Interview with Blackberry Smoke

Interview with Blackberry Smoke

Lamitschka: Country Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who's never seen or heard you before.

Blackberry Smoke: We call it "southern music."

Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

Blackberry Smoke: We've enjoyed tons of highlights, not the least of which are playing sold out shows with Zac Brown Band, Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd. We signed to Zac Brown's label, Southern Ground Artists.

On a selfish note, I had the great fortune of singing a duet with Mr. George Jones himself at the Ryman Auditorium!

Lamitschka: What's your latest CD and how's it doing?

Blackberry Smoke: Our latest release is "Little Piece Of Dixie." It's hangin' in there like a hair in a biscuit.

Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

Blackberry Smoke: No story really. It is what it is, a "little piece" of where we come from.

Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself and if not, how do you go about finding the songs for the your CD?

Blackberry Smoke: I wrote some of em', we co wrote some of em', and a few were written by other people. Those were presented to us by friends and we loved them. We've never looked for songs elsewhere, but a good song is a good song.

Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

Blackberry Smoke: They are pretty honest. Just songs about life, really. No abstract ideas to speak of.

Lamitschka: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

Blackberry Smoke: The last one was a collection of demos, with the common thread being their "honky tonkishness". It was a stop-gap between full length albums, in a way.

Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is special about this song that makes people what to hear it?

Blackberry Smoke: It is really a "good time" song. Maybe it makes people forget about their problems for a few minutes.Plus, that's us and only us playing and singing it.

Lamitschka: What will your next single be?

Blackberry Smoke: A song off our next album, which we are recording now.

Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Blackberry Smoke: All of em.

Lamitschka: You did a duet with George Jones and Jamey Johnson.. How did that happen to come about?

Blackberry Smoke: We recorded "Yesterday's Wine" with George Jones and Jamey Johnson. I asked Jamey to do it with us and he said yes. Our friend in Alabama, Billy Graham, asked Mr. Jones and he said yes. It was beautiful.

Lamitschka: What's your favorite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

Blackberry Smoke: I wrote one called, "The Only Thing She Left Behind" and we recorded it live with one mic and a cassette 4 track. It is very low-fi and cool. Definitely one of my favorites.

Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?

Blackberry Smoke: We've pretty much always had the last word.

Lamitschka: Who do you look up musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Blackberry Smoke: We love everything that is real. Most of that is pre-1975 I guess. Bill Monroe, Charley Patton, Hank Williams, The Stones, Little Feat, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, on and on and on….

Lamitschka: As an artist you have to do so many different things such as recording, touring, doing interviews etc. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

Blackberry Smoke: Playing live is definitely what we live for. That's the payoff at the end of the day.

Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take country music beyond it's current borders or are you happy where it is?

Blackberry Smoke: We're just trying to make good music and be true to ourselves and our fans.

Lamitschka: What drives you?

Blackberry Smoke: Chasing the great song, and loving music so deeply.

Lamitschka: What's unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

Blackberry Smoke: I hope it's our honesty. And the lack of the two things above.

Lamitschka: Who's your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Blackberry Smoke: Sarge Lamphier.

Lamitschka: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Blackberry Smoke: We spend time with our wives and kids.

Lamitschka: What Prive hopes and desires do you have?

Blackberry Smoke: I wish I could play like Wes Montgomery. And slam dunk like Spud Webb.

Lamitschka: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

Blackberry Smoke: Good honest Southern music.

Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about artists via the internet. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

Blackberry Smoke: Yes, blackberrysmoke.com. You'll find everything there.

Lamitschka: What's the best compliment a fan has ever given you?

Blackberry Smoke: That our music got them through a rough time in life.

Lamitschka: What's your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?

Blackberry Smoke: Loving Cup by the Stones.

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka

Interview with Anne Marit of Katzenjammer

Interview with Anne Marit of Katzenjammer

Lamitschka: Music fans who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who never seen or heard you before.

Anne Marit: We´re an unpretentious, energetic band who twirls around on stage and rotate between around 15 instruments, cookie jars, metal bars, balalaika bass, ukulele, mandolin, banjo and the list goes on, divided between four girls. We´re inspired by folk music from every corner of the world. From bluegrass/blues in the west, balkan in the east, french folk music in the south, and traditional folk music from Scandinavia in addition to a pinch of rock, pop and circus. 

Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

Anne Marit: Last year was one long tour all over the world. We played shows on both the west and east coast of the States, Canada, Australia, Europe - especially in Germany and Holland. We started our work with the new album, A kiss before you go, which is being released in September. It´s hard to choose just a few highlights from 2010 from all the fantastic memories we got from that year. But one very special moment was New Years Eve at the Woodford festival just outside Brisbane in Australia. The festival´s got a tradition that everybody lits a candlelight and are silent together for 3 minust before 12pm. There were thousands of people standing together each with a candlelight and everybody was thinking about the year that had gone and the year we were entering. After the 3 minutes past everybody exploded in a joyful scream and  they jumped happily around while we started our show. It was a magical moment we´ll never forget. 

Lamitschka: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

Anne Marit: There´s several reasons why we chose the title "A kiss before you go". The record´s got a very maritime theme both visually and musically. And we were thinking that when the sailors are sailing away from their loved ones for a long time, "the kiss before they go" is a bitter sweet fare-the-well-moment. And sometimes we are the "sailors" when we´re off on a long tour away from family and friends.

In addition to that a lot people comes up to us after our concerts and tells us that the show and our music was somehow a positive and a wonderful flight from their sometimes quite difficult everyday lives. So it´s kind of a kiss from us to the audience before we go on on.

Lamitschka: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

Anne Marit:

- A kiss before you go -  is about a crises where the only thing you can do is to go. When everything falls apart, you fall apart too. And you kiss the gun before you pull the trigger.

- Cherry Pie - A recipe for cherry pie, yammi!

- I will dance (when I walk away) - is about finally making the right choice and walk away from a bad relationship.

- Gypsy flee - starring Dweezil Zappa on electric guitar!

- Land of confusion - the only cover song on the album. This is one of the greatest songs ever, written by Genesis.

- Rock Paper Scissors - written in Nashville with Robert Ellis Orral. About all the choices you´ve got in life.

- Lady Marlene -  a ballade about humans fear of not being normal.

- Cocktails and Ruby slippers - a frantically Beach Boys inspired tune.

- Loathsome M - fuzz boxes and metal bars are keywords to describe the mood in this energetic rock song.

- Soviet trumpeter - about the fear of exposing yourself to the world.

- Shepherd song .  A love story between a princess and a shepherd.

- Gods great dust storm - A majestic acappella song recorded live in a church. One of our favourites.

Lamitschka: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

Anne Marit: If the the first album was more wood and countryside, the new album is more metal bars and urban. More rough edges and rock´n´roll.

Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is special about this song that makes people what to hear it?

Anne Marit: It´s got all the ingredients to be a great pop song. It´s got a good melody, a catchy hook linee, a harmonic chorus and straight forward lyrics that aren´t too hard toanalyse.. All this makes it easy for a radio listener to sing along and get hooked by it. It´s basically a great song written by our friend Mats Rybø!

Lamitschka: What's your favourite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

Anne Marit: Rock Paper Scissors is my favourite song at the moment. We wrote it with a fantastic songwriter in Nashville. The song is about making your own choices in life and that you can become whatever you want to be. It´s all in your own hands. The song has a great hook line and is a feel-good-tune that puts you in a good mood.

Lamitschka: Who do you look up musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Anne Marit: We´re very different when it comes to taste in music. But we´ve got some common references like Tom Waits and old Disney movies. The last record is both the musically and visually very much inspired by a French movie called "The City of the Lost Children". We´re also inspired by all sorts of folk music from all over the world.

Lamitschka: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Anne Marit: A lot of the music industry is based on how much money they can get, not necessarily based on musical talents. A lot of amazing musicians goes to waste because there´s no room for them. The radios play what the music industry tells them to play which means that they can control what a lot of people listens to. I wish there were several arenas where up and coming underground bands and artists could present their music to a broader audience.   

Lamitschka: As an artist you have to do so many different things such as recording, touring, doing interviews etc. What do you like best, what's your favourite activity?

Anne Marit: The best part is of course standing on stage in front of an audience and playing music.

Lamitschka: What was your big break that got you into the music business?

Anne Marit: We´ve had several big breaks. Here in Norway we were nominated for a Norwegian Grammy-award, Spellemannsprisen, for our debut album "Le Pop". And that was one of the turning points in our carriers nationally. Internationally we did Eurosonic in Holland in 2009 and that led to more gigs and tours abroad.

Lamitschka: Before you became a star, where your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?

Anne Marit: Our families has been very supportive all along. Given us good advices and driven us to every single rehearsal before we could drive ourselves.

Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?

Anne Marit: When you´ve first experienced to perform for a group of people and seen how that effects some of them you kind of get addicted to it. Music is universal and can communicate in some many more layers than just words. If you can move somebody or touch someone with your music you get richer than all the money in the world could ever make you.

Lamitschka: What's unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

Anne Marit: We´re four girls rotating and playing 15 instruments, our genres is unique because we mix our different personalities and references together in a big melting pot. We don´t have any limitations and everything is allowed as long as we think it sounds good.

Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you're proud of?

Anne Marit: There´s so many highlights that it is impossible to pick one. This summer we did the Liberation Festival in Holland and over a hundred thousand people showed up. At that moment I realized that we´ve accomplished so much with this band already, that if this ended tomorrow, we could still be proud of what we´ve done. I´m proud of every album we´ve recorded and of every new fan we reach. And we´re gone keep on playing as long as the audience wants us.

Interview with Marlon Roudette

Interview with Marlon Roudette

Ch.L.: Music fans who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who'se never seen or heard you before.

