LEDFOOT Talks New Album, Recording Sessions And More

Tim Scott McConnell (aka Ledfoot) is an American musician and songwriter who has been based in Norway for the last three decades. His seventh album ‘Outsiders’ is out now and we wanted to learn more so we sat down for a chat with the man himself:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Sitting in my grandfather’s El Dorado driving from Tampa Fl. to uncle Charlie’s farm in Norfolk Va. listening to Johnny Cash and Marty Robbin’s…

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?

I guess about 14, my older brother played guitar and had a Tanberg two track we recorded on.

Your new album ‘Outsiders’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

Once I’d gotten the songs written, I decided it made sense to record them with a band. I had in mind three musicians that I’ve worked with on other projects, who I felt would make a great sound picture and can get it right in a couple takes… it was important to me it sounded spontaneous and real.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We did the record at Ronni Le Tekrøs’ place Studio Nyhagen , it’s like a second home to me, it’s out in the countryside in Norway, I lived there for years. Ronni’s like a brother. I did really comprehensive demos of the songs to show the band the vibe I wanted. The production part of it was a group effort, Kjartan Hesthagen , Markus Klyve and I collectively got the job done.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, etc?

I have four old Taylor’s (before 2010 when they changed their pickups), two Leo Kottke signature 12-strings, a builder’s reserve BR-VI 12 string and a baritone 8 string, also a custom built Veillette baritone 12 string… I go direct into the pa, no effects. I use two stomps..a kick and snare….thats it… no tricks.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Hmmm , I was born in a trailer park… went to 20 schools … five words…Home is with my kids.

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

Yes, I start a tour of the Netherlands, than shows in Norway, I’m hoping to get to the UK in the fall.

Your single ‘Thunder and Rain’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

Love gunfighter ballads, murder ballads the way they portray that calm in a person who knows they’ve done wrong and it’s reckoning time…. Hang down your head…cause poor boy you’re gonna die…..it’s one of those songs.

Do you have a band that you perform with? If so, who is in the band and what do they play?

As Ledfoot, until now , it’s always been me alone on stage with a few guitars … Outsiders is the first record that isn’t me doing everything…it’s definitely a band record so we’ve started planning a tour in the future with the musicians on the record.

Markus Klyve – keyboards, backing vocals

Bjørn Holm – bass, backing vocals

Tobby Johansen – drums, percussion

 You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

One of my dearest friends autobiography, ex bank robber, fencing champion, Amy Winehouse and Pete Doherty’s bodyguard, did 10 years in prison… but most of all a brilliant poet. His book’s called ‘Not An Ordinary Memoir’ By James Browne

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) I’m The Outsider

b) Thunder and Rain

c) The Better Side of Me

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

I was born in 1958 in the south, so I grew up with all the music that surrounds you in that environment… country, blues, bluegrass, soul, rock and roll…later I got into hard rock, reggae…everything…I gravitate towards anything that sounds honest…

Was it a difficult album to write?

I am always writing… compulsive, obsessive, excessive… when I get ready to do a record, I pick out my favourites… heh then two weeks before I’m going to record, I scrap most of them and write new stuff….

How do you look after your voice?

I don’t….

What makes LEDFOOT happy and what makes you unhappy?

Making my kids happy and being productive makes me happy. I don’t really have time for unhappy… I know there’s always tomorrow