A Slow-Burning Love and Gritty Soul: Jovin Webb’s 'Drifter' Is Blues Reborn

American Idol finalist Jovin Webb released his debut album, Drifter, on October 18, 2024, a record that dives deep into his life’s highs and lows with blues, Southern rock, and soul. Drawing from his Louisiana roots and gospel influences, Webb brings a raw, soulful edge to each track, shaped by his journey.

Produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, Drifter shines in tracks like “Drunk On Your Love,” where Webb’s raspy yet smooth vocals convey the thrill of new love. Described as a “romantic slow-burner,” the song leans into sultry, bluesy melodies, and an accompanying in-studio video strips it down further, letting fans feel every note and lyric.

“Drunk On Your Love” easily captures the feeling of being fully swept up in early romance—the electric rush of emotions, those butterflies, and the excitement of each moment.

Other notable tracks include “Livin’ Reckless,” which leans into those gospel influences and explores finding direction amid life’s chaos, and “Blues for a Reason,” a song where Webb’s gritty vocals address struggles with identity and financial hardship, embodying classic blues themes with a modern edge.

Drifter ultimately feels like an extension of Webb’s soul. Listeners get the joy, the pain, and everything in between. It’s a real testament to the artist he’s become since American Idol.

You can catch Drifter and the video for “Drunk On Your Love” on all streaming platforms.

Drifter feels deeply personal, like your own music autobiography. Can you share the journey that led you to pour your story into this album?

I felt that this debut album should be personal. I wanted to lay it all out on the line. This is me; this is where I'm at in life at this point--the vulnerability, the love, the lust, the pain, the loss, and the trauma is what has shaped me to be the man I am today. I've been through a lot these 34 years; this is my testimony. I sing the blues for a reason.

In Drifter, you explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Which of these themes has been the most challenging to write about, and why?

To be honest, none of the themes were difficult to visit. They are all how I feel. Off stage, I really don't like to share my feelings. This is the only way I know how to let all of that out. Through music, I can articulate everything that I can't say aloud in normal conversations.

"Drunk On Your Love" beautifully captures the feeling of new love and infatuation. How do you approach writing about love in a way that feels authentic and fresh?

We all can remember a time in our lives when we have longed for someone or have been in love. I just tried to tap into what I felt like when I went through it. The blues is usually about heartbreak. No one can break your heart if they don't have your heart. So, I wanted to capture the love before the pain.

You’ve been praised for your "barbecue sauce" voice, a comparison to the richness and warmth of Southern soul. How did you develop this distinctive vocal style, and who were your early vocal influences?

I think, well, I know, it came from Southern Baptist church, no matter how cliche it sounds. I naturally had sort of a raspy voice, even as a child. I just didn't know how to use it. With maturity, I learned how to appreciate what I had and how to make the most of it. There's pain, hope, fun, and redemption behind my wails.

Growing up in Louisiana, the birthplace of jazz and blues, how did the cultural richness of your environment shape your sound and artistic voice?

Depending on where you go in Louisiana, the vibes will cater to blues, zydeco, jazz, country, and southern rock. I dove into that gumbo and took it all in. When someone listens to my album, they will get all of that with my razzle dazzle on it.

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