We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Reed Fields. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Reed below.

Reed, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In 2023, I retired early from my teaching career at Bath County High School in Owingsville, Kentucky, after twenty years of service to pursue a full time career as a singer/songwriter. I left roughly half of my retirement on the table due to the fact that full retirement for teachers in Kentucky isn’t granted until twenty seven years of service is completed.

In 200, I was employed by Link-Belt Construction Equipment in Lexington, Kentucky as a utility machinists in the service department. After nine years at Link-Belt, I was informed that the service machining department would be moved out of the United States. I had the option to train and transfer to the welding department or assembly. Another option, which I chose, was to take a voluntary buyout and complete my college education. I only needed two undergraduate classes to complete my bachelor’s degree. In two years, I was able to complete my bachelor’s degree as well as my master’s degree in MAT Program, Master of Art Teaching in Secondary Social Studies. I was able to receive some federal assistance while completing my degrees. I also performed solo shows on weekends at some local venues as a means of supplemental income. I had played briefly in a cover band in the early 90’s.

Upon completion of my degree and earning my teaching certification in 2003, I was hired as a secondary social studies teacher at Bath County High School located in my home town of Owingsville, Kentucky. In 2004, I was hired as Head Football Coach at Bath County High School. As a result, my music was somewhat put on hold. Although I did use music as motivation for the team. They knew if we won a road game, the guitar was coming on the bus. We would sing on the ride back home. They also knew if we didn’t win the guitar would not be on the bus. I have multiple former players that were inspired by this and pursued music as well.

After a ten year stint at coaching, I was able to spend more time on music. Songwriting became my main focus. I made the audition at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville and played several of their Sunday Songwriters’ Nights. I met several great songwriters each time I performed there. I recorded my first album “Silhouettes” in 2017. It was chosen as Album of the Year at The Lexington Music Awards.

Kentucky songwriter Chris Knight has always been a major influence on my writing. He’s one of the best in the business. Over time, I was fortunate to get to know Chris. I’ve had the privilege of opening many shows for him over the past 10 years. In June of 2021, I was asked to join Chris on his “Texas Summer Run” as the opener. In December of 2021, I was asked to join Chris on his Oklahoma/Texas run as his opener. That same year Chris asked me why I was still teaching. He said I needed to be playing music full time. Those words from him hit hard. My Father was a huge supporter of my music. He always encouraged me to pursue it. I lost him to a house fire in December of 2022.

As you have read, several factors influenced me to take the risk of retiring from teaching early.

As for how it turned out:
I played over 150 shows in 2023, including opening a sellout show for Chris Knight at The Burl in Lexington, Kentucky,
I played as a duo with Chris Knight on a Montana run in November of 2023
I’ve performed in 10 different states.
I have over 180 shows booked for 2024.
I completed a new album, “Stronger Man”, that will drop in couple of months. Two of the singles have already been released on all digital platforms.
I’ve already written enough songs for my next album.
I would definitely take the risk again! I’m loving this life!

Reed, 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?

I’m a singer/songwriter of traditional country music. I’m primarily a solo artist. Most of my songs are about real life experiences. My biggest influences are Chris Knight, John Prine, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Charlie Robison, Townes Van Zandt, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Songwriting and performing are both forms of self-therapy for me. The greatest reward is when my music touches listeners on an emotional level. There’s nothing like having a fan describe what one of my songs means to them. That connection is truly magic.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

From a singer/songwriter’s viewpoint, I feel like the best ways to support are: attending live shows, purchasing merchandise from the artists at shows, spreading the word by mouth and/or social media about the artists, following artist on social media, buy/stream their music on all digital platforms, request airplay of artists on radio stations.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: rfieldsmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reedfieldsmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d