Interview: Five questions with John Vincent III

The Los Angeles/Houston-based singer/songwriter spoke with Asheville Stages in advance of his Sunday, April 19 set at the High Water Festival in Charleston, S.C.

Edwin Arnaudin: Asheville Stages photographer Micah Rogers was at your show at The Orange Peel just over a year ago and was impressed with what he saw. What’s stuck with you about the venue, crowd, and the overall experience in our town?

John Vincent III: That Asheville show stuck with me a lot because it was the first show on that run, and it had been postponed due to the horrible floods [from Tropical Storm Helene]. There was a lot of anticipation on my end for that reason.. I wanted everyone to have a great time and I hope we accomplished that. As a band, we certainly had a great time — iconic venue, awesome crowd, and a beautiful city. Can’t wait to go back.

EA: What’s your history with the High Water Festival and Charleston in general?

JVIII: No history with the festival, really — I haven’t played it before, but I do love Charleston. I’ve been there a handful of times and have some really special memories there. Excited to make another one.

EA: How do you typically approach festival sets versus ones for your usual headlining performances?

JVIII: Obviously, the biggest difference is the lack of a long sound check, but it’s a fun challenge nonetheless and then we’re doing what we love to do. So, the approach is not all that different for me.

EA: Which fellow High Water performers are you most looking forward to seeing and why?

JVIII: Can’t wait to see Alabama Shakes and Sheryl Crow — legends. Also Richy Mitch — love those guys. Peach Pit, too. I’m excited for it all.

EA: What are your plans for the rest of 2026? And what details can you share about any new music you’re currently working on?

JVIII: I’m going to get new music out and play my little heart out. Some folk songs, of course, but also some indie rock stuff going on and trying to build a new live experience for the next headline cycle. I do have something exciting coming this May I can’t wait to share, so keep an eye out if you’re a curious one.

IF YOU GO

What: High Water Festival
When: Saturday, April 18-Sunday, April 19
Where: Riverfront Park, 1061 Everglades Ave., North Charleston, S.C., highwaterfest.com
Tickets: $149-$1750

(Photo by Micah Rogers)