INTERVIEW WITH RODNEY GOOD
By Janelle Landauer
How and when did your first break in the music industry come about?
I got an internship at a major recording studio (Eleven Eleven Sound), while I was attending college at Belmont University. I worked 70+ hours per week for 3 years there doing sessions before finally becoming studio manager and getting promoted to 80+ hour weeks.
When you originally started working in the music industry, did you hope to make a career in a certain genre of music or were you always open to success in any genre?
I just wanted to work in music. I didn't care if I was the engineer, the artist, or the guy going to get lunch. I didn't care what the genre was and have worked with wonderful artists, musicians, & producers over the years from just about every genre there is.
What goals have you accomplished and what do you still hope to accomplish with your music career?
I've managed to sustain a career in the music business for 20 years. I've worked as a singer, guitar player, engineer, producer, band leader, songwriter, & studio manager. I've been on Leno & Letterman a few times. Those are some cool things I've "accomplished" I guess. I would still love to write a song that really matters to people.
If you could collaborate with anyone else musically (whether songwriting, performing, etc) who would it be and why?
Rick Springfield. I just saw him play in Nashville. He's like 57 years old and he rocks harder than ever. He makes me feel very young.
Do you have a certain brand of guitars that you prefer to play and would recommend to others?
Yes, Gibson guitars. They are the best and have endorsed Jamie O'Neal for years. They have been very generous to us.
Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
Anywhere. Especially my little girl.
Can you explain the process that goes on from the point after you write the songs? (Do you sing on / make the demos? Pitch the songs to the artists, etc?)
Usually once the demos are finished they are in the hands of the publishers. If Jamie is going to record any for her album those of course don't get pitched.
How and when did you initially meet Jamie?
We met in the studio in 1996 (Revolution Sound). She was singing a demo for someone and I was the engineer.
Do you have a favorite song of Jamie’s to perform live?
Yeah, "Ready When It Comes" from Brave. We don't do it anymore because it was never a single. It should have been.
What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
Like: That time onstage is what it's all about! Meeting the fans! Dislike: Everything else! Most all traveling sucks.
How does your daughter Aliyah like it on the road?
Aliyah loves the road. She loves being onstage and singing as well as watching her mommy sing. She also loves hanging out with the band. We love having her out there with us too!
How would you describe the whole process of being in the studio and what is a typical day like for you in the studio?
My studio is here in my house so a typical day is filled with many distractions. I love working near my family though.
Have you worked on any new projects lately that you’d like to tell us about?
I produced an album on a guy named Billy Childers that's really good. Also a new children's project that some friends are doing. The best days are filled with Jamie's new songs though.
Added: January 2008
Jamie O'Neal - Rodney Good - Aliyah
© photo courtesy of Rodney Good
