5 questions with Bloomington’s Joe Hermes on country music and his ‘American dream’

Bloomington’s Joe Hermes, 42, is rolling out Friday his single “Baptized by the South.” It will be available for purchase or streaming on most digital streaming platforms.

The single was co-written and produced by Dale Oliver, who has credits with Carrie Underwood. The new song follows two other country-rock releases of Hermes’, including his 2019 EP “Souls with Stones” and full-length album “Rockin’ A Country Town” that came out last year.

In that latter album, Hermes twangs it out to the tried-and-trusted country-rock subjects, like “fixer-uppers,” trucks and work boots. In the closer track, his vocals cut sharply through harmonics of keyboard and guitar parts on “What the Whiskey Can’t.”

For this week’s BloNo Beats, Hermes was invited to answer five questions about his life and values that have played into his music.

Which musicians were the most influential to you in genres of both rock and country?

I listened to Bon Jovi and Metallica when I was young. Jon Bon Jovi’s vocals and the Metallica guitar riffs captured my attention early on.

I’m inspired by a variety of recording/performing artists today. I find myself relating to Aaron Lewis; his current material and spirit of his country recordings as well as his work with his former rock band, Staind. I’m also inspired by the stylistic writing of Chris Stapleton. Vocally, both Chris and Aaron reveal a raw sound, and they have rasp in their voices that I dig. Brent Smith, lead vocalist from the band Shinedown, also strikes a chord with me and reflects my style in both music creation and live performances. The hopeful, spiritual and motivational aspects Brent brings to the stage, and behind the scenes through social media, are commendable. (That’s) something I hope to convey moving forward.

Briefly tell me about your background as a defensive lineman. What lessons did you learn from being on a sports team that have carried over to making and performing music? 

I was a middle linebacker in high school for the Heyworth Hornets. I attended Quincy University on a scholarship and took the field as a defensive end. I transferred back home to finish my collegiate football career at Eureka College as an Academic All-Conference defensive tackle. 

I spent one season with the Bloomington Extreme professional indoor football team. 

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of mentors and coaches who have helped, and encouraged, me along the way, who taught me how to push through adversity, pick myself back up when I was knocked down, find pride in my work, and help other teammates work together for a common goal. These skills have all paid dividends when it comes to my music. 

Writing and performing original music is a mind game. It is very easy to get down and consumed with a level of negative self-talk, resulting in a loss of motivation. It can eat away at your love of the game and make you question your motives. 

Much like playing sports, there are a lot of “gut check” moments, and you find out what you’re really made of and the answers to your “why.” I won’t say I’ve always carried myself gloriously through the tough times but, by golly, I keep working at them ‘til something positive comes about.

On your new single, “Baptized by the South,” please tell us how the idea for the song concept and title came about. Do you have any fond memories of life or experiences in the Southern United States?

Last summer, I spent three weeks on a radio tour supporting my single “Used To Be Me.” I covered more than 3,300 miles traveling through 10 states; many of the stations were located in the South, such as in Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama. I was taken aback by and became in awe of the “Southern hospitality.” Having “rough and tough” cowboys hold the door for me at the gas stations and ask “how’s your day going?” (and meaning it) was such a breath of fresh air. 

I had a conversation with my manager and producer, Dale Oliver, who is a southerner himself and lives in Nashville, about seeing the countryside and my pleasant experience during the trip; he began working on the song and it just struck a chord in me. It’s got football, family, faith and hard work all rolled up into one song. I identify with all of it.

You are described as driven by your commitment to your faith, family and belief in working for the “American dream.” What does that dream look like to you?

We as Americans are so incredibly blessed to live in a time and a place where we are free to chase our dreams, even change our dreams and goals if we wish. We can literally choose what version of “the American dream” we want to make our own. This country is full of helpful people and resources that can assist in making your dream a reality. 

I truly believe you just have to identify what you really want and be willing to work for it. To have a dream, the gumption and tenacity to work toward it is key. Keep your eyes and ears open, your heart true, and the opportunities will present themselves. You just have to be willing to walk through the door and do the work required. For me, to be successful in my American dream, I want to keep my faith and family in the forefront of my decision-making while progressing onward and upward in business and in music!

If you could give any advice to someone who is newly developing their passion for playing and writing music, what would you say?

This is not a sprint; it is a marathon and a journey of self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, identify your goals and just keep chipping away at them. You can’t be everything to everyone, so it’s important to learn to understand yourself and make music that resonates with your soul. Take a path that makes sense to you — not toward what you think others want from you. 

That doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. I see so many musicians trying to do it all on their own and really, it’s about learning and growing from (and with) others that broadens development and sharpens skills. It takes a village. Music is not a competition; it is an expression. Music provides a way for you to put something tangible to powerful feelings or experiences.