I chatted with Ian Flanigan about his experience on “The Voice” and traveling around the country.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
I knew pretty early. I was about 10 years old when I realized how much I loved music. I started practicing guitar a lot and writing songs when I was 11, and it was around that age that I knew this was what I wanted to do with my life.
Do you remember the first song you ever wrote? If so, what was it called?
I do, actually. My mother and I laughed about it for many years because I wrote it when I was just a kid. One of the lyrics was, “We could talk about the weather, or whether we’re in love.” Looking back, it’s pretty funny. I was trying my best, and it’s one of those memories that always makes us smile.
What was it like traveling the country in a Winnebago and performing in bar after bar?
I really love traveling, whether it’s in a Winnebago, a plane, or a Honda Accord. It’s all a big part of where the music comes from for me. The Winnebago was great because it let me stay out on the road without feeling like I had to rush back somewhere a thousand miles away. It gave me the chance to slow down and really enjoy each show. Back when it was bar after bar, the whole experience was about embracing the adventure, meeting new people, and learning more about the country. It was a great time.
What one word would you use to describe your experience on “The Voice?“
Blessing.
What was going through your mind when Blake turned around for you?
When Blake turned around for me, I was 1,000% focused on remembering all the lyrics and not missing a note. It was such a surreal moment that I almost had to second-guess whether it was really happening while it was happening. It didn’t fully sink in until after the performance.
That season the show was still in COVID protocols. How weird or awkward was that?
It was a wild time. We were all really grateful to be out in California and actually on set instead of doing the show from home or over Zoom. They took the protocols very seriously. We had daily health checks and testing, and there were plastic barriers set up during rehearsals so we could be in the same room while minimizing the risk of getting each other sick. Everyone worked hard to make sure nothing slowed production down. We also had to quarantine in our hotel rooms for about a month before filming started, and that definitely took a toll on a lot of people.
You placed third that season. What was it like working with Blake Shelton during the show and after?
Working with Blake was an awesome experience all around. During the show, he was a big advocate for leaning into my originality and authenticity. He encouraged me not to try to sound like anyone else or perform songs the way I thought people wanted to hear them, but instead to do them the way I would. That’s something I’ve carried with me ever since.
After the show, Blake was kind enough to join me on my song “Grow Up” as a featured artist. He was incredibly professional, a great hang as always, and very generous with his time and talent. I’m really grateful he was willing to be part of that song.
If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?
At this point in my life, raising two beautiful two-year-old twin daughters, I’d have to choose teleportation. That way I could get to my shows and back home without missing a thing. As much as I love being on the road, being a dad is my favorite job
What is your favorite song to perform and why?
My favorite song to perform is “Devil in My Hands.” It’s a very personal song for me, but it’s also just a lot of fun to play. It has a great energy in a live room, and I love seeing the audience connect with it.
How have you grown from your first album to now?
I’ve learned so much since making my first album. I was 18 years old, recording with a couple of buddies using one microphone in an untreated room and a laptop. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to record in some of the world’s best studios with incredible musicians and producers.
I’ve always treated every session as a learning experience because you never know when you’ll get another opportunity to be around people with that much talent and insight. I’ve tried to take a little piece of every session and carry it into the next one.
Now I’m at a place where I feel confident producing and recording my own records, and I can bring the vision I had when I wrote the song all the way through to the finished recording. Early on I was still figuring that out, but those experiences taught me how to get there.
Are you excited about performing at Creative Alliance in Baltimore?
I couldn’t be more excited about performing at Creative Alliance. This will be my first time performing there, and everyone I’ve talked to has been so welcoming and kind. These are my favorite kinds of rooms because they give you a chance to really connect with an audience, and I’m looking forward to getting out there and sharing these songs with them.
Ian headlines Creative Alliance in Baltimore on Saturday, August 8th!