This is a sponsored interview in partnership with Tecovas.
Lloyd Maines, musician, songwriter, “Austin City Limits” Hall of Famer, and yes, the father of “The Chicks” lead singer Natalie Maines, has never taken a music lesson. He got his first guitar at 13 and taught himself chords with a $2 book. He’s since become an Austin centerpiece, appearing on “Austin City Limits” more than any other performer.
We caught up with Maines this month. Here’s what we learned:
🎶 Maines Did His First “Austin City Limits” Show in 1978.
Twenty years before moving to Austin, Maines did his first “Austin City Limits” show with Joe Ely. Doing the show, and the ones that followed, helped Maines understand Austin because most guests had a connection to the city.
“I know that when I first came here from Lubbock, it was like coming to a different country,” he said.
Since then, the show has mushroomed, spreading what Maines calls the mystique of “Austin City Limits” worldwide.
“It made people want to come and check out Austin,” he said. “In fact, I heard this interview just last week about someone who had moved here because they saw ‘Austin City Limits.’”
💌 Need Advice on Making It in Music? Maines Has Tons.
When we asked Maines if he had any advice for musicians, he said: “Actually, I do. I always give this advice and people listen to it about half the time, maybe. I’m not sure it ever soaks in.”
So, soak this in:
Always, whether it’s a recording session, gig, interview, or whatever, show up on time, Maines said. If you’re late, you’re infringing on your own time and other people’s time.
“That sounds kind of frivolous, but it’s true,” he said.
His other advice is to take your work seriously. Maintain your focus and your integrity, Maines said.
“Also, hone your craft. If you’re going to go in and expect to be a studio player or if you’re just doing your own songs, don’t settle for second best,” he said.
Maines’s interview, where he shares his advice and his favorite Austin spots to catch a live show, on the City Cast Austin podcast is out today at 11 a.m.:
