Category: Q&A

Categories
Interviews Q&A

Top 25 Interviews of 2014: No. 23 The Swon Brothers

I have not had to hold in my laughter this much ever in an interview. The Swon Brothers are comedians in their own right. Since we film all these interviews in our studio and it’s very easy for the microphone to pick up other sounds in the room, I am very cautious of having my voice heard on the video. So, I spend much of the time in interviews nodding in agreement to each artist I interview so they know I’m reacting to what they’re saying, even if I’m not commenting myself.

Throughout my interview with the Swon Brothers, Zach and Colton continually poke gentle fun at each other and I found myself holding in my laughter. Whether it was a topic such as Zach’s long-winded talking points, or Colton claiming his prowess at golf, this was clearly a conversation with siblings.

“Colton did much of the singing back then but then my voice developed into the talent of the group,” Zach jokes about their early years. “It’s hard being the face and the talent.”

A band of brothers, it was only a matter of time until the fighting side came out. In all fairness, Zach started it when prompted by the question of what it’s really like for the two of them to work so closely together.

“It’s really hard being in a band with your brother mainly because we can probably make each other madder than anyone else could,” he says.

Colton at first responds with a joke but then just as quickly turns and gets serious about their working relationship. “I couldn’t imagine being on the road by myself,” he says. “This is a lot of work. I can’t imagine not having someone to lean on. It’s corny, but it’s the truth.”

And like a good older brother, Zach was there to lighten the mood with a knock-knock joke.

“Knock knock,” he says. “Who’s there?” Colton asks. “I’m there. And I’m always going to be there.”

Read the complete interview at Radio.com and for all the laughter, watch the video above.

Categories
Interviews Q&A

Top 25 Interviews of 2014: No. 24 Frankie Ballard

 

I was fortunate to interview country singer Frankie Ballard twice this year. The first time, we sat down and discussed his sophomore album Sunshine & Whiskey at our CBS office in New York where he told me how he felt the first time he heard what would become his first No. 1 single, “Helluva Life.”

“The first time I ever heard ‘Helluva Life,’ it really moved me because it’s very parallel with the journey I’ve been on,” he told me. On the chorus of the song Ballard sings, “The bad times make the good times better,” and he says those lyrics sum up his musical journey.

“I’m more mature,” he said of the years since his first collection songs was released. “I feel like a better artist because of those things that I’ve been through. Because I’ve played in bars and honky-tonks and things that I’ve learned. I was selling beer long before I was selling myself as the product.”

“Helluva Life” has become an anthem for many country fans too, which doesn’t surprise Ballard.

“I knew that it would be that way for a lot of people,” Ballard explained. “No matter what they are trying to achieve on their journey in life, it’s important to remember that those struggles, and the good times as well, everything together is what makes your life what it is. That statement of saying, ‘Man, it’s a helluva life,’ it just evokes some hope. It’s a coping mechanism for some people.”

Ballard spent the past two years working on the follow-up to his debut and has enjoyed watching the success “Helluva Life” has brought. It has in a way given him a second chance in music.

“It’s been cool to watch it take on a life of its own, people making it their own,” he said. “The lyrics mean different things to people’s journeys. It’s such a blessing to see it take on a life of its own.”

 

I wound up interviewing him again at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas and asked him how he celebrated when that same song went to No. 1. His answer: he bought a Manuel suit, tailored by the same man who created so many famous country outfits, including Johnny Cash‘s all-black suits and Elvis Presley‘s signature gold lamé suit.

“I had it made because I wanted to do something to commemorate having my first-ever No. 1 song, treat myself a little bit,” he told me. “I always wanted one of these. It’s a Native American theme. It has a big chief on the back and I thought, ‘Where are you going to wear this?’ Las Vegas was the first thing that came to mind.”

 

frankie-annie-red-carpet

Categories
Interviews Q&A

Top 25 Interviews of 2014: No. 25 Naughty Boy

Naughty Boy may have been my most challenging and most rewarding interview yet. I wasn’t too familiar with his music before I sat down with him as he had yet released his debut album, Hotel Cabana, in the states. His single, “La La La” which featured Sam Smith, was slowly getting more airplay and by the end of the summer it’s all I remember hearing being played on the radio.