M.R.: "I would say my music explores the struggle of being human. In love, in politics, in conflict. Not the most original of subjects, but powerful none the less. I could mention sounds and genres but  music either touches me or it doesn’t and I hope my songs get through to people."

Ch.L.: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

M.R.: "I was the lead singer in a band called Mattafix. Making a solo record was a big decision but one that I felt needed to be made. I've also changed a lot in my life in terms of people around me and my circumstances and I feel like I'm in a good place now. Hence the positive title Matter Fixed which keeps the continuity from the band as well."

Ch.L.: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

M.R.: "Every one of them is true."

Ch.L.: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

M.R.: "Lots of differences but I feel like I've bled more on this album and pushed my capabilities further. The song writing is also more classic with more detailed song arrangements and chord structures."

Ch.L.: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is specail about this song that makes people what to hear it?

M.R.: "New Age was the first song to be written by myself and Guy Chambers. I had a story to tell but was having trouble putting it down and Guy used all of his experience and talent to help me with that. Also the piano riff he has written for it is a classic one. He's worked with so many incredible artists, I have no idea how I ended up there!"

Ch.L.: What will your next single be?

M.R.: "I have no idea. There are 4 or 5 possibilities on this album which i think bodes well for the future"

Ch.L.: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

M.R.: "Slow ones! I don't seem to write uptempo music very often for some reason. I think it's because I loved reggae music as a child. Or maybe I have a slower heartbeat than most people....mmmm"

Ch.L.: You did a duet with Finley Quaye. How did that happen to come about?

M.R.: "It’s a strange story, he was chatting up my cousin Rimini in a bar one night. She said "I won't give you my number but you should call Marlon as he's a big fan of yours." He loved Mattafix so the next day he rang me and dropped by the studio to record a song. It was all very natural"

Ch.L.: What's your favorite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

M.R.: "MMmm songs are like kids so thats impossible to answer cause the other tracks will get jealous. On this album though I always get emotional when I listen to The Loss. I wrote it after my Grandmother died. Sorry that was a bit morbid"

Ch.L.: There's a lot of work that goes into a Number One hit ... what did it take to make it in your case?

M.R.: "Well in my experience a hit comes quite naturally and before you know it its recorded and you think that was easy. What you forget is that it was a product of years of hard work and tribulation that just happened to come together for a few magical moments."

Ch.L.: Who do you look up musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

M.R.: "I like real songwriters and I go through different phases. Right now I'm reading Keith Richards' autobiography which is mind blowing. I have musicians on both sides of my family so maybe it was destined but at some point you wake up one day and the first thing you do is reach over your incredibly hot girlfriend and grab a pen and a guitar and it hits you, shit, I'm a songwriter!"

Ch.L.: Before you became a star, where your friends and family supportive or was it a struggle?

M.R.: "Lots of members of my family are musicians so it didnt feel weird really. I'm probably the least talented of us all! My mother was the biggest voice. At first she was like "you should get your education bla bla bla" then she heard one of my demos and was like "wow, you could probably make a living doing that" I'll never forget that support."

Ch.L.: What inspired you to become an artist?

M.R.: "I think it happened gradually, lots of little moments that slowly pulled themselves together. Meeting someone that beleives in your talent is a huge boost. In my case it was probably my manager of 8 or 9 years, Alfe."

Ch.L.: What's unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

M.R.: "Probably the fact that I didnt always dream of stardom. I fell into it. I also find it hard to sing about anything that hasnt actually happened to me or that I can at least relate to from experience."

Ch.L.: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you're proud of?

M.R.: "Flying to Darfur to film a video for the Save Darfur campaign. Commercially it was suicide but i walked the walk after writing political songs for two albums. When I got back I marched in London with Darfuri refugees and genocide survivors. Being around people who had only known violent struggle was very emotional for me. To be a small part of that was incredible. I also the BBC played one of my songs during the warm up for the world cup final. That was a rock and roll moment."

Ch.L.: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

M.R.: "A very honest delivery of songs that I love deeply. Also probably a few bum notes and some mic feedback which is the signature of any good live concert!"

Ch.L.: Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can tell?

M.R.: "We have loads most of which are unprintable! Also compared to the stories in Keith Richards book mine all seem a bit tame. I seem to always end up in some so called cool nightclub with techno music banging away thinking to myself "I could be at home writing a tune, oh Geeeez what a geek!"

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka

Interview with Raintown

Interview with Raintown

Following their Spotlight Feature Raintown, Paul Bain and Claire McArthur very kindly agreed to be interviewed for CMNI.

Livewire: On your album are ALL the songs co-writes with Greg Friel ? Are there any individual writing credits ?

Raintown: We wrote all the songs on ‘Hope in Troubled Times’ with Greg Friel. He also produced the album. The only song now available with us on the writing credits is our song ‘Hero.’

Livewire: Where was HOPE IN TROUBLED TIMES recorded ?

Raintown: We recorded ‘Hope’ at Frielance Studios in Glasgow.

