Artist Interview: Sons of Legion is Crafting a Soundtrack for the Soul

I first met the music duo Sons of Legion in the Fall of 2024, during a live filming at our farm in Springfield, Tennessee. As is often the case when someone books our property for a shoot, I did some reconnaissance to learn more about them prior to their arrival. Almost immediately I fell in love with their gritty yet classic style—a blend of rock, blues, and soul. 

Admittedly, I may have played their catchy ballad Outlaw 472 times on repeat while driving the backroads to and from Nashville. And perhaps I also shed a light tear when Carolina,  a redemptive serenade, made its way into my Spotify playlist queue. Here’s a teaser:

“Don’t pray for me Carolina,

Because that storm is coming for you too.

Don’t say to me Carolina,

That I’m any different from you.

Carolina…there’s blood on the hands of the damned. 

Carolina…show me the measure of the man.”

After a few interactions with them during and post-filming, I knew they were more than just a band attempting to climb the charts or pocket millions of dollars by going on a massive global tour. Rather, their approach is deeper: 

“We’re pulling from traditions that prioritize truth and authenticity—be it through a melody or a lyric. There’s fire in the music, but there’s also heart. It’s not polished pop—it’s lived-in, it’s real.”

Rooted in the storytelling traditions of Americana, the emotional depth of soul, and the gritty edge of rock and blues, the duo is creating a sonic landscape that’s raw, real, and resonant. Composed of Adam McInnis and Daddy Jack, Sons of Legion has managed to bridge the gaps between old-school musical integrity and new-age industry strategy.

Their songs aren’t just background noise—they're emotional powerhouses that have already earned a place in major media including Lucifer (Netflix), Fire and Rescue (NBC), Dodge Ram commercials, ESPN broadcasts, and more. Recently, their soon-to-be publicly released Wishing Well was picked up for #1 Amazon Prime show The Bondsman, starring Kevin Bacon.

I caught up with Adam to see what he’s been up to since last November, and to dive a little deeper into the band's origin, musical journey, industry insights, and what truly sets Sons of Legion apart in today’s crowded music scene.

Rebekah Iliff: How did you and Daddy Jack originally meet and begin creating music together?

Adam McInnis: We were introduced by a mutual friend—a singer named Dorothy. At the time, I was in Austin, Texas, deeply involved in the live music circuit and starting to write for other artists. Daddy Jack was based in Hollywood, working out of a small studio.

From the first collaboration, the chemistry was undeniable. We were initially writing tracks for other performers, some of which ended up in films—one even won an award at the Hollywood Music Festival. But despite the success, we didn’t reconnect creatively for several years.

The turning point came when I was hosting a music event in Costa Rica. I invited Daddy Jack to a hotel atop a mountain where we reconnected on a deeper level—sharing musical passions and stories. Still, we didn’t make music together then. Funny enough, I don’t think he’d even heard me sing yet.

Eventually, I relocated to Los Angeles briefly, and that’s when things started to shift. We discovered our mutual love for soul, country, blues, and Americana. Around the same time, I learned that one of my close industry friends, Spencer Nezey, had actually been in a band with Jack years earlier. That felt like a cosmic green light.

We started crafting demos—songs like Brand New Day, Alive, and Power. The feedback was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Those tracks found placements on major platforms, and it became clear we had something special. That momentum led to Sons of Legion being born.

RI: How long have you been a working musician, and when did you first get “the itch”?

AM: For Daddy Jack, music is in his blood. He’s been immersed in it since childhood—a true savant who can effortlessly pick up any instrument and just play. His journey has been linear and continuous.

Mine was anything but. I didn’t even consider music until I was leaving college. I was dating someone who had just signed a major deal with Motown. Watching her navigate the industry—touring, recording—gave me a front-row seat to the business. It fascinated me.

I started writing songs because, frankly, I thought I was tone deaf and couldn’t sing. But as I kept writing, something clicked. I found my voice—not just in writing, but in performing my own work. That changed everything.

RI: Where does the name "Sons of Legion" come from?

AM: We originally called ourselves Seventh Sons because both Daddy Jack and I are the seventh sons in our families. It felt personal and kind of mystical. But as the project evolved, so did the name.

We wanted a name that reflected something larger than just the two of us. Legion brought to mind a small but powerful Roman army unit—fierce, united, disciplined. Then we thought about allegiance—loyalty, unity, a commitment to something higher.

So, we became Sons of Legion. It reflects brotherhood, resilience, and a mission-driven mindset that goes beyond music. It’s not just who we are—it’s what we represent.

RI: What’s your take on the current music industry and where it’s heading?

AM: The music industry is at a crossroads. The old systems—labels, radio gatekeepers, traditional PR—they’re crumbling. Streaming and piracy tore down the first walls. Now, with open platforms and low barriers to entry, anyone can make music. That’s both a gift and a curse.

Social media has created an entirely new playing field. But now you’re not just competing with artists—you’re competing with influencers, trends, algorithms. And with AI around the corner, we’re about to see the market flooded even more. Tracks created in minutes with little emotional depth will become the norm.

But here’s the upside: we’re also in a new frontier where artists have unprecedented freedom. I’ve seen musicians build full-time careers without ever being played on radio or signed to a label. You can go from zero to a million followers in five years if you're strategic, consistent, and committed.

So yeah—it’s the Wild West. But if you’ve got the grit, the knowledge, and a unique voice, it’s a thrilling time to be an artist.

RI: What’s your advice to artists considering a non-traditional route?

AM: Forget the music industry. Create your own industry.

Think like a business owner. If you had a store in a mall, you’d need product knowledge, marketing skills, inventory management, and customer service. Music is no different.

Build your audience like you'd build a client list. Focus on quality, consistency, and strategic growth. Understand your value, learn how to pitch yourself, and most importantly—know the business as well as you know your craft.

With enough drive, you can build a sustainable career in 5–8 years without ever needing a traditional deal. And once you’ve built something real, you’ll have the leverage to negotiate on your terms. That’s the future.

RI: What do you love about your three “homes”—Nashville versus Austin versus Costa Rica?

AM: Nashville is a songwriter’s city. It’s grounded, respectful of the craft, and filled with insanely talented people. The studios are world-class, and the community values great songs—not just good voices.

Austin is the heartbeat of live music. It’s energetic, experimental, and community-driven. But it lacks industry infrastructure, so while it’s a great place to grow, it’s not always the best place to launch.

Costa Rica is paradise—hands down. It’s peaceful, inspiring, and creatively fertile. But practically speaking, it’s not built for fast-paced production. You could wait months for a gear repair. So, it’s perfect for writing and recharging, but not for consistent output.

Final Word

Sons of Legion isn’t just a project—it’s a mission. With music as their medium and authenticity as their compass, Adam and Daddy Jack are forging a path that’s both modern and timeless. Whether they’re soundtracking a film scene or filling a room with live energy, their music reminds you that the soul of the song still matters.

In an age where anyone can make a track, Sons of Legion is making music that actually says something. And in this noisy world, that might be the most rebellious thing of all.

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To learn more about the duo, visit Sons of Legion. Follow them on Instagram @sonsoflegion. Their music can be found on every major streaming platform.