Like every interview, I went into it as researched as I could be and it wound up being such an inspiring chat. His rags to riches story was so genuine. At the end, things seemingly went well as he told me when he left talking to me was like therapy. For a girl who only minored in Psychology in college that was the nicest compliment I could get! An excerpt of my interview is below.

When talking with Naughty Boy the words “fate” and “destiny” come up a lot. As they should. The former pizza delivery guy and hotel waiter started his music career thanks to a big win on the game show Deal or No Deal.

“I was in a bit of an all-time low,” he told me. “I never won anything so to go on a game show for the first time, the first time I ever applied for a game show, and to win gave me confidence.”

Before his Deal or No Deal win, Naughty Boy (real name Shahid Khan) was broke and struggling to keep his head above water. “My parents wanted me to take my life seriously,” he said. Khan was at first concerned that his appearance on a game show would ruin any chances of people taking him seriously, but he now believes his good fortune can be a lesson to others.

“Whatever I’m doing right now,” he said, “I believe anyone can do this if they put their mind and heart into it.”

“[Music] is the one thing that I don’t feel like I’ve ever worked a day and that’s what you ultimately want for your job,” he added. “I’m doing what I love.”

Read my complete interview at Radio.com.

Categories
Interviews Q&A

Interview: Kip Moore

kip-2

It’s no secret that I’ve been a massive fan of Kip Moore for years now. He’s been one of those dream interviews for me. I’ve lived with his excellent debut album Up All Night for two years and in a way, it’s been the soundtrack of my life for the past two years. I caught his tour opening show at New York’s Best Buy Theater back in September and when I realized he’d be playing at Starland Ballroom in New Jersey, I knew I wanted to see him again. Luckily, this time I also got to interview him.

It was home turf for me as throughout college I’d attend shows at Starland Ballroom and even began interviewing a few bands then as well. After his soundcheck, I followed Kip backstage to catering and then to a room with a big screen TV and leather couches where his band was hanging out. In between dinner and watching the news–which was reporting on the massive snowstorm in upstate New York–Kip filled me in on his latest EP Soundcheck and what we can expect from his new album, due out next year.

He released Soundcheck, a five-song live EP featuring four brand new tracks, two days before his tour kickoff in September. The release was aimed at his fans, and he told me that he hopes the new music will hold them over until his sophomore album is released sometime next year.

“We’re pretty passionate about those songs. It was a cool way for giving the fans that have been waiting so long just a taste of what’s coming without actually exposing the record. A live version is not quite the same as a studio album,” he explains. “There definitely will be some of the songs [from the EP] that will make it onto the record.”

While some fans have put fault on his record label for not releasing his project sooner, he explains his record label isn’t to blame—in fact as he describes it, they’re “protecting” him.

“People need to understand this is not my record label’s fault,” he asserts. “To be honest, it all comes back on me. I wrote a song, ‘Dirt Road,’ that I thought was going to get further up on the charts and high enough to release a record around, but my label is protecting me in a lot of ways. In my own stubbornness, I just want to put the record out. They know what they’re doing, and it’s hard to release a record around a song that didn’t get past number 40 [Moore’s first three singles all reached No. 1]. And that’s just the fact of the matter.”

So, adds Moore, “hopefully we can come with something next time with some more traction and we can put a record out around it.”

Read more of my interview with Kip Moore on Radio.com.

Categories
Q&A

Video Interview: Nick Carter and Jordan Knight of Nick & Knight

nick-carter-and-jordan-knight-album-cover

Over the weekend, I told you all about my interview with Nick Carter and Jordan Knight. And now you can watch two of the clips!

For their debut duo album, Nick & Knight, both agreed they didn’t want to make a big, pop-produced album. Instead, they regard the record as more of an indie release.

“We just let ourselves be free. It’s more of a broken down, rhythmic sexy vibe,” Jordan told me.

The guys also filled me in on that infamous term “boy band.” While they never grew fond of the description, they now accept it.

“When I came out with a solo album in 1999 I would always get asked, ‘How does it feel to be from a boy band?’ I would always get defensive and upset,” Jordan said. “Boy band, the term wasn’t used until around that time. I was a little defensive back then. Now, it’s just like whatever. That’s who we are, that’s what we are it’s all good. Yes we are now in man bands, which is a little better. We’re men.”

Watch the complete interview below.

