Kashus Culpepper: Q&A

Throughout Black History Month 2025, WFUV is focusing on artists — both emerging and established — whose music we admire, both on-air with FUV Live alums and online with Q&As. Also learn more about Spellling.

If a voice were a confluence of elements and temperaments, the singing of Kashus Culpepper would be the dusty melancholy of dry earth, the fiery spark of shattered heart, and a river's flow of cautious optimism. There are a lot of feelings running through the rugged songs of this Alabama-born, Nashville-based Navy veteran who picked up a guitar just five years ago, taught himself Ben E. King's "Stand By Me,"  and was hooked — and he now has shows this year at the Grand Ole Opry (for a second time) and London's O2 Arena as well as support slots with Ian Munsick, Leon Bridges, and more.

Getting to this auspicious point in just under five years is impressive, but Culpepper dedicated himself to hard work along the way, gigging at dive bars often five days a week, and constantly honing his guitar craft and songwriting skills. Although Culpepper first figured that he'd find himself a regular job one day, his music became that all-consuming career by 2023. He moved to Nashville and he eventually signed a label deal with Big Loud last year. And yes, there's a lot of new music on its way.

His latest single is "Jenni," a smoky confession of longing and unrequited desire, that actually came about Culpepper spotted a beguiling girl from the stage when he was playing with Zach Bryan (as he tells it on Instagram). While Culpepper didn't meet the girl, he did get a great song from that experience.

FUV caught up with Culpepper just prior to his New York shows in early February for a quick Q&A:

Has Black History Month, as a designation or celebration, ever had any meaning for you, whether in the past or presently? What does it mean to you in 2025? 

It’s definitely a month for reflection. A time to honor the voices and legends that have shaped the culture of our nation.

"Jenni," your new single, shows off the rough-hewn beauty of your voice and your innate comfort and intuition when it comes to what makes a stirring country song. What is it about country music that speaks to you so fully — and resonates emotionally in what you want to say?

With country music, I've always loved the storytelling and nostalgia that it brings me. With every song I write, I want to put those elements into it and that’s why I love it so much.

Where do you call home — and what is an early childhood memory of music that you still carry with you today?

I'm from a town called Alexander City, Alabama, a small town outside of Montgomery, but I'm living in Nashville at the moment. I believe the first memories of music that I remember is from church, and loving the feeling of the choir.

You are a Navy veteran and you took up the guitar during the pandemic when you were on a Spanish military base. What was it about learning that instrument, and accessing songwriting, that you think profoundly impacted you — and changed your life?

I've always wanted to learn guitar. Bringing songwriting into the mix completely changed the game for me. I'm literally just writing songs that I would love to hear, and it makes me extremely happy.

You're heading out on the road with Leon Bridges in 2025, whom you call one of your musical idols. How are you preparing for that tour?

I'm super excited for those run of shows! I'm preparing by just practicing as much as I can. It’s a huge opportunity for me, and I just wanna be at my best.

When you look backwards and forwards at music you admire — whether legends or peers — who takes your breath away and why?

I could name so many artists. First ones that come to mind are Ella Fitzgerald, Howlin' Wolf, Ray Charles, and Patsy Cline.

How far are you from an album or EP? Are you currently in the studio?

We’re getting close to it! Can’t wait for everyone to hear all the songs.

- Kashus Culpepper
February 2025