Macon Magazine

Though he considers himself still relatively new to Macon, Ernest said he is starting to get to know the city and the general arts culture at large. "I've met with the folks at the Otis Redding Foundation, and I'm very interested in the outreach they do, particularly with music education and songwriting," Ernest opined, suggesting he aspires to engage in Macon's music scene in a similar way. "I think you can help grow local talent by having strong music education at a young age, as the Otis Redding Foundation is doing," he continued. Having good music venues and places for musicians to get together is important, too, he said. "We've been lucky to play in Europe a number of times and there is a strong tradition of government subsidized community art spaces that put on really amazing shows." With less emphasis on the bottom line, there is more opportunity to take creative risks with the bookings and outreach, according to Ernest. "Here in the United States, our next best step is somehow cultivating interest in music within the community." Reflecting on Washed Out's place among the musical giants who have hailed from this area, Ernest humbly admits that in establishing his definitive style, he stepped away from the tradition. "To be honest, my interest in electronic music was partly a youthful rebellion against the music that was around me and what my parents were listening to," he said. "I love southern rock like the Allman Brothers, but I was very consciously trying to go in the opposite direction with my music. There is obviously only one Allman Brothers Band, so I was just trying to make stuff that was unique to me." His musical style is definitely a product of his southern roots, he said. Though his music might sound quite different from some of the notable artists who hailed from the region, Ernest admitted his sensibility was significantly shaped by the small towns and slower pace in which he was raised. "After visiting some of the biggest cities in the world, it is an exhale of sorts to be coming back home," Blair said. "Maybe it's the deeply-planted roots we have here, but we are loving more space and a slower pace – especially for our boys. It's a beautiful life, and in the words of Washed Out, 'It All Feels Right.'" "AFTER VISITING SOME OF THE BIGGEST CITIES IN THE WORLD, IT IS AN EXHALE OF SORTS TO BE COMING BACK HOME." – BLAIR GREENE COMING HOME Though it was hard for Blair to step back from Washed Out, she did so in 2015 when the couple decided to start a family. Their sons Miles and Sid are now six and three. "They love their dad's music and know the songs well," Blair said. Ernest isn't resting on his laurels, though. Even with live shows and outdoor festivals throughout the country planned for the upcoming months, he still is most focused on writing and recording a new album, currently in its initial stages. The couple has always lived in Georgia – from Atlanta to Athens to Decatur – but when looking for somewhere to land and have their "forever home," they chose Macon. "We both have a deep love for Georgia," Blair explained. In Macon, they were able to find a home with more land – 20 acres to be exact – and a small cabin where Ernest can work. Not far from family in Perry, and not far from the airport when traveling, Macon is now home. 38 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2022

• Cover
• _heading=h.gjdgxs