 

 

If that’s not enough for you, you’re in luck. I also chatted with Nick about his reality show, I Heart Nick Carter, which airs on VH1 tonight at 10/9C. He and Jordan were very open with the difficulties that not only they face, but how their wives deal with being married to celebrities. Watch it below.

 

Categories
Q&A

Q&A: Dustin Lynch

dustin lynch serendipity

(Credit: Paul Familetti)

Last November, I visited Nashville for my 29th birthday. The way I saw it — as a country music journalist and country music fan — there was no better place to spend the last year of my 20s than Music City.

While there, I attended a Spotify event that showcased Jennifer Nettles and her upcoming solo material. It was like a scene out of Nashville – country artists and actors from the show Nashville mingled with each other while the liquor flowed.

At the end of the night, I met Dustin Lynch. When the “Where It’s At” singer learned I was from New York he quickly told me that his favorite spot in the City was Serendipity. A self-proclaimed chocoholic and frequent patron of the quaint dessert establishment myself, he told me I should move to Nashville and open Serendipity Nashville. Not a half bad idea for this country music loving chocolate addict. So, when I learned he’d be coming to New York for press on his upcoming sophomore album I knew Serendipity was the perfect spot to catch-up.

 

 

A self-professed sweets fanatic, Lynch said he first stumbled upon Serendipity years ago when he was on the hunt for cheesecake in New York. His publicist had recommended Serendipity.

“We got here and it was like, ‘Wow!’ Every dessert that came out was bigger than life,” he told me.

So what did he think of his Frozen Hot Chocolate?

“Good grief,” Lynch said, after taking his first sip. “The gym has to happen tonight,” he said grinning, before going in for another sip. “We can run to dinner.”

The conversation eventually turned from frozen treats to music—specifically, Lynch’s new album Where It’s At. It’s his sophomore release, and thanks to the popularity of the title track, the momentum is already building fast.

Read my complete interview with Dustin Lynch on Radio.com.

Categories
Features First Person Q&A

You Sing I Write’s Top 13 Interviews of 2013

kenny rogers

It’s hard to believe 2013 is coming to a close. I’ve been so lucky to interview some incredible artists this year, some that I never would have dreamed of getting the chance and others I’ve been dreaming up meeting since the seventh grade. Here’s my Top 13 interviews of 2013.

1. Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys

Do I need to say more? He filled me in on how difficult life as a boy band can be when your fiance is receiving death threats on a daily basis. That made me throw away my lifelong dream of marrying fellow bandmate Brian Littrell. Yes, I truly grew up in 2013.

2. Willie Nelson

I interviewed Willie on his tour bus and yes, it did smell like pot. I’m not quite sure if I got a contact high, just because I was so high on life after interviewing him. And that’s the truth. A true legend, he opened up about why he can’t live without songwriting and how the first time he heard his voice played back to him he hated it.

3. Kenny Rogers

The Gambler. He had the absolute best stories and a true passion and gratefulness for his long career.

 

 

4. Robin Thicke

I interviewed him the week “Blurred Lines” went to No. 1. Also, this was the first time I ever interviewed an artist who kept his sunglasses on throughout the entire interview which was a little awkward at first. And he gave me some great relationship advice.

 

 

5. Gavin DeGraw

The first concert I ever covered back in college, this interview was a long time coming. And I finally learned the story behind his hit “I Don’t Want To Be.”

 

 

6. Jack Johnson

My roommates throughout college had his music on repeat. I’m  happy to say he’s exactly the man you think he is as perceived in his music.

 

 

7. Plain White T’s

The first song I ever learned on guitar was “Hey There Delilah” and Tim and Tom made me blush while I recounted the story of my friend teaching me. In all fairness, they did have some pretty interesting views on relationships.

8. Brett Eldredge

I must confess after interviewing him three times this year, I may have developed a slight crush on this country singer. His album Bring You Back is by far my most listened to release from this year.

 

 

9. Deana Carter

After seeing Deana Carter perform at the CMA Songwriters Series, I was excited to talk with her on the phone and learn about her latest album. The conversation geared it’s way into talking about how much we both love the TV show Nashville where she filled me in that she in fact auditioned for the star role.

10. Toby Keith

I came to learn the full story behind the song we all love to hate “Red Solo Cup” and he gave me some exclusives to his album which came out this fall.

