By Michelle Childress Osterhoudt

Another artist. Another moment. Another reason I love what I do.

I didn’t plan on catching Don Louis between sets, but sometimes the best interviews come in the unplanned chaos of festival life. Sand in my shoes, camera in hand, and phone rolling—I got five fast tracks with an up-and-comer who’s not just in the country genre, but of it.

🎤 1. What’s your favorite part about playing BCMF—or just being near the beach?

Don:

“We don’t have a beach out there where we’re from in Texas. It’s a lot of green and trees, so this is a little change of pace. I like it. It’s beautiful out here.”

🎶 2. Country music has exploded in recent years. Why do you think it’s drawing in more fans?

Don:

“It’s getting more exciting with all the contemporary changes. A lot of people doing their own kind of country now. I’m actually from the country—I’m country raised, not country inspired. So if I make a rap song and I put country in it, I’m still country. It is what it is. But a lot of people hop on it for the monetization… it’s not about the money.”

💥 Let’s just say, that answer hit home.

🎸 3. What’s one song in your set that always hits different when played live?

Don:

“Liquor Talkin’.”

Me:

“I knew you were gonna say that!”

Don:

“It’s so fun to play. Everybody wants it.”

🌟 4. If fans remembered just one thing from your BCMF set, what would you want it to be?

Don:

“That the man was blessed and highly favored.”

Say. That. Again.

🤝 5. Quick pick: One artist you’d love to collaborate with?

Don:

“Zach Top.”

👏 Yes. We’re here for that combo.

4,000 images on my camera, sand on my lens, and this gem of an artist added to the story. Don Lewis, y’all—country raised, truth-teller, and as real as it gets.

Check out Don Louis here.

Follow the Five Fast Tracks series for more artist snapshots, real voices, and behind-the-lens moments from BCMF and beyond.