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LL: Let’s talk about Memphis Loud. Can you tell us a bit about your concept for this album
musically and lyrically?

VW: Memphis Loud is a direct continuation,
musically and spiritually, from our 2019 GRAMMY
Nominated record Victor Wainwright and the Train.
I’m excited to say that we took the same formula, the

same team, and the same musicians, and then
continued where we left off. We’re carrying more
boxcars now... but the album is just that... it’s the
next set of boxcars to The Train. Musically and
lyrically, it’s an escape and journey from the norm.
Once you climb onboard, our goal is to take you on
an exciting journey through what we consider the

best of Contemporary American roots music. Not just
looking out the window, but we’ve taken real care to
make each boxcar different, unique and colorful.
Musically, you climb on board the Train to take a
trip. We just want it to be one of the most exciting and breathtaking trips of your life.

LL: My mom was a great pianist! She was old enough to be my grand mom when she had me,
so she came up schooled by her teacher on ragtime and stride. She had that mean left-hand
bass going on! She definitely contributed to my musical sensibilities. On “History of Boogie”
you pay tribute to your Grandfather’s musical contribution. I think I hear a little Dr. John
influence in there too! Who all has influenced your sound?

VW: Thank you! It’s amazing how much our musical family contributes to our musical sensibilities!
It’s awesome. On the piano, definitely my Grandfather as you mentioned. Dr John, sure. Pinetop
and Otis Spann, Meade Lux Lewis, Pete Johnson and all the outrageous boogie players. Jerry Lee
Lewis was a huge influence.

LL: The whole world is definitely struggling during these trying times. America is no
exception and has its own unique issues. What is it you are saying in your song “America”?

VW: It’s true that I wrote the song “America” before all of what this year has born to bare.
However, I think that the lyrics say what they mean, and mean more now than ever. “To Just
begin to heal the pain, we must know we’re all the same. Left or right, a path we must choose. We
shouldn’t wager more than we can lose. Information, everyone’s online, all the lies... strangers in, a

great divide.” Politics and differences aren’t what define us. We’re each much more than that. At
the very least, we’re all human, and need to start there first, and recognize how beautiful THAT
one thing, that we all have alike, really is. We are all on the same journey in the end.

LL: “My Dog Riley” is a fun tune! Tells us some more about Riley, please! What kind of dog is

he and what does he look like? How did he come to you? What’s Riley’s story?!!!

VW: Riley is a Boston Terrier with a lot of attitude and personality! I wasn’t a dog guy until Riley,

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