Lewis Stubbs – Raw & Imperfect (Interview 2026)

Edition Thirty-Two – Week Thirty-Two; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Introduction

In an era where artistic identity is increasingly shaped online, Lewis Stubbs emerges as part of a new generation navigating the blurred line between physical and digital practice. Through a growing body of work shared via Instagram, Stubbs constructs a visual language that feels both immediate and introspective—rooted in experimentation, yet conscious of the gaze of a networked audience. His work invites viewers into a space where process and persona unfold simultaneously, challenging traditional ideas of authorship and exhibition.

Short Review Text

Lewis Stubbs’ practice thrives in the tension between spontaneity and control. The works—often bold, gestural, and intuitively composed—suggest an artist more interested in emotional residue than polished resolution. There’s a rawness to the imagery that resists over-explanation, allowing ambiguity to carry meaning.This interplay between artwork and platform gives Stubbs’ output a distinctly contemporary urgency.

Q&A

How much of your creative musical process is planned versus instinctive?

“My process is mostly instinctive and sometimes feels like it’s not even me doing it. It’s like a magic trick. I have to be open to it, though. I’ll go through periods where it’s like pulling teeth but then something falls from the sky and I think “I’ll never be able to write something like that again.” But so far I have been able to. Other times I’ll have a subject or story I am interested in that I think will make a good story song. I’ll research it and try to incorporate the facts and names in the song.”

What draws you to the usage of your current visual style and materials?

“My partner, Karina King does all of my photography and art. She’s amazing. I really couldn’t do it without her. I think she gives it a pretty classy vibe. We did a lot of the photographer in my old stomping grounds in West Nashville, TN. There are some photos mixed in of the Nashville skyline from the early 80’s during a time I was growing up. It’s changed tremendously.”

Are there artists or movements that have influenced your approach?

“I love American Roots music. My family line is from Mississippi and I love delta blues music that came from there. I love The Band, Little Feat, Townes Van Zandt and so many others. I love good, honest songwriting. Most of the artists I dig wouldn’t do well on American Idol.”

Are there recurring ideas or emotions you find yourself returning to within the process of musical production and creation?

“I think the blues is what ideas are always present. Not necessarily “blues music” but topics like injustice, loss, failures and trying cope with the pain that exists in life.”

Where can we hear more of your music, and why should we?

“West Nashville Sky is my second EP as a solo artist. Eyes on the Prize is the first. I’ve always been in bands as c-writer and guitarist before doing the solo thing. I made three great records with the Nashville band, Highwater from 1993-2002. We made them at Muscle Shoals Sound and toured all over the states. I also made four EPs with Natchez Tracers and a full album with The Reliables. My discography is all available on any streaming service.
What makes Lewis Stubbs an iconic artist for the times?
Well, I don’t strive to be iconic. I’m just so happy to be able to write make records and do it as authentically as I know how. I’m the farthest thing from A.I. that I could possibly be. If there is one thing I’m good at, it’s being raw and imperfect.”