11. Jason Derulo

The most thoughtful interview, I was at first startled at how he would stop and really think about answering my every question. After a while, I just let the dead air stay until he told me what he wanted to say and truthfully, I think that’s the best way to conduct an interview. Leave space to let the artist really open up and tell you something they may not have otherwise if you just jump to ask them the next question.

 

 

12. Will Hoge

I sat on his tour bus before a performance at The Bell House in Brooklyn as he told me the story behind my favorite country song, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” and opened up about country music.

13. A Great Big World

I was so excited to see this band succeed this year as I’d been catching them perform over the years throughout New York. There’s something so refreshing about a band you saw perform at a tiny club in New York to sharing a stage with Christina Aguilera.

Categories
Features Q&A

Q&A: Gavin DeGraw

(Courtesy: RCA Records)
(Courtesy: RCA Records)

Last month, I interviewed Gavin DeGraw. A long time coming, his was the first concert I reviewed back in college and part of me has always wanted to meet him and tell him this. Nearly 10 years ago, I still remember the moment so vividly. Notebook in one hand and camera in the other, I was able to get to the front row of the show at Rutgers and a thought flashed through my head, “I could do this for a living!”

Of course I had already seen the film Almost Famous, but for some reason it never occurred to me that being a music journalist could actually be a real job. That Gavin DeGraw show changed everything. I began writing for our entertainment section of the school newspaper, interned at MTV, Rolling Stone and JANE Magazine in hopes to somehow make a career out of it. Somehow, much blood, sweat and tears later, I made it happen.

When I sat down with DeGraw, we talked about the struggle of starting out in music can be, the state of today’s music, his new album Make A Move, and the story behind his smash hit, “I Don’t Want To Be.”

“When I wrote ‘I Don’t Want To Be’ I was hearing so many of the songs that were coming out at the time and so many of the new artists that were coming out in different genres. Essentially they would say, ‘My name is… I’m from some place, all my homies or all my people or all my friends are like such and such and I represent this.’ I thought, ‘It seems like such a simple way to approach it, but realistically it’s so smart to just write a song that is essentially stating your identity.’”

Watch the video below, and for more of my interview with Gavin visit Radio.com.

 

Categories
Features Q&A

Artist to Watch: Ben Howard

(Courtesy of Universal Music)
(Courtesy of Universal Music)

Before I started working at CBS I had done two video interviews — Keith Urban and Josh Kelley. While it’s fun to see how your interview came to life after the fact, it’s also very nerve-racking during the process because you can’t mask anything that happens. With that said, actually editing down a 40-minute interview into a four-minute segment isn’t the easiest thing to do, but I’m slowly getting the hang of it.

Last month, I interviewed British singer-songwriter Ben Howard. I fell in love with his music the more I listened to him and his back story is even more intriguing. He actually went to school for journalism but then ditched it to pursue a career in music. While some compare his music to surf rockers like Jack Johnson, I think his music is much deeper.

In February, he won two BRIT Awards, England’s equivalent to the GRAMMYs, for Best Male Solo and British Breakthrough Act and just last month he performed at Coachella and was touring with Mumford & Sons. Learn more on the singer below in the video I produced for Radio.com. I’d love to know your thoughts on him!

 

Categories
Q&A

Tony Lucca On Blake Shelton: “He’s The Most Hands On”

(credit: Mike Mojica‎)

Two years ago I went to City Winery to see one of my favorite singer-songwriters Tyrone Wells. A soulful and comical artist named Tony Lucca opened the show and a year later I learned he was competing on The Voice. That experience just goes to show that you never know who you’ll see at a live show or where their career will take them. And if you’re anything like me, that’s the best part. To catch an artist in the early stages and a few years later be able to say, “I saw them when…”

Just last month I interviewed Tony for CBS Local and he filled me in on what happened behind-the-scenes on The Voice and what we can expect from his upcoming album due out next year. He also revealed that he sometimes wonders what it would have been like if Blake Shelton was his coach instead of Adam Levine.

“If Adam hadn’t turned around I was hoping that maybe Blake would have,” Tony confessed. “Certainly in hindsight, knowing how he is with his team, not to blow anyone’s cover but he’s the most hands on with his team. He’s very giving. He’s into the camaraderie. He loves the gig. He loves being a coach and being involved in these young artists’ lives.”

Video –

For my complete article, visit CBS Local.