Livewire: Who are the musicians who play on the album?

Raintown: We brought in a range of session musicians including Stevie Lawrence(various guitars/Bouzouki/Mandolin), Fiona Cuthill (strings) and Greg Friel.

Livewire: Do either of you play instruments on the album?

Raintown: Neither of us feature on the album playing any instruments, other than our angelic voices, ha ha!

Livewire: How was the album orchestration created?

Raintown: We used a mixture of both live strings & synthesized samples.

Livewire: Is the album only available DIGITALLY or do you sell hard copy CD's at gigs?

Raintown: Currently is it only available digitally, but we are down the road to getting hard copies produced.

Livewire: If it’s available as CD does it come with lyrics?

Raintown: Not at the moment, but it will feature lyrics.

Livewire: I have been a railway buff so your Album cover interests me. It's great, where was the photograph taken?

Raintown: It was taken on location in Scotland and features the Royal Scotsman!

Livewire: Congratulations on your CMA Global Artist Showcase appearance – How did this come about?

Thank you. It was an amazing experience that really cemented our belief that we are on the right track. The event and our success on it really opened us up to new contacts that will allow us to continue to develop both as artists and performers. It truly came about with hard work and the willingness to go out and get ourselves known. We also performed at an event during CMA Awards week in Nov ’10, which allowed us to meet some really good people.

Livewire: What did you play ?  What was the experience like?

Raintown: We played at the world famous ‘Stage’ on Broadway, which was streamed on the internet and by both CMC Australia and CMT. It was a phenomenal experience and one which only whetted our appetite for more. We aim to be on one of the big stage next year! It was a real joy to play with such brilliant musicians and to meet other artist’s from across the globe.

Livewire: Did you get to meet or watch any big country music artists at CMA Fest?

Raintown: We got to see all the evening shows while CMA Fest was on, which was really incredible to see that many great acts over 4 nights. We would recommend CMA Fest to any Country Music Fan. There is so much going on all day everyday during the week; it really is an assault on your sense, but in a very good way! However during the day we were pretty much kept busy with meeting fans, media work and meetings. We did get to see Dolly up close and got a number of photos!

Livewire: What big country artists have you seen live?

Raintown: We have been lucky obviously to see many more than most because of our trips to Nashville and CMA Fest, but we have seen:- Sugarland, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, Jason Aldean, Band Perry, this list could go on & on.

Livewire: Apart from HOTDISC and CMA Fest how have you been promoting your music in 2011?

Raintown: We have been using the internet extensively, building our fan list and social networking. We have also continued to feature in press and have recently appeared in Billboard Magazine in the US as part of the CMA Global Event.

Livewire: In your promo pictures Paul you are seen holding an acoustic guitar yet on the Youtube video's you aren't? Do you ever play live? 

You will definitely see me play live in the next round of live events. Up until now it is something I have used more as a song writing tool, as opposed to a live one. I suppose that is code for I needed to practice to get up to speed! Ha ha.

Livewire: You don't seem to have any Live Gigs on your websites have you any planned for the future?

Raintown: We are currently in talks with a leading UK/European agent about some live performances. We will bring news about them very soon.

Livewire: With your country influences you cite Patsy Cline, Jim Reeves and Don Williams.

Raintown: When we are asked about influences it is all to easy to cite the Country Greats, for us these artists is where our love affair really began with Country Music. However we have a very eclectic taste in music and influences can stem from many of these areas. However, for us Country Music is very much part of our DNA as it is with many folks here in the UK, we’d guess.

Livewire: Can you adapt your live show to Country Music Clubs or does your music not lend itself to these type of venues?

Raintown: Great question and one we would like the opportunity to test out. I suppose it gets right to the crux of the ‘Rhinestone Prejudice’ . Here is the thing, there is and always will be a place for the great singers and the songs of the past, but Country Music will not stand still, it will grow and develop as it always has done. New and exciting developments will take place and we see some really exciting things just over the hill. However everyone is entitled to their individual opinion and we respect that we might not be someone else’s type of County Music; but we represent our interpretation and not an impersonation of anything else. If that makes sense

Livewire: What types of shows / venues do you like to play?

Raintown: We like people to come to our shows and go away thinking, ‘if that is Country Music, then I love it!’

Livewire: Have you played live in England?

Raintown: Not as Raintown. However that may change in the coming weeks. We are due to play in September at the UKCountryMusic.com awards. We have reached the final 5 in the Listeners Award 2011 for ’Just One Kiss.’

Livewire: What is the best gig you have played?

Raintown: Hands down the CMA Global Artist Party. We went there as the only Independent Act, the first ever Scottish Act and went on straight after Keith Urban had been on stage presenting tommy Emmanuel his award. The feedback has been awesome. Not bad for a night’s work.

Livewire: Where were both born?

Claire McArthur: Paul - Kirkcaldy (Fife, Scotland – Although moved to Cumbernauld when he was a baby.)

