A Greensboro, North Carolina-based singer-songwriter and Army veteran, Colin Cutler has transformed his life experiences into a tapestry of soul-stirring melodies. In 2018, he traded in his rifle for a guitar and banjo, embarking on a musical journey that would soon captivate audiences far and wide. His upcoming album, Tarwater, will be out on November 3rd, 2023.
An English major turned teacher and songwriter, Colin’s upcoming album, Tarwater, marries his literary and musical interests. In a pilgrimage across the genres of the Americana genre, from his folk roots in banjo-based old time to the gospel music of his Pentecostal upbringing to honky-tonk country and blues-based roots rock, the lyrics explore the literary works of Flannery O’Connor, the Georgia Catholic writer whom Kurt Vonnegut hailed as “the greatest American short story writer of [his] generation.”
On Tarwater, Cutler draws inspiration both from O’Connor’s characters and themes and from his own life to craft original songs that explore themes of home, self-exile, violence, and religion, within the context of the “Christ-haunted South.”
Cutler first encountered the works of O’Connor during his college years. Initially uncertain about his feelings toward her writing, he recognized the depth of her storytelling, which placed characters in challenging circumstances to explore their true essence, shot through with sparks of the divine. He has since gone on to study her works further with a 2023 National Endowment of the Humanities grant at Georgia College.
Having grown up in Pentecostal churches, and raised in a military family with deep Southern roots, Cutler discovered striking parallels between himself and many of O’Connor’s characters. This connection inspired him to record the Peacock Feathers EP (2018), featuring four songs based on characters from O’Connor’s short stories. The EP not only sparked engaging discussions at conferences but also granted Cutler the privilege of performing at O’Connor’s former home, now a museum, in Milledgeville. The project even caught the attention of BBC Introducing, earning him international recognition.
Five years after his first O’Connor-inspired project, Colin is now revisiting those impactful songs, this time recording them with his stellar band and collaborating with musicians from the Carolinas and Virginia, including David Childers, Dashawn Hickman, and Rebekah Todd. Not content with stopping there, he has also penned four additional songs to expand the project into a full-length LP. “The title is an homage to one of O’Connor’s characters and to my dad’s hometown at the junction of the Tar and Pamlico rivers in North Carolina.”
Cutler is not the first musician to be influenced by the work of O’Connor, who has long had an influence that extends beyond the literary world. Bruce Springsteen, in a 1984 Rolling Stone interview, cited her stories as a major influence on the stark, detail-oriented style of his Nebraska album. Lucinda Williams, too, says, “My song ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ is straight from Flannery O’Connor”—in her childhood, she visited O’Connor at her Milledgeville home with her poet father.
In Cutler’s exploration of O’Connor’s devout Catholicism and his own Pentecostal upbringing, he reflects on the shared biblical influences that permeate the language and literature of the southeastern United States. Though no longer religious himself, he recognizes the significance of biblical verses that often became out of context mantras serving to reinforce power structures within religious institutions and communities.
Cutler skillfully utilizes the language and imagery of his past to challenge these established power structures. Through evocative compositions like “Temple of the Holy Ghost,” “Mama Don’t Know,” and “A New Tattoo,” he reexamines familiar verses and phrases, shedding light on their complexities and contradictions.
Another profound theme in Cutler’s music is the emotional journey of those who choose to leave their communities, be it a congregation, hometown, military, or family. The sense of loss, yearning, and guilt for leaving behind an established sense of purpose, place, and meaning lingers, even when the decision to depart was necessary.
Cutler beautifully weaves together his personal journey with broader societal and cultural reflections, presenting a heartfelt and introspective musical narrative. Through his unique experience, perspective, and storytelling prowess, he delves into the intricacies of human experience, bridging the gap between personal reflection and universal truths in his evocative and soul-stirring compositions.
Colin Cutler’s musical journey, intertwined with the captivating storytelling of Flannery O’Connor, is a testament to his creative vision and his ability to draw inspiration from literature and his own life experiences. As he brings O’Connor’s characters to life through his heartfelt music, he forges a powerful connection between the worlds of literature and Americana roots, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who listen.
Beyond his musical endeavors, Colin Cutler is also an esteemed community college instructor, sharing his knowledge and passion for music with eager minds. His performances have graced libraries, academic conferences, and literary festivals, showcasing his versatility as both a musician and a scholar.
In 2022, Colin’s talent was recognized when he emerged victorious in the highly competitive Emerging Artist competition at the Susquehanna Folk Festival [fellow contestants included AC Sapphire (2022 Relix Sonic Showdown Contest and 2023 New Song competition winner) and Spectator Bird (Kerrville New Folk finalists 2023)]. This prestigious award catapulted him into the spotlight, and he went on to charm audiences at esteemed events such as the NC Folk Festival and Merlefest 2023, leaving an indelible mark on the roots Americana scene.
The reach of Cutler’s music knows no bounds, as his albums and EP have garnered attention not only on public radio stations in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Dakota but also on the international stage, with airplay on the BBC and Irish radio. His compositions even found their way into the British film “Zomblogalypse,” earning him further acclaim and recognition.
Notably, his music has been acknowledged and celebrated by respected publications in the industry, with Americana Highways and No Depression offering insightful discussions on his compelling songwriting and unique-yet-rooted musical style.
Colin Cutler’s journey from soldier to songwriter is a testament to the transformative power of music and the resolute spirit of an artist determined to make a mark in the world. With each lyric and melody, he weaves a vivid tapestry of Americana roots that will surely captivate hearts and inspire minds. As his music continues to grace the airwaves and enthrall audiences near and far, there is no doubt that Cutler’s legacy in the world of roots Americana will endure for generations to come.
Press
“A Greensboro-based singer-songwriter toting a banjo, guitar, and harmonicas, with his musical roots drawing from the breadth of Americana—from Appalachian old time to gospel to country to roots rock.” –Greensboro News & Record
“The rich musical traditions of the Piedmont are alive and well.” – Alternate Root Magazine
”A seasoned performer, Colin combines his worldly and traveled view with the sound of southern roots.” – Around Town Sessions
“What Heaven actually sounds like.” – WUAG
”The clever politics of Cutler do justice to the great American traditions of both wry lyricism and fiery sermons.” – CLTure