5 Weekender questions with Doug Irwin

Doug Irwin, whose new album, “The Bridges That I Burn,” will be released next month, recently answered five Weekender questions.

Q: How long have you been playing?

A: I picked up my first guitar 12 years ago at the tender young age of 39. I started writing my own songs shortly after that. On a good day, I like to think I’m a decent poor man’s rhythm guitarist.

Q: How do you describe your sound?

A: We have an original folk, roots, Americana type thing going on. A few months ago, a friend posted from a show and tagged us #folkandroll, so we’ll go with that.

Q: Which musician — alive or dead — do you most wish you could share the stage with?

A: I don’t know, I’m pretty happy making music with the folks I have been for the past few years, raising my voice with family and friends. It’s been a lot of fun. Since you asked though, I’ll give you a couple: For someone who we’ve lost, I’d say Levon Helm. At the height of his powers, the best voice around, hands down. For someone who is still with us, Miss Patty Griffin, no question. I’m a big fan. As good a singer and songwriter as you’ll find out there today.

Q: What’s your favorite song to play live?

A: This one changes all the time, but right now it’s probably the disc’s title track, “The Bridges That I Burn.” It’s a song about letting go of all the things that can weigh you down, your self-inflicted doubts and fears, and pursuing what feeds your soul, regardless of the outcome. Took me a while to get there, but it’s a good place to be.

Q: Where can people hear your music?

A: We’re having a CD release party at Webster’s Bookstore Café 3-5 p.m. Jan. 10. You can pick up a CD from us there or on CDBaby, or digitally on iTunes or Amazon if you can’t wait. Discs are also available at Alleycat Music and Webster’s here in State College or at the Green Drake Gallery and Arts Center in Millheim. And you can visit me at www.dougirwinmusic.com.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 11:00 AM with the headline "5 Weekender questions with Doug Irwin."