Claire - Glasgow

Livewire: Do you reside in Sandyhills or Cumbernauld. The internet information states both ?

Claire McArthur: The internet is sort of right. When we have done the various interviews we have lived in different parts of the City. We are currently in Easterhouse in Glasgow. The reason we are reffered to as a Cumbernauld act is due to the fact that (Paul) lived there for most of his childhood. However it did spark a rather lively debate online!!

Livewire: What was the company where you first met ? 

Raintown: We first met and worked in The Parade in Glasgow. It was a brilliant start in this crazy business and it latterly changed our lives! It was like a Las Vegas show bar with singers/dancers, lots of feather etc. Not Country at all! lol

Livewire: Are you a couple in real life ? - The emotion and love in your songs comes from somewhere ! 

Raintown: Yes we are and that makes everything else that bit special!

Livewire: What music is currently on your iPod or MP3 player?

Raintown: Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band, Blake Shelton, Mumford & Sons, Adelle, Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Palo Nutini. Told you we listen to alot of stuff ha ha.

Livewire: Have you been approached to play the Wembley Country Festival planned for 2012?

Raintown: No, but if you know who the right person to speak to is, please pass it along we would love to be involved!! 

Website - http://www.raintownmusic.com/

iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/hope-in-troubled-times/id404118818

Youtube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/RaintownMusicTV

Twitter - http://twitter.com/raintownmusic

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/Raintownmusic

Bebo - http://www.bebo.com/raintownmusic

Interview with COREY SMITH

Interview with COREY SMITH

Ch.L.: Country Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who's never seen or heard you before.

Corey Smith: I'm a singer/songwriter from a small town in the American south. I've written and produced all my albums and have developed a unique approach to country music that has resonated with a huge amount of fans on a grass roots level.

Ch.L.: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

Corey Smith: Last year was a turning point for me professionally. For the first time, I realized that simply continuing to do things like I'd done them in the past wasn't going to work to further my career. I accepted that reaching more people was going to require that I rethink every aspect of my career and make some tough choices. That is a scary place to be because all of a sudden I became uncertain about my future. However, it led to some really solid choices that I think will pay off later. It resulted in the most challenging and comprehensive album I've made so far (The Broken Record), dramatic improvements to my lives shows by adding a few fantastic players, stepping up my own commitment to performing at my best, and finding an exciting label partner in Average Joe's Entertainment, who promises to expose more people to my music without asking me to change it.

Ch.L.: What's your latest CD and how's it doing?

Corey Smith: My new album is called The Broken Record. It was released on June 22 and debuted at #4 on the iTunes Country chart, #17 on the Billboard Country Chart, and #1 on the Heatseekers Chart. It is by far the most successful release week I've ever had. More importantly, I feel strongly that it is the most compelling record I've made and believe as more people give it a listen, it will start to take on a life of its own. We're excited about the initial numbers but are hoping that it will continue to gain momentum over the next several months.

Ch.L.: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

Corey Smith: The album is about continuity in the face of change. It's about accepting the past, learning from it, applying the knowledge it offers us in our present in order to make our futures better. It's about the tension between pleasing others and pleasing ourselves. It's part reckless and youthful and part mature and responsible. It conveys tension, contains unifying themes and makes an overall statement. The title track, "Broken Record," is the song that ties up many of the loose ends and brings a sense of balance to the album. It is the perfect title track.

Ch.L.: Do you write the songs yourself and if not, how do you go about finding the songs for the your CD?

Corey Smith: Yes. I wrote all the songs myself. Some of them are old songs that I have previously released on earlier albums and rerecorded for this one. Others are brand new. I chose the songs that I felt would best convey the themes mentioned above, telling a story about who I am, where I've been, and where I'm going.

Ch.L.: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

Corey Smith: Songwriting has always been and remains very personal to me. I write for my own well-being, my own therapy. The process is my way of working through problems and resolving tension in my life. Each song on the album accomplishes that in some way. I try not to think about my audience when writing. Instead, I focus on myself. What do I want to say? How do I feel? What sounds moving to me? I don't try to write hits per se. I just write what is relevant to me and hope others find it relevant as well.

Ch.L.: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

Corey Smith: On my previous album, Keeping Up with the Joneses, I relied heavily on overdubbing and layering of sounds. I wanted to experiment a lot and create a thick soundscape with lots of color, depth, and texture. That approach required focusing on capturing and manipulating individual parts and putting them in the proper places, a lot of digital manipulation.

Although I am extremely pleased with that album and believe I accomplished all I set out to accomplish with it, I wanted to return to a more simple approach on The Broken Record. I focused much more on capturing power performances from the band and resisted the urge to overdub and layer post-performance. I wanted a more live sounding album that demonstrated the chemistry and talent of my band, which I've been touring with for nearly five years. Sure, we took some advantage of digital technology, editing and overdubbing guitar parts, keys, and harmonies on some tracks, but there was a conscious and concerted effort to "capture the performance" and not get carried away with production.

