producing for another artist, or performing one of my own songs live, what makes me most happy is creating music. It fills this space that I have for connecting with others and also even acts as healing in my own life. Some of my most fond memories as a creative have come from songwriting sessions that go into the early morning hours of the next day. I really love how songwriting and creating music has connected me with so many people from various different backgrounds. If it was not for music, I would not be able to have nearly as many, if not any, deep conversations with people about life and the world as we each see it.

Another activity that makes me happy is drinking coffee. There is something so special about taking a simply task, such as brewing a cup of coffee, and just doing it well. No matter if I am cutting the grass or simply making my bed,I try to take this philosophy with me in anything I do. I will paraphrase, but there is a Bible verse that I often heard while growing up that says, “No matter what your hands find to do, do it well and with all of your might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Chasing a career in music can be difficult because there is no clear sign of if your music is “good” or not besides other’s peoples’ opinions and possible success. Looking back on my life, I have gone through a lot to get to where I am today. It has not always been easy but I would not trade the path I took for anything. Growing up, I played in multiple different church bands in my hometown from week to week. There were a few Sunday mornings that I can remember playing drums at one church and then heading to another church to play piano for them. Though I was unaware that music would be my main purpose as a kid, it definitely played a huge role in who I was and my identity.

I started a band in high school and we made a rock ‘n roll EP. To be completely transparent, it wasn’t good… but it was a start. Eventually, the band broke up but I continued making music and writing songs on my own. It took me a very long time to find my own purpose and style within music because I kept trying to copy everyone else. The biggest thing that kept me going was this thing I like to call, “delusional optimism.” Even though when I listen back to songs of mine from years ago I cringe, at the time I thought they were amazing. And if I did not think that they were amazing back then, I never would have kept going and gotten to where I am at today. As cliche as I know it sounds, the biggest secret to turning your dream into a reality, is to keep. going.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In Nashville, there are very few places to go for a band meal or drink. I would first take them to 100 Taylor St. in Germantown to explore the art scene and get a great cup of coffee. Then, assuming it is Thursday-Sunday, we would head to the farmers market and grab our own personal pizza from Bella Nashville in the food court. Last but not least, we would finish the night off by grabbing dinner at the best burger place, Jack Browns.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a million people I could thank, but specifically for this article I want to give thanks to everyone who has cheered me on in the ups and downs of my career thus far. Thank you to everyone of my friends and family that has encouraged me and held me up high when I wanted to give up on my dreams. It is not always easy to believe in myself, so thank you to everyone who has believed in me when I wasn’t strong enough to do so myself. I would not be half the person I am today without the people that I have by my side in this life. For better or worse, I am so grateful to everyone who has played a part in shaping who I am today.

Website: https://edwinboulevard.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edwinboulevard/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAvRcOa1adLU4swubEIIziA

Image Credits
Emma Yaeger