“Once something is a passion, the motivation is there.” - Michael Schumacher. Wyatt’s passion for music has motivated him to excel as a singer, songwriter and live performer. At the age of five he was diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa, a retinal degenerative disease causing progressive blindness. This condition never stood in the way of Wyatt’s passion for writing and performing music. While studying at Troy University this young musician released his debut EP Higher Ground. He has also collaborated with other artists for six studio projects as producer and artist.

You are a singer, songwriter, performer. How and when did your passion for music ignite? What was the first song that you wrote and performed?W: My passion for music started the moment I first heard it. My mother recalls playing music by Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and others as she would drive me to pre-school. She often jokes about wondering what the staff must have thought of opening the door to the car at drop-off and hearing “I Shot The Sheriff” as performed by Eric Clapton rocking through the car.
A decade later, I was a frustrated teenager with a desire to play fast, rocking guitar solos as often as possible. This approach to music changed in almost a single night the first time I listened to Bob Marley’s “No Woman No Cry” during a vacation in Panama City Beach, FL. The next week I put down the electric, picked up the acoustic, and wrote “Let’s Get Together” which was my first attempt at songwriting. This light-hearted, spirited tune is still one of my favorites I have written.

What is the importance of music in your life? What has been the role of your family in encouraging you?W: Music, to me, is life. I believe we all have a purpose to fulfill during our time on Earth. For me, this purpose has always been music. The gift of song and melody is one that should be cherished in our society and I feel it is my calling to contribute as best I can to that part of our world.
My father played a huge role in introducing me to rock music of the 1960’s and 1970’s. The first time I listened to Led Zeppelin was the spark that inspired me to take electric guitar very seriously. My maternal grandfather also continue to inspire my musical landscape. His own love for music played a significant part in giving me a space to grow as a musician. The first time I ever recorded myself playing music was in my grandparents’ garage. It was a true homemade studio thanks to them.

Can you tell us about your debut album and what you learned from the process of creating the album?W: The first project I released Higher Ground was written and recorded during my first few years in college at Troy University. During this time, I released 2 projects as a way to test the waters and learn about the process of recording and releasing a record. Higher Ground and Lovers Lake did exactly that for me. Those two projects are the stepping stones to my first commercial release since moving to Nashville which will be coming soon.

What is your most memorable performance to date? What is your dream venue where you would like to perform?W: It’s really hard to pick just one. Most recently, I performed at River Jam Music Festival in my hometown of Montgomery, AL where I played for a thousand of my fellow Alabamians. There is something very special about returning home to perform. I do it often because I love it so much. I also have to mention my years with Troy University’s POPulus band. As one of the inaugural members of that group, I got to watch the program grow rapidly before my eyes, and I quickly found myself performing at venues like Universal Orlando and many fantastic universities across the Southeast. This program is widely responsible for my growth as a front man and live performer.

What challenges did you face during your school years? How did you motivate yourself to face those challenges?W: The elephant in the room was always my vision impairment because I chose to continue my education surrounded by classmates who most of the time did not have any outstanding disabilities. Fortunately, I learned how easy it is to request accommodation in any situation and those experiences truly prepared me for what lies ahead as it relates to my eye condition.

Which musician do you admire the most and why?W: Again, it’s very hard to nail this down. I will say Bruce Springsteen is probably who I spend the most time studying and who seems to capture most of my attention. I think it is his passionate obsession with music and performing that draws me to him. I want to be the guy who shuts himself up in a small room all night and comes out with “Born to Run” or “The River”. There’s something so real about the messages in his songs. I want to draw from that.

What is your favorite place to visit? What do you love about that place?W: My family home on Lake Martin in Equality, AL is my place to go whenever I want to get away from it all. My best songs have been written there, and Lovers Lake was written about my experiences growing up there. I’ve been all over the world to different vacation spots, but there is just an energy there that I haven’t found anywhere else.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?W: I love to relax at the lake with friends and family. I enjoy making music with my Dad whenever I can either in church or just casually. I love a good live concert so I try to catch as many of those as I can when I’m off the road.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to become a musician?W: Do it. It’s such a wonderful thing. If for a hobby, have fun with it. It’s like working out. You will get frustrated. But working for marginal improvement is the best way to success. If for a career, make it your life. That’s really the only way you can be professionally successful with any art form. It must be the center of your daily focus on a consistent basis. For all, do not compare yourself to others. Are you better than you were yesterday? Yes? Good. Now go do it again. That’s all there is.

Any special message for our community?W: First off, I just want to thank Inspiration Matters for taking the time to invite me to do this interview. It’s a wonderful thing to share your message with others who listen and learn from it. We all have to do that. Communities like this are the reason art makers like myself can feel so great about what we do. Thank you all for supporting me. I would love to hear from you by visiting my website wyattedmondson.com and sending me an email. I respond to every single one of them. Love and be loved.