Ch.L.: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is special about this song that makes people what to hear it?

Corey Smith: The song "Twenty-One" fits perfectly into the album because it addresses the theme of change vs. continuity so completely. It tells a story people can relate to, a story about growing up. It's very much autobiographical and has a strong sense of place, but I think people can see a bit of themselves in my story and be reminded of how alike we all really are.

Ch.L.: What will your next single be?

Corey Smith: I think "Maybe Next Year". It's been described as a slacker anthem, about our failure to follow through on our New Year's resolutions, our failure to commit to long term change.

Ch.L.: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Corey Smith: It depends on my mood. Sometimes I love playing with my band and allowing them to help interpret the song and add their personal flavors to the parts. Other times, I like to simply record acoustically and capture the rawness of a new song. Still other times, I like to sit behind a keyboard and layer parts myself, paint my own little picture all by myself.

Ch.L.: How much creative control do you have over your music?

Corey Smith: 100%. I have written and produced all seven of my albums. It's one of the things that sets me apart from other country artists, who have varying degrees of control and influence in the creative process. I can see with absolute confidence that all of my albums are complete expressions of my inner world. They represent my choices, good or bad, and I stand behind them. I own them. I don't think I'd be happy doing this any other way. It is my art and if I couldn't make it exactly how I want, it wouldn't be worth doing anymore.

Ch.L.: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

Corey Smith: I've met a lot of soldiers who have told my they listened to my music while stationed overseas. They've told me it made them feel at home, that it helped them through hard times, that it gave them peace. That is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. That's what it's all about. Music is powerful. It moves us, heals us, lifts us up, and brings us together. I'm blessed to be able to share it.

Ch.L.: Who do you look up musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Corey Smith: That's a tough question because I have so many musical interests. Lately, I've been really into Randy Newman and Paul Simon. I have a deep appreciation for artists like them who paint such complete aural pictures. I can listen to the albums over and over and hear something new every time. I can listen to their work at different points in their careers and hear they evolve. I hope my albums convey that as well and hope to one day be able to make such complete statements as them.

Ch.L.: What do you think about today's Country Music vs. its roots and where do you see it going in the future?

Corey Smith: Country music is more diverse than ever and I think that is a good thing. Sometimes the format becomes so homogenized that everything sounds the same. Every artist is trying to sound like the artist who came before them. Now, we have more leeway to experiment, try new things, find our own unique voices, and push the boundaries of the format. That's exciting.

Ch.L.: What inspired you to become a songwriter?

Corey Smith: I write because I'm a little messed up I guess. I have a lot of internal conflict and turmoil. I have a restless mind and writing is the most effective way I have found of coping with the struggle within. It keeps me healthy, like exercise for the soul.

Ch.L.: What drives you?

Corey Smith: My goal for the past 7 years has been simple: To be heard by as many people as possible without sacrificing the integrity of my art.

Ch.L.: What's unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

Corey Smith: I think the thing what sets me apart from other country artists is the fact that I'm a pure singer-songwriter. I don't co-write or cut other peoples' songs. I have a unique approach to the writing process that I developed through my own trial and error and it comes through in a unique sound. I'm not trying to be anyone other than me.

Christian Lamitschka Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka

Interview with The Twilite Broadcasters

Interview with The Twilite Broadcasters

Ch.L.: Country Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who'se never seen or heard you before.

The Twilite Broadcasters:Vintage Coutry duet singing with rural American fiddle and mandolin and guitar.

Ch.L.: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

The Twilite Broadcasters: The last year has been great highlights include recording our new Cd and getting out to play in various parts of the USA

Ch.L.: What's your latest CD and how's it doing?

The Twilite Broadcasters: The new Cd is called TheTrail of Time and as of last week it was one of the top 5 most added recordings on The Americana Music Charts

Ch.L.: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

The Twilite Broadcasters:The title is he name of a song on the CD.

Ch.L.: Do you write the songs yourself and if not, how do you go about finding the songs for the your CD?

The Twilite Broadcasters:We do write our own songs and instrumental tunes,however most of the material are older songs. Mark and I like to find songs with a great hook that works for our voices and we try to find more obscure material so that people can hear great songs they are not familiar with.

Ch.L.: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

The Twilite Broadcasters: The songs on the new CD are a mixture of pre Bluegrass duets some arrangements of 1960’s classic country and rural fiddle and mandolin instrumentals.

I composed the first cut on the recording.

Ch.L.: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Our new Cd was recorded live with no overdubs and we used a bass player on some cuts,we feel this is a more live sounding recording over all.

Ch.L.: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is specail about this song that makes people what to hear it?

The Twilite Broadcasters:The featured cut is called „Lorene“ we feel it is a alluring and sad love song that sounds timeless... it could have been in the Beatles or the Everly Brothers catalog

Ch.L.: What will your next single be?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Perhaps it will be „Where is my Sailor Boy“ an old Scot/Irish song that made it’s way to American shores a long time ago.

