Article from Pop Off on Medium
Alt-country singer-songwriter Jim Waneka released the music video, “A Different Man,” not long ago, following his previous single, “I Ride Alone,” which introduced the world to his delicious, potent voice, reminiscent of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.
Born and raised in Colorado, on “A Different Man,” Jim narrates the heartbreaking tale of physical and emotion damage sustained by those who protect our freedoms. Set in Afghanistan, the visuals and the music combine to form a powerful story of sacrifice. The music, performed by a dazzling band fronted by Jim, delivers an alluring alt-country melody riding a gentle rhythm. When the song ramps up, it takes on layers of brilliant gravitas.
Pop Off spoke with Jim Waneka to find out more about the person behind the music, the song’s inspiration, and how he got started in music.
What three things can’t you live without?
There are so many things I value immensely, but the top three come down to circumstance and perspective.
What inspired your new single/music video “A Different Man?”
It came to me in a very powerful dream with the melody and words all flowing through me in just a few minutes. Before I could even pick up my guitar, I knew what the song sounded like and how it would be arranged. I believe it was brought to me through the spirit of my uncle, Claude Starkey, who served as a Marine paratrooper during World War II. After landing for a reconnaissance patrol on the island of Bougainville, the Marines were overrun, and he lost his left hand during close quarter combat. The song is also about my cousin Dick, who served in Vietnam, was seriously wounded, and came home a different man.