Pigeon Spins Featuring an Interview with JCCutter

JCCutter - Tequila at Dawn

New Mexico, USA — Independent songwriter JCCutter delivers a bold, crowd-ready new single with “Tequila at Dawn,” a mid-tempo country-rock anthem that blends humor & grit into a hook-driven listening experience designed for playlists, radio rotation, and good times.

Interview with JCCutter

(•)> What inspired you to shift from the serious themes of Perspectives to a lighthearted track like Tequila at Dawn?

Perspectives was a heavy lift - emotionally. A lot of emotion was tied into that album. There was nostalgic fun in there, like the song, “Down by the River Tonight”, but the bulk of it talked everything from social issues to personal emotions – even realizing our own time is short. It was missing that reflective need for fun right now – something participatory, something communal for the sake of being together – and not wanting to let it end.

(•)> How did you decide it was the right moment to finally release this song after years of writing it?

I felt that being serious all the time takes away from what we are meant to be – human, seeking friends, connections and just enjoying life. A few of us were out celebrating the final edit, of the final track “We Live Through it All”, and decided to have some tequila. As the morning approached I poured a few more tequilas and said the lines, “Patron our father, Jose Cuervo the son, and Oh god, I am feeling the spirit of eighteen hundred”. We were actually drinking Teremana, which is how I finally came to grips with one of the last lines needed to fill out the song.

(•)> Can you describe the process of refining the 101 rewrites into the final version we hear today?

Really, there isn’t a whole lot to say about that – other than time. It just never felt right. To be honest, it felt like a joke. A bad joke from when we were all less mature. It needed that communal and humor-ish feeling without being a joke. So, I would usually just shelf it. Many years later, new location, new feelings and maybe just a different perspective helped nail down the right chords and the right lyrics to accompany the prayer line – “Patron our father, Jose Cuervo the son, Oh god, I am feeling the spirit of eighteen hundred – Ya’ll let’s sing this prayer with Tequila at Dawn!”

(•)> What makes Tequila at Dawn particularly memorable and participatory for listeners?

Well, I think they would have to answer that for us. For me, it is simply the relatability of the lines. We’ve all been there – tequila is lined up – the crowd wants shots, and right before you take it - you cross yourself and say a little prayer. I think the song gives us a little tongue and cheek prayer for our next shots.

(•)> How do you balance fun, high-energy music with the more introspective material in your catalog?

The same way we balance everything in our lives – pick the priorities, pick the mood, and choose your attitude. Everything is our choice – we choose how we react. I choose harmony.

(•)> Were there specific musical influences or experiences that shaped the sound of this track?

A lifetime of friends and family. Our experiences together shaped this track. That, and a lot of trial and error – often shelving it and just waiting for the moment to create while I had the right moments present. Practice makes perfect – but friends and family make it worth it.

(•)> How do you envision audiences interacting with this song at parties or live shows?

With fun, enjoyment, and hopefully singing along to the chorus! Especially “Ya’ll let’s sing this prayer with Tequila at Dawn – Patron our father, Jose Cuervo the son, Oh god! I am feeling the spirit of Eighteen Hundred!”

(•)> What emotions or experiences do you hope listeners take away from Tequila at Dawn?

Well, as I mentioned before we choose our moods and emotions. Sure circumstance and the environment help shape them. So, I hope people choose enjoyment, friendships, shared fun – and of course, I hope they – like me – just don’t want the Dawn to take away the night. So, Tequila at Dawn with friends – perhaps watching the sunrise together – remembering, maybe even that classic sunrise picture with friends toasting the Dawn with their favorite Tequila!

(•)> In what ways does this song reflect your personal journey and resilience as an artist?

Perseverance shared with family and friends. I started this song from chants as…we’ll say a young adult (haha). So, not letting a passion go forever just because it wasn’t perfect. That perseverance and time can help anything become better – like aging a tequila, a whisky or fine wine. Just work with it – sometimes just let it sit and wait. You just might be surprised what happens when it feels the fresh air again.

(•)> Do you see Tequila at Dawn as a one-off fun release, or could it signal a new direction for future projects?

I absolutely hope for a bit more fun, a little more harmony. However, we’ll wait and see. For now we have a much-earned break. We also can’t let our day jobs go yet – so there is that! Perhaps, life will point the way. Either way, there will be some more – but only time will tell.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out  JCCutter on the Pigeon Spins Playlist