Gavin DeGraw Takes A Journey Back In Time Through His Breakout Album [Interview]

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Gavin DeGraw. Photo: Matthew Berinato

In a music industry increasingly captivated by the concept of legacy and reinvention, Grammy-nominated artist Gavin DeGraw has returned to his roots with Chariot 20. Released last month, this new edition reimagines DeGraw’s celebrated debut album, Chariot, more than 20 years after its original impact.

The full-circle moment came after DeGraw, who has made Nashville home, signed with the Music City office of Sony Music late last year. His management company is also in town, and he’s seen success as a bar owner on the iconic lower Broadway with Nashville Underground.

“I first came here on tour around 2003 when Chariot was originally released. My granddad used to tell us when we were kids, ‘If I were you, Nashville’s where I’d be,'” DeGraw tells MusicRow, sharing that his grandfather was an avid watcher of Hee Haw and a fan of country music. “Finally making it here felt natural, and it’s been a welcoming place. Nashville appreciates real musicianship and songwriting, even if it’s not strictly country, and that’s what drew me in.”

DeGraw felt so at home in the country music capital of the world that he aligned with renowned Nashville producer Dave Cobb to bring Chariot 20 to life. The partnership brought them back together again after Cobb helmed production on DeGraw’s 2022 Face the River album.

“I consider that album my best record to date,” DeGraw says. “So when Chariot 20 came up, there wasn’t much a debate on [who should produce it]. I like Dave’s style of production, his taste and that he has an opinion. His natural instincts align so strongly with what I want to hear.”

2003’s Platinum-certified Chariot included career songs for DeGraw like “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Chariot” and “Follow Through,” which initially launched his career with raw emotion and memorable hooks.

More than a simple revival, Chariot 20 explores DeGraw’s journey of artistic growth and self-refinement, revisiting a pivotal chapter in his career. This project is a reflection of his evolution over two decades, transforming familiar tracks with a deeper understanding of his own artistry.

“The timing was utterly perfect [for Chariot 20]. It felt like a great opportunity to feature something that I was proud of and a moment that changed my life, while also showcasing my growth as an artist and how my sound and my taste have evolved. There’s a bit more confidence and refinement in what I want to communicate sonically.”

When DeGraw initially connected with Cobb to start talking about Chariot 20, they agreed not to listen to the original project during the process, so they could make sure the songs were fresh takes.

“I wanted space in the production—fewer tracks, more breathing room. I wanted sparseness,” DeGraw shares. “Early on, you can tend to overproduce. It’s the ‘kitchen sink’ approach where you have 152 tracks. I learned to trust the melody and the groove. Don’t smother it.”

And let the melodies speak for himself, he did. With a voice that has only gotten more refined with age and a sense of personal maturity that is gained after an additional two decades of life, DeGraw delivers such beloved hits as “I Don’t Want to Be” with confidence in himself and his musical impact.

“I still am as fond of that song right now as the day that I wrote it. It was the first one to change my life and open doors for my career. Seeing people still connect with it, whether it’s at karaoke or just sharing how it impacted them, is a huge honor. It makes me feel like I did something that mattered.”

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Beyond its refreshed versions of well-loved songs, Chariot 20 includes two previously unreleased tracks, “Get Lost” and “Love Is Stronger (Alright),” written during the original Chariot sessions. These new additions provide a unique glimpse into DeGraw’s early creative process and emphasize the lasting power of his songwriting.

“They just felt like they belonged to that era. Even though they’re different from each other, they fit the overall vibe of Chariot. It felt right to give them a place on this project.”

He hopes the new tracks, as well as older gem “Meaning,” latch onto fans when they listen to Chariot 20.

“‘Meaning’ is really special. ‘Get Lost’ is a newer one, but I love it. ‘Love is Stronger’ is very important and some of my better songwriting,” DeGraw says.

“Some of these new recordings lean more toward the way we do them live, but no one has been able to capture them the way Dave Cobb has,” he adds. “I’m enjoying playing them out on the road.”

With Chariot 20, DeGraw offers a blend of reverence for the past and insights from his journey over the years, giving fans the chance to experience Chariot anew. This release stands as a testament to DeGraw’s resilience and growth, allowing listeners to reconnect with his music on fresh, meaningful terms.

LB Cantrell
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