CLN Insider with Ned LeDoux

Ned LeDoux, son of the famous rodeo cowboy and singer/songwriter, Chris LeDoux, was born in Kaycee, Wyoming in 1977. It wasn’t until after his father passed away that Ned decided to follow in his dad’s footsteps and start singing and recording his own music.

LeDoux began recording his own album in 2015, working with producer Mac McAnally. His debut EP Forever a Cowboy came out in 2016 and his first full-length album, followed in 2017. Ned LeDoux is well respected for his high-energy live shows that mix his western roots with the rock and roll influences he acquired in his youth. He routinely headlines his own shows as well as earns coveted opening slots for Toby Keith, Aaron Watson, and Garth Brooks. We were excited to snag a few minutes of his time to chat about his deep western roots and what he’s working on these days. 

Q: You began your music career as a drummer working with regional artists in and around Wyoming and ultimately drumming for your Dad in his band, Western Underground. What did the transition look like from drummer to singer? 

A: When I started singing, the only songs I wanted to learn were my dad’s songs. I never gave it any thought to learn anybody else’s. And so now after many solo gigs, rehearsing in my basement, and getting the band together we continue to play dad songs during the show. Now with three of my own albums out, I’ve got to write my own story. I think it’s a good combination of my own material that I wrote myself blending in a few of dad’s classics.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of your dad? 

A: I’ve got so many great memories and stories of my dad. It was such a pleasure to play drums for him. I never thought I would be asked to do that. It’s probably the pinnacle of my drumming career. I loved every moment.

But one great memory that I would like to share is when we would go to the Big Horn mountains to gather Christmas trees. It’s a family tradition. Every year the day after Thanksgiving we go up to the mountain with a cooler full of lunch supplies including thermoses of hot tomato juice and hot chocolate and we hike through the woods in search of that perfect Christmas tree. Every year is a new adventure. Sometimes we get stuck, and sometimes we have to cut a tree down with a pocket knife or a shovel! It’s a great time of year and a great tradition.

Q: Can you tell us a little bit more about your music style?

A: I’m not really sure how I would describe my music style. When it comes to writing songs I write about what I know. I like to include family, friends, and the landscape I grew up around. And of course all my years of working on the family ranch. I’m so fortunate to have grown up that way. And of course, spending most of my life on the road there’s bound to be a song or two that comes from that. So I suppose what it boils down to is, I guess I’m sort of a storyteller. But I also like to crank it up from time to time.

Q: Are you currently working on any new music or have done so recently? 

A: I have a brand new album coming out on March 11th, 2022. It’s titled “Buckskin”. I spent a lot of our time off during the pandemic working on new material. I wrote eight of the 12 songs. Mac McAnally produced it. He has produced everything that I’ve ever put out. And it was such an honor to have the same group of guys that played on my very first album (Sagebrush) play on this one as well. Top shelf session players. I just can’t wait for the release date and for people to hear it.

Q: What does your process look like for creating new music?

A: My process of creating new music starts with taking a lot of notes. And usually when I get ideas for a song is when I am either driving, doing something in the garage, or working outside fixing or building something. I get ideas out on the golf course sometimes too Ha! And when those ideas just fall out of the sky I’ll either write them down on something or type the idea on my phone. And then I continue with whatever project I’m in the middle of. Then when I feel inspired and have lots of notes and time, I’ll go down to my basement and start piecing things together. But there’s a lot of pacing back-and-forth that is involved.

Q: What is your favorite thing about what you do?

A: My favorite part of what I do, is everything! I enjoy the creativeness that is involved. Writing the songs, being in the studio and hearing it all come to life, and then hearing the mastered mixes. And I love the touring part of it. From packing my suitcase getting ready to head to the airport. Meeting up with the guys and hitting the stage with them. Every little thing that is involved with what I get to do for a living I never take for granted.

For more information on Ned LeDoux and his music, make sure to check out his website: nedledoux.com and you can catch him here in Las Vegas playing at the Silverton Hotel and Casino on December 2 & 3, 2021. Ned LeDoux’s new album “Buckskin” will officially release on March 11th,2022 but will be available for pre-order beginning December 3, 2021. 

Booking Info for Ned LeDoux

 United Talent Agency 

 Curt Motley

 (615) 564-2580

 Curt.Motley@unitedtalent.com

TKO Artist Management

Nashville TN 37205