CMO: How do you think you have changed from your debut, to your new album "Tangled In The Pines?"
We've learned a lot in the last 8 or 10 years or so about how best to record us and about how the music business works. We kind of know what works and what doesn't as far as how to get the best out of all of us.
CMO: How would you describe the whole process of recording your new album, and what is a typical day in the studio like for you?
Well the tracking sessions have everyone there and we run through things until it feels good. When we get a good track on the bass and drums, we move on to another song. If the guitars and other instruments sound good on the backing track, we keep them if not, we over dub them later. We do try to get as much of a live sound as possible but I know I can sing better when I'm not playing and I play better when I'm not singing. Sometimes, however, there is a certain magic to the live take so we keep that.
CMO: What kind of songs do you look for (or write) when you go into the studio to record albums?
Whatever we've got lying around.
CMO: What goals have you accomplished and what do you still want to accomplish with your music career?
It would be nice to have a hit record but I don't lose sleep over that because if you like your work that's all that really matters. But it's nice to have other people like it too hopefully millions of other people.
CMO: What is your motivation behind your accomplishments and what continues to motivate you?
To get to be better songwriters, musicians, performers etc. I think if you think you're as good as you can get, then it's time to hang it up because there's always room for improvement.
Plus I don't ever want to have a job.
CMO: What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
Seeing the world. Hillbilly music has enabled me to visit places I never thought I'd see and I think it's given all of us a world view that wouldn't be there without it. You'll have to drag me kicking and screaming off of the road.
One thing I don't like about touring is the sometimes dodgy food. And the German Police.
CMO: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
It would probably be different for everybody in the band. This kind of a hard question because there are so many people I'd love to work with from Nick Lowe, Merle Haggard, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Paul McCartney. You could learn a lot from people like that.
CMO: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in the industry whether as an artist, songwriter, or even through the business aspect?
Grow thick skin...
CMO: Is there anything you would like to say to all your fans reading this?
Thanks for the support and we'll continue to get better.
Songwriter's Spotlight:
CMO: One of my favorite songs on this album is "Run a Mile." How did this song come about and why did you decide to record it on this album?
This was the result of an all night drive with Donnie and me at the helm. Lots of coffee, some herbal enhancement and sleep deprivation. It was too twisted not to put on the record.
CMO: What is your favorite song on this album and why?
They're all my favorite.
CMO: What is your favorite song that you've recorded of all time?
There You Go off of the Cash tribute record. It was just a spooky session..
CMO: Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing a song?
I really don't know where they come from but I'm glad they come.
CMO: Can you tell us about your favorite song that you've written? What does it mean to you? Why did you write it?
Lifetime to Prove. It's the best song I've written and I wrote it in about a half an hour. I can't tell you why I wrote it exactly, I just did.
BR549
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