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VW: I had the pleasure of growing up in the beautiful city of Savannah, GA, which is an area of
America often referred to as the “Low Country,” so called because of its relatively low elevation.

Basically, I grew up in a house near tidal marshlands, and with that, got to take in a whole lot of
nature growing up. Birds, crickets, frogs, they all made music constantly, and along with them
could often be heard strumming guitars and singing from the porch. I also had the pleasure of
being raised by a family of musicians. They played mostly early American Roots Music, comprised
of low country blues, honky tonk, genuine rock n’ roll and boogie woogie. I guess one could say
I’ve been in the music since the moment I was conceived!

LL: Let's just get this one out of the way, shall we! Are you any relation to American
singer/songwriter Louden Wainwright, III, and his children Rufus and Lucy Wainwright
Roche?

VW: No relation to the other Wainwrights, I’m

afraid.

LL: You studied to be an Air Traffic Controller
and worked in that profession in Memphis, TN.
Not the most easy-going of jobs! What interested

you in this kind of work? How’d you manage the
stress, and do you have any “near miss” stories
to tell?

VW: Air Traffic Control was an idea encouraged by
my parents as they struggled to find a career
opportunity for me as a young adult that wasn’t

solely being a professional musician. My father,
grandfather and uncle all knew how hard life was as
a musician, and that success stories come few and far between for those entering the profession.
Knowing this, they wanted me to have the opportunity to make my own choices, but to have just
that, choices. My mother too... she insisted I go to college and get a degree, and they afforded me

that opportunity which I’m still very thankful for. The aircraft, the technology side of things, that
did interest me for a time growing up, and I felt Air Traffic Management was as good a challenge
as any, not knowing any better at the time. Let’s just say, being a musician won out... I had no
“near misses” but there’s only so many times you can show up to work, with sunglasses on from
the evening before playing a juke joint, and feel like you’re doing a safe and good job. I had to
follow my heart, which of course was music filled.

LL: Did you study music privately or academically, or are you self-taught?

VW: I was taught to play piano by my grandfather, who also played piano. He called it “piana”!
My grandfather was completely self-taught, and didn’t know how to read music or know much
about music theory. It was all ear for him, which is the way I learned. I don’t know much more

than what I know, but what I know has evolved naturally by being inspired and challenged by
countless records, and fellow musicians. I play by ear, don’t know how to read, and don’t know
much about music theory. I just play from the heart, and I enjoy creating and entertaining people.

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