Though singer-songwriter Cass McCombs has received widespread acclaim for his music, he speaks modestly of his career and work. In 2011, McCombs released two albums, “Wit’s End” and “Humor Risk,” which used entertaining lyrics and clever stories to express his thoughts on morality, love and loss.
“I’m a small fry,” McCombs said. “I’m pretty underground. It might seem on the surface … anyone can puff themselves up to look like some big shot. But believe me, there’s nothing there.”
McCombs has lived the quintessential life of a legendary folk artist. The native Californian began playing guitar at a young age and later decided to start a journey across the country instead of attending a university.
He said, “I think something in the educational system wants people to think and behave the same. You’re supposed to believe the same values. I don’t think that’s true. I think everyone needs to discover their own sense of who’s a great writer and who’s a great philosopher and what sciences they find interesting.”
Living in various American towns and working obscure jobs, McCombs decided that the best education is experience. It is through his nomadic lifestyle that McCombs found the inspiration to be the songwriter he is. He turned the stories he heard from his travels and encounters into narrative songs.
McCombs said he learned that there is no template to being a well-rounded human being. “In fact,” he said, “I think some of the coolest people are totally lop-sided.”
The musician explained his ease with creating music on-the-go. “I love making music. I’d rather make music than rot in a bar. That’s pretty much the alternative,” he said jokingly.
McCombs proclaims to be an underground artist, yet he agrees he has a very dedicated fan base.
“I think I have a loyal following … because we relate to each other,” he said of his fans. “I play honestly for them. And my band believes in what we’re doing … to have a good time and make interesting, engaging music.”
Cass McCombs will be performing at The Crescent Ballroom Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $10 to $12.
Reach the reporter at jocelyn.gee@asu.edu
