Still Looking for the Wind: Nashville’s Arthur Alligood Starting Down the National Circuit

A well-written song caught on record always sounds effortless. Before the final product is presented though, like any craft, it’s usually nothing but damn hard work.  Arthur Alligood’s songs convey this sense of ease about writing and recording, but a careful listener realizes that sense of ease only evidences Alligood’s skill. Fortunately, this skill isn’t going unnoticed.

Alligood recently participated in the International Songwriting Competition, placing as 1 of the 15 finalists among some 15,000 entries. But Alligood did not take too long of a pause to celebrate this victory. Following the contest, he went on his Highway Robbery Tour throughout the South and up the East Coast.  And as if that wasn’t enough to keep the Nashville native busy, Alligood also released his newest album, I Have Not Seen the Wind, on March 15 of this year.

The singular quality with Alligood’s most recent album is its consistent reliance on craft over studio effects; songwriting over showmanship. The songs on I Have Not Seen the Wind arise as strong, tested constructions that stand up under several listens.  A meticulous craftsman, Alligood has a refreshing ability to resist throwing too much instrumentation or too many words into one song. Lyrically the emphasis remains on sturdy and restrained expression, avoiding self-indulgence and false country twangs. Alligood puts together arrangements that are more than inviting, and his vocals are robust but consistently understated, not overwhelming the integrity of the song.

I Have Not Seen the Wind and Alligood’s earlier albums are  available to stream online. Previous to this year’s Wind, he released a six song acoustic EP titled “Full Circle” in 2009, and 2 lps: “Formerly” (2006) and “Under the Gray” (2008).  

Alligood’s résumé indicates that his hard work is beginning to open up new opportunities, which means that we can almost certainly be expecting more from him soon. I contacted him via email to find out what he has on the docket for the upcoming year. Alligood commented: “My main objective for the rest of the year is to play as much as I can while networking with tons of other songwriters.” Touring plans seem to be coming together as well for the coming year. This fall Alligood plans to perform primarily in the Southeast and on the East Coast. But those of us west of the Texas need not despair: Alligood also plans to take the show to the LA area in October for a series of dates.

Article also published on A Missing America.

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