How John Paul White let music back into his life after The Civil Wars

Following the breakup of Nashville folk duo The Civil Wars, member John Paul White's creative mind went blank — something the songwriter actually enjoyed. 

"I was laser-focused on what was within arms reach: my wife and my kids," Paul tells host Candy Palmater. "Having a studio in my backyard, it kept me creatively busy but there was nothing really going on in my head, lyrically or melodically and it was kind of blissful."

Some musicians may panic at the idea of a writer's block but, after years of touring extensively and reaching certain levels of fame, White was quick to make peace with the idea of a break or even a potential end. He adds, "If the songs will come, they'll come, but I'm not going to call 'em for it and if they don't come then it's been a good run." 

Alas, songs did return to White's heads and in such a flood that he recorded eight songs in three days. Those results can be heard on White's second solo album, Beulah. White is now back on the road touring behind his latest set of new songs.