With a country boy heart, a talent for timeless storytelling, and a contemporary edge, Logan Crosby is steadily making his mark on the national stage. A proud native of Milledgeville, Georgia, Logan’s roots run deep in the Southern traditions of family and music, all of which shape his authentic sound. From his early days performing in small-town dive bars to capturing the attention of Nashville’s music scene, Logan has forged a path all his own.

In this exclusive interview for The House Magazine, I sat down with Logan to talk about the journey leading up to his much-anticipated debut album, 2019. As he embarks on his first headline tour — which sold out in nearly every market during the presale alone — Logan shared his excitement for this milestone, lyrics he loves, and the one thing he can’t live without. Logan opened up about the deeply personal stories that have inspired his songwriting, from lost love and nostalgia to finding peace in the simple things that remind him of home. As we discussed his love for classic country tales, his favorite places to unwind with family and friends, and the old leather couch he calls his happy place, it became clear that Logan Crosby is as relatable as he is talented.

Logan, it’s a pleasure. So, I know you’re a lot of things — a singer, a songwriter, a University of Georgia graduate, a son, a friend, a lover of classic country stories, and now a touring artist… how would you describe yourself to someone?

I’d say a singer, a songwriter, yes. Also an entertainer… I don’t know. I think I’m just a fun-loving guy. The most blessed person on the planet, really. 

I love that last one, I feel that from you. What do you want to tell with this interview? What else do you want us to feel and takeaway?

I just want to give everyone a look into who I am as a person. I think the past few years of making music, being on TV, and being on tour have showed a few sides of my personality… but I want to dive a little deeper into that. 

Well then, let’s do just that. Can you share a line or verse from one of your songs that holds a deeper meaning for you?

Oh gosh, that’s hard to choose. I think the coolest line I’ve ever been part of writing is, “In a Polaroid picture of you in that pink hat. In front of a sunset, kissin’ on my neck. Baby, comе on…” It just hurts so bad listening to it — to me, it’s about a young love that is lost, and it still hurts you to this day. You just want that picture to come back to life one more time.

We can all relate to that, that’s for sure. What’s another song that holds a special place in your heart?

“Run Away With You” is a song I actually started writing in college before I moved to Nashville. I kept it in my phone for nine months or so before I took it into a Nashville writing room and finished it. It was the first single off of my EP last year, and it really provided the musical direction for a lot of my subsequent releases… so I would have to say that one is near and dear to me.

Someone else’s song that resonates with me is “What Are You Listening To” by Chris Stapleton. It has always been one of my favorite songs. The simplicity combined with the imagery, songwriting, and Chris’ delivery makes it a favorite for sure. I love to cover that one.

That nod to Chris makes me wonder more about where you find inspiration for your songs. Did your hometown or upbringing influence your music at all?

It’s had the biggest influence on my music. I grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia, which is right in the dead center of Georgia. 

Georgia has such a rich music history — Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, The Allman Brothers, Sugarland… I mean the list goes on. 

I also was fortunate enough to grow up with access to iTunes and an iPod, so I listened to everything. Adele, Rascal Flatts, Ruben Studdard, Luke Combs… I think I have the influence of everyone I’ve ever listened to in my music.  

That’s beautiful. You mentioned Milledgeville — is that still home to you? Or has that notion of ‘home’ evolved a bit since moving and being on the road? 

Home is definitely being around my family and friends, wherever that is. Whether it’s Milledgeville, my parents’ house in the mountains, or my grandma’s house in the middle of nowhere on a bunch of land… as long as I’m with my family and friends, I’m at home. A few days ago, some lifelong friends of mine came to one of my shows — and that made it feel like home.

When you’re at home, or when you’re getting ready for a show — are there any habits you have to wake up or wind down?

Coffee, no questions asked. I need my coffee. If I’m allowed to be picky, I want black coffee, no sugar, no creamer, just three pieces of ice to cool it off. Once I have that, I’m good to go wherever. 

It’s crazy on the road just in general, so if I can get 15 or 20 minutes alone to wake up with my coffee, I feel like I can do anything. 

When it comes to winding down, reading really helps me. Whether it’s a book, or an article, or something as simple as a Wikipedia wormhole on something I find interesting, I like anything that can help shut my brain off for a minute. 

Before a show, I usually chug two bottles of water. I know it’s boring, but it’s true. That’s all I need. My drummer Wes does a great job getting our heads right and getting us fired up before a show, so I just get to soak that in.

Besides coffee, which I get, what makes you happiest at home and when you’re on the road performing and touring?

I think what makes me the happiest at home is my couch. I know that sounds crazy, but I just love sitting on my couch. It’s an old leather couch I got from a second-hand furniture store. It’s so comfortable that I fall asleep on it a lot and don’t even make it to my bed. 

When I’m on the road, I think it’s seeing the fans. I like creating an environment in my shows that allows everyone to have fun and let loose no matter what’s going on outside of that venue. That makes me the happiest.

You’ve got a pretty signature style up there on stage. Where’s that from?

I honestly have no clue. I’ve just always worn jeans and boots. I like to be comfortable, and I’m the most comfortable with jeans, a shirt, and a denim jacket or just any kind of jacket. I’m a jewelry guy too — I always wear a few necklaces and a bracelet. I definitely think my necklaces and my denim jackets are pieces I cannot live without.

Sounds like you’ve just always kind of stayed true to who you are and what you like. Which leads me to ask — does Logan Crosby have any rules to live by?

Oh yes. As the story goes in The Three Little Pigs, “Build your house out of bricks.” 

I know it sounds crazy, and maybe too simple, but it’s true. You have to have a foundation that’s solid in order to have anything lasting and successful.

Credits:

Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong

Photography by Jackson Keith | @jacksondeankeith