Wes Cunningham: The Enigmatic Troubadour of Texas
As the Texas sun sets on September 14, 2023, the Texas Music Cafe® will play host to one of the state’s most intriguing musical talents. Wes Cunningham, the songwriter’s songwriter, is set to take the stage, bringing with him a mix of familiar tunes and never-before-heard gems that have fans and critics alike buzzing with anticipation.
When asked about the upcoming show, Cunningham’s response is characteristically understated, yet tinged with a hint of excitement. “Great! Auspicious. Feels correct,” he says, before casually dropping a bombshell: “Half of the songs I intend to play have never been performed.” Cue the collective gasp from Cunningham enthusiasts everywhere. It’s this blend of nonchalance and artistic daring that makes Cunningham such a compelling figure in the Texas music scene.
Trying to pin down Cunningham’s current creative process is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. When prodded about new material, he offers a poetic non-answer that’s both frustrating and fascinating: “I was digging around between a minor and a major and found some room. But then, no one else showed, so it didn’t last. Winds aren’t blowing. Ask me tomorrow.” It’s clear that for Cunningham, songwriting is less about following a formula and more about chasing ephemeral moments of inspiration.
“I like to just dig in and throw stuff around until I find a part that goes with another part and occasionally some seemingly outside force touches it to life”
Wes Cunningham
Over the years, Cunningham’s relationship with music has evolved into something complex and bittersweet. “Well, I used to LOVE music,” he admits with a touch of melancholy. “And I don’t know what happened, but it feels different. Occasionally compelling, but generally a beat down.” Our intrepid songwriter’s relationship with music has evolved over the years, much like a fine wine… or maybe more like a pickle left in the back of the fridge. Yet, this apparent disillusionment hasn’t stopped him from creating. If anything, it’s added a new depth to his work, making each song feel like a hard-won victory.
Cunningham’s songwriting process is a curious alchemy of chaos and serendipity. “I like to just dig in and throw stuff around until I find a part that goes with another part and occasionally some seemingly outside force touches it to life,” he explains. It’s an approach that’s yielded some of the most uniquely crafted songs in the Texas music canon.
As for songwriting advice, Cunningham remains charmingly resistant. “One of my songwriting hero’s gave me some advice on my songwriting and I’ve resented him ever since,” he quips, reminding us that even for established artists, the creative process remains deeply personal and sometimes prickly. Note to aspiring musicians: Approach Wes with songwriting tips at your own risk.
When asked what new fans can expect from his upcoming performance, Cunningham’s response is simple yet loaded with meaning: “It’s special to me.” It’s a statement that encapsulates everything that makes Wes Cunningham who he is – an artist who creates not for fame or accolades, but for the pure, sometimes painful joy of the craft itself.
So, whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, Wes Cunningham’s show at the Texas Music Cafe® promises to be an evening of musical exploration, lyrical depth, and perhaps a few surprises. And who knows? You might even catch him ruminating on his next big project: “Probably mow,” he says about his future plans, leaving us to wonder if we’re in for an existential ode to lawn care. With Cunningham, the ordinary often becomes extraordinary, and that’s precisely why we keep listening.
