Jackson Free Press

Singer-songwriter Jason Isbell has had a busy couple of years since he last played in Jackson in 2013. His album "Southeastern" swept the Americana Music Awards last year, winning Album of the Year and Song of the year for the track "Cover Me Up." Isbell also won Artist of the Year. He recently finished recording his newest album, "Something More Than Free," out July 17. In his home life, Isbell and his wife, singer-songwriter Amanda Shires, are expecting their first child, and he's also been sober for more than three years after a long struggle with alcohol addiction. Life is good for him, and it's showing in all aspects of his career. The Jackson Free Press recently did a phone interview with Isbell.

You have so many good things going on for you right now. How much of it do you credit to your sobriety?

Well, I know it has helped with my focus. Everything has improved. My playing, songwriting and live shows. I know I can work harder. Plus, I just feel better.

"Southeastern" turned a lot of heads. Did you feel that sense of pressure when you recorded "Something More Than Free?"

I try to ignore that scene, so it's not a real problem for me. I just try to create something very real and honest, and hopefully people will connect (with). This is definitely a more positive album than "Southeastern" was.

You recently played the Jimmie Rogers Festival in Meridian. The day after you play here, you're heading over to Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic. It seems you're really marking a place in the history of American music.

It's always an honor to get asked to do those things, so it's great. As a student of songwriting and the craft, people like Willie and Jimmie have helped to create 100 years worth of songs, so I love being associated with that. It's very flattering.

Your wife, Amanda, called you a "world-class guitarist." Not only that, you're a fine singer, but you are known mostly perhaps as a songwriter.

They are all serving the same end. I started out as just a guitar player. Playing in bands, I became more of a singer. Later on, I developed my songwriting. I discover more and more that all three skills go together and compliment one another. I probably work more at songwriting, but it's all one service in telling the story. To me, the song itself is the most important thing.

Storytelling seems to be your strongest suit in your writing.

I try to pay close attention to details. A good song is all about choosing the right details. That makes the song more personal, and people can relate. I always try to write something people from all over can find something in. It's important to see the larger picture and choose the proper words to paint that picture. People from all over have similar experiences in life, so it makes it easier to say things people can associate with.

Jason Isbell performs 6 p.m., Friday, July 3, for Livingston LIVE at 116 Livingston Church Road, Flora, with Holly Williams. Tickets and VIP packages may be purchased at ardenland.net. For more information, visit www.jasonisbell.com.