Ch.L.: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

The Twilite Broadcasters:We like songs that have a story that isn’t specific to a time or place but tells a story everyone can connect with.

Ch.L.: What's your favorite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Probably „The Trail of Time“. Mark and I were enjoying listening to The Delmore Brothers while we were on the road last year and this song came on and knocked us both out,it is avery different kind of melody for us.

Ch.L.: How much creative control do you have over your music?

The Twilite Broadcasters: 100%

Ch.L.: There's a lot of work that goes into a Number One hit ... what did it take to make it in your case?

The Twilite Broadcasters:This is an optimistic question since we have never had a #1 song ... apprently the #1 songs of the world often become #1 for a multitude of reasons „hard work“ seems to have very little to do with success of them.

Ch.L.: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

The Twilite Broadcasters: On the road we meet people in there 60’s and 70’s who heard the music we are playing when they were young and really identify with it. When they tell us we remind them of the old days it makes us feel great.

Ch.L.: Who do you look up musiccally and how deep do your musical roots run?

The Twilite Broadcasters: I look up to all the pioneers of Country Music,from the beginning ;Jimmy Rodgers,The Carter Family and all the great rural American recording artists of the 20.30’s 40’s 50’s and 60’s. Both Mark and I learned to play and sing as teenagers,so we have a lot of time devoted to music under our belts.

Ch.L.: What do you think about today's Country Music versus its roots and where do you see it going in the future?

The Twilite Broadcasters:The Country Music of today bears no relationship to it’s roots in either sound or content. As time moves on there will always be mainstream artists trying to tip their hat to the Country Music of long ago without much attention. My personal opinion is that some non mainstream Americana musicians will find more favor with those who have more sophisticated and eclectic tastes.

Ch.L.: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between „traditional“ and „new“ country

music?

The Twilite Broadcasters: New Country artists often appear in the mainstrem when a hit single on commercial Country radio becomes a reality. Many of the stars of the older Country music were known as great performers with a distinct style and vision which made for longer careers and more interesting music.

Ch.L.: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Bring back vinyl !

Ch.L.: As an artist you have to do so many different things such as recording, touring, doing interviews etc. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

The Twilite Broadcasters:I love to play concerts for people who enjoy our music.

Ch.L.: Are you doing anything to take country music beyond it's courrent borders or are you happy where it is?

The Twilite Broadcasters:I would love for people to discover vintage Country Music,perhaps learning something from history would improve the quality of newer music.

Ch.L.: What inspired you to become an artist?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Bill Monroe’s music has always been an inspiration.

Ch.L.: What inspired you to become a songwriter?

The Twilite Broadcasters:The Ideas I have when I write present themselves to me mysteriously and I just let them take over,it’s best to stay out of your own way.

Ch.L.: What drives you?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Happiness!

Ch.L.: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

The Twilite Broadcasters:I live in The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina and I love to hike,swim and enjoy nature.

Ch.L.: Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?

The Twilite Broadcasters:No not right now.

Ch.L.: What has been the biggest disappointment in your life?

The Twilite Broadcasters:The slow collapse of values in the USA in relation to the importance of the Arts.

As my life contiues I continue to see this getting worse.

Ch.L.: Is there anyplace you haven't played that you would like to?

The Twilite Broadcasters: The Twilite Broadcasters would love to travel and play all over Europe including Germany!

Ch.L.: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Great harmony singing and Kick Ass Fiddle,Mandolin and Guitar playing.

Ch.L.: When you're on tour, do you have time to play tourist?

The Twilite Broadcasterse:Sometimes we have a chance to see a bit of the place we play which is always a treat!

Ch.L.: Many music fans today get their information about artists via the internet. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

The Twilite Broadcasters:www.twilitebroadcasters.com ... ,photos,bio,videos,sound samples.

Ch.L.: Tell us about the fan club and how people can join it.

The Twilite Broadcasters: Please join us on Facebook and Reverb Nation both links are on our homepage.

Ch.L.: What's your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?

The Twilite Broadcasters:George Jones,“He stopped loving her today“

Ch.L.. What message would you like to send your European fans?

The Twilite Broadcasters:Please request our music on the radio and suggest we come play a show to the folks who run the music venue you enjoy hearing music in.

Ch.L.: Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can tell?

The Twilite Broadcasters: We played a club where the sound egineer was tripping on LSD and insisted on running a smoke machine and light show despite the fact that both are inappropriate for our show.

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka

Interview with The BordererS

Interview with The BordererS

Ch.L.: Country Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who'se never seen or heard you before.

The BordererS: The BordererS are a very energetic, rootsy band. They're originally from Scotland & Ireland but now live in Australia. You can't help but dance to their music.

Ch.L.: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

The BordererS: The last year was hard as we lost our son to suicide, and I'm in Scotland at the moment as my mum has just died, but professionally the highlights were performing at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Gympie Muster in Queensland, Australia.

Ch.L.: What's your latest CD and how's it doing?

