We recently connected with Don Pedigo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Don , thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I’d say becoming who I am today has been an ongoing journey that began with my first band at age thirteen. My interest in songwriting really took shape in the back row of English class during my junior year of high school. A lot of small moments led up to what I consider the moment—that turning point came when I was eighteen and got the call to play lead guitar for a signed artist. That opportunity gave me my first real glimpse into both the craft and the business of songwriting. Once I had a taste, I was hooked. From that point on, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be—and I’ve never looked back.

Don , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

After my first professional sideman gig, I wrote my debut album and began touring as a duo. I was working with a local agent, and somewhere along the way, I met a well-known DJ who hosted a popular roots radio show. She invited a folk record label head to see me perform, and from there, I signed my first deal and wrote another album. The momentum from that experience led to a larger deal, which helped grow my sound.

While touring with my acoustic music, I recorded a band demo with producer and guitarist Larry Crane. I then joined Larry as an opener and sideman guitarist for a series of shows, which eventually landed my demo in the hands of another well-known DJ from Louisville. He passed my music to a label there.

While heading into a meeting with this label, I was invited out to the alley for a smoke and a chat with the co-president. She recommended that I not sign with them, but instead come to Nashville and write for her publishing company. I’ve been here ever since, and there’s too much to share in just one answer.

To elaborate a little more: the problems I solve are the same as anyone else’s. In some ways, my art is a way to justify the feelings and visions that drive me. In other ways, it’s just about trying to survive. I’ve worked with a few managers and branding agencies, and what I’ve noticed is that they often want to frame my authenticity as an understated artist. I’m always keeping my ear to the ground, working to craft the feelings I hear.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

First and foremost, I believe everyone is creating in their own way. For me, making music is my specific path. One thing I think society often misunderstands about artists is that what we do is just a hobby. Hobbies are fun. Creating music, while rewarding at times, often leans more toward being a form of torture. It demands blood, sweat, and tears to make something meaningful and real.

When you hear or see a piece of art that moves you, you become part of it. The feelings or images it stirs in you complete the piece. Art requires both a creator and an observer. What the artist offers is not a pastime—it’s a gift. We need artists to document and express the spirit of our moment in time.

Trying to get it right can be fulfilling, but it’s rarely easy—or fun. If more people understood the context from which art is born, I think it could elevate the creative potential of our generation. Who knows—we might even witness another explosion of creativity, like what happened in the ’60s.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’ve been knocked down more times than I’ve been helped up in my career. One thing I’ve learned along the way is this: it’s your time when it’s your time. What matters most is being ready for that moment—not stressing over when it will come.

We all tend to measure success in our own ways. Looking at my career so far, you could say I’ve passed up millions just to stand where I am now. Or, you could say I’m still just getting started. Either way, doing music professionally demands thick skin. In this business, resilience is everything.

It takes daily self-awareness to stay grounded, to keep your head clear. You can’t spend your time dwelling on what should be or what could’ve been. That kind of thinking will eat you alive.

I was given a piece of advice years ago that’s stuck with me: It’s not yourself in the art, it’s the art in you. Remember that, and you’ll keep getting back up, brushing yourself off, and stepping up to face whatever’s next.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.donpedigo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donpedigomusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DONPEDIGOMUSIC/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@dpnashville
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/don-pedigo
• Other: Spotify, Apple Music, etc.

Image Credits

Promo shot by Kevin Solaka
Home studio shots by Kimmy Pedigo