Tim Mcgraw Shares Why He Cringes When Listening To His Old Music & Won’T Watch His Acting Projects

In a conversation with Tim McGraw, he reveals how a playful exchange with Bobby Bones led to the creation of a new song. McGraw had teased on social media about releasing a playlist, piquing Bones' curiosity. McGraw explained that the playlist contained a selection of his songs, and the first word of each song spelled out the title of his new single. He expressed his surprise at how quickly fans caught on to the hidden message.

While putting together the playlist, McGraw found himself revisiting some of his older albums and rediscovering favorite album cuts. Listening to an old song reminded him of how much he enjoyed it back then. However, he also admitted to cringing a bit at his past performances, particularly his vocals. McGraw mentioned that he rarely listens to his own music unless he's preparing for a new project. He uses these opportunities to reflect on what he could have done differently and how he can improve in the future.

The Evolution of McGraw's Voice: From Youthful to Mature

When asked about his singing, McGraw admitted that he sometimes cringes because he feels like he didn't sing a particular phrase as well as he had intended. He mentioned that his voice has likely matured over the years, and listening to old recordings makes him realize how young he sounded. Nonetheless, McGraw appreciated the compliment from Bones, who mentioned that his voice still sounded pure and hasn't noticeably aged like other artists'.

Regarding his singing ability, McGraw attributed it to his love for music. Singing is therapeutic for him, and he finds joy in going to the studio and performing these songs. He still enjoys singing and believes that nothing compares to the feeling of being on stage and connecting with a live audience. McGraw mentioned that his favorite moments are when everything feels magical on stage, and he feels like he catches a "thunderbolt." These are the nights that keep him motivated and make him excited for the next show.

The Ingredients of a Magical Performance

Bones questioned what makes a night magical on stage, as audience members often can't tell if a show was good or bad from their perspective. However, McGraw explained that it's about the energy and connection between him and the audience. He mentioned that not every night is magical, but when everything aligns perfectly, it creates a memorable experience. These are the moments that make him passionate about performing and keep him motivated in his career.

The Role of Sound in McGraw's Performances

In this interview, McGraw also shares his thoughts on the importance of sound and how it affects his performances. He mentions that when his ears are sounding great, everything else falls into place, and he is able to sing with ease and emotion. However, there are times when his ears don't sound as good, and he has to push harder to get the desired tone and feeling in his vocals.

McGraw explains that the mix of the sound can vary from night to night, even with the same setup and equipment. Some nights, everything comes together perfectly, and the band is on target, creating an amazing experience for both the performers and the audience. However, there are also nights when things don't go as smoothly, and despite his own perception of a struggling performance, the audience may still enjoy it.

One interesting aspect McGraw touches on is the use of in-ear monitors. He explains that sometimes he takes one ear out to better hear the ambient noise in the room and to connect with the audience. While he doesn't necessarily dislike the equipment, taking it out can enhance the overall sound on stage.

From the Basketball Court to the Stage

The conversation takes a turn as McGraw discusses his high school basketball career, sharing an exceptional performance where he scored 52 points in a game. He modestly attributes this feat to simply having a night where everything fell into place. McGraw explains that he wasn't a great outside shooter but excelled at driving to the basket and scoring inside.

The interviewer compares McGraw's high-scoring game to renowned basketball player Pistol Pete Maravich, who also had impressive scoring averages in college despite the absence of a three-point line. McGraw humorously shares that there was once talk of him playing Pistol Pete in a movie, but it never materialized due to height differences.

McGraw also discusses his athletic background in football and baseball. Despite not having a strong arm, he made up for it with his range and agility on the field. McGraw modestly cites that his batting average in his senior year of high school was quite high.

"Standing Room Only": McGraw's Latest Song

Finally, the conversation leads to McGraw's new song, "Standing Room Only." McGraw shares that when he first heard the song, he knew it was one he wanted to record. He explains that there is an instinctive feeling he gets when he knows a song is right for him.

Overall, this interview provides insight into the role of sound in Tim McGraw's performances, his athletic background, and his latest song. It highlights the importance of a good mix and how it can impact an artist's performance, as well as showcasing McGraw's modesty and appreciation for his successes in both music and sports.