The BordererS: The BordererS latest CD is called " A Time For Change" and it's our most successful CD to date. It also has a DVD to go along with it. The stand out tracks are Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" and "Higher Ground" with Serena Ryder from Canada.

Ch.L.: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

The BordererS: It's called "A Time For Change" because it marked a musical change for the band. It sounds a bit like Bruce Springsteen's Seeger Sessions and features lot's of banjo and dixieland influences. It also had a political connotation, as it was time to get rid of Blair, Bussh and Howard in Australia.

Ch.L.: Do you write the songs yourself and if not, how do you go about finding the songs for the your CD?

The BordererS: Yes, we write the songs ourself. We're also just nearly finished another album with 14 new songs.

Ch.L.: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

The BordererS: The songs on " A Time for Change" were done live in our recording studio's living room. We wanted a kinda rough and ready sound.

Ch.L.: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

The BordererS: The last CD was mostly done live in the studio whereas the new one is 9 months in the making at present. We probably still have another 2 months left to finish it.

Ch.L.: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is specail about this song that makes people what to hear it?

The BordererS: Everybody seems to love "Hallelujah" It's a very special song.

Ch.L.: What will your next single be?

The BordererS: We're not sure yet.

Ch.L.: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

The BordererS: My wife ( the singer ) likes to record the slower ballad type songs as we find it hard to get the energy for the fast ones in the studio.

Ch.L.: You did a duet with ... How did that happen to come about?

The BordererS: We did a duet with Serena Ryder from Canada. We met her a blues / rootsy festival in Western Australia. We asked her to come on stage with us and our daughter taught her the song 3 minutes before she came on. It was a great moment.

Ch.L.: What's your favorite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

The BordererS: Our favourite song is called: "Will you love me when I'm fat, bald & ugly?" It's not one of our own songs. We heard a a Scottish guy called Steve Boyd sing it at a gig in Australia and couldn't get it out of our heads for a week. We asked if he'd send us a copy of the song and then started to perform it. The crowd loves it and it's been used at loads of weddings.

Ch.L.: How much creative control do you have over your music?

The BordererS:  We have total creative control as we're not signed to any major label. We have our own Record Company "Celtic Records"

Ch.L.: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

The BordererS: One of our fans moved from Melbourne to Paris because of one of our songs. The track is called "Jump Right In" and it's about taking chances in your life. She wanted to speak better French so she went to work in a travel agency in Paris. She's helped us find an apartment in Paris as we'll be there from the 14th to the 18th July 2011.

Ch.L.: Who do you look up musiccally and how deep do your musical roots run?

The BordererS: We like Brice Springsteen, Prince, Garth Brooks, Status Quo and Celine Dion. It's quite a varied mix.

Ch.L.: What do you think about today's Country Music versus its roots and where do you see it going in the future?

The BordererS: We think that todays country music is vastly over produced. It doesn't have the same edge to it. To us it sounds too glossy. We hope that it goes back to it's roots.

Ch.L.: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between „traditional“ and „new“ country music?

The BordererS: Traditional is good whereas new country sounds a bit boring and bland.

Ch.L.: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

The BordererS: I'd make the commercial radio stations play independent artists.

Ch.L.: As an artist you have to do so many different things such as recording, touring, doing interviews etc. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

The BordererS: I like doing interviews the best and also recording. My wife hates recording though. She loves live gigs.

Ch.L.: Are you doing anything to take country music beyond it's courrent borders or are you happy where it is?

The BordererS: The BordererS are performing in Scotland and at the Mirande Festival in France. This is France's biggest country music festival. The BordererS like to add different flavours to their country music. We love mixing Zydeco with Celtic instruments.

Ch.L.: What's unique about you that differentiates you from other artists?

The BordererS: We wear kilts on stage. We always dress up whereas a lot of bands don't.

Ch.L.: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you're proud of?

The BordererS: Playing in front of 30,000 people in Federation Square on New Year's Eve was a highlight. Also winning songwriting awards in the USA were good too.

Ch.L.: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

The BordererS: A really entertaining and lively show. You'll laugh, dance and clap till your hands hurt.

Ch.L.: When you're on tour, do you have time to play tourist?

The BordererSe: Yes. We're just about to roam around the South of France before we play at the Mirande Festival on July 13th.

Ch.L.: Many music fans today get their information about artists via the internet. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

The BordererS: www.theborderers.com.au They will find biographies and song samples etc.

Ch.L.: Tell us about the fan club and how people can join it.

The BordererS: If people look up the website then they can join the fan club www.theborderers.com.au

Ch.L.: What's the best compliment a fan has ever given you?

The BordererS: You look like Brad Pitt. Only joking. Women who've been affected y domestic violence have really commented on our song "Independent's Day" It made them get out of bad relationships.

Ch.L.. What message would you like to send your European fans?

The BordererS: We hope that you can come to see the BordererS at the Mirande Festival on July 13th and please come and say hello.

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka