Added: July 17, 2007
INTERVIEW WITH ADAM SHOENFELD
By Janelle Landauer [May 2007]
THE MUSIC INDUSTRY
How and when did your first break in the music industry come about?
If you mean break, as in when I didn't have a car payment anymore, that's when "Mississippi Girl" went #1. Otherwise, I've been playing guitar professionally in Nashville for several years. I guess every time somebody thought I played well, and hired me on a project... it was a break.
What goals have you accomplished and what do you still hope to accomplish with your music career?
My number one goal is to never be satisfied, and keep making better, and better music. I want to play guitar on more records, write more songs and produce great music.
Who has been the greatest influence in your life (music related or not)?
My wife keeps me about as focused as I'm going to get.
If you could collaborate with anyone musically (whether songwriting, in the studio, etc) who would it be and why?
I'd love to do something with Jack White. I think he's a modern day Hendrix.
What advice would you give to those who plan to get into the music business?
Try to always enjoy it, even if it becomes your "job."
THE INSTRUMENTS
When did you start playing the guitar?
January 1979, I was 4.
Do you have a certain brand of guitars that you prefer to play and would recommend to others?
I play what feels right...
Do you play any other instruments besides guitar? (If so, what?)
A little keyboard and a little bass. I like to think I can play drums, but I've heard otherwise.
THE SONGS
Where do you find the ideas and inspirations when writing songs?
The best ones start because of an interesting phrase in a conversation. Some songs are just waiting to be found.
Do you have a favorite song that you've written overall? If so, what is it and why is it your favorite song?
A song called "Zero to Hero" - it's a blast to play. Nobody famous has recorded it.
When you wrote Faith Hill's smash hit "Mississippi Girl," did you think it would have as much success as it did?
I tried not to think about that. I don't get my hopes up on things like that.
I know you've done some writing with John Rich in the past. Do you write with him often while you're out on the road?
Once in a while. When you're in different busses, the opportunities don't pop up as often.
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?)
We do all our own demos - sometimes I sing, sometimes I don't. Then you just hope you can get it into the right hands. There are tip sheets that tell you who's looking and who to get them to, but that's not always enough.
When you write songs, do you ever have a certain artist in mind for the song, or do you just write hoping someone will pick it up later on?
I usually write songs, and then I think: "Oh, this would be good for so and so."
How does it feel to see your songs go through the stages from the artist recording it, releasing it as a single and then the making of the video? (Like with "Mississippi Girl")
It's a pretty incredible feeling. It makes you feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel. There are a lot of talented writers who never get to feel it. I'm very lucky.
BIG & RICH
How and when did you initially get in touch with John Rich and Big Kenny?
I played guitar for Kenny years ago, right after he made "Live A Little." He and I then formed the rock band - luvjOi - that's "l u v j O i". That was 1998. I simultaneously started playing on John's song demos - we go back a ways.
What is your favorite Big & Rich song to perform live?
I'd have to say "Soul Shaker," although we don't play it that often.
Do you have a favorite memory of being on the road with the guys so far?
Our trip to Germany. We played for the troops. Willlie was there, he's a great guy. AND coffee at McDonalds was insanely good.
What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
I like being in a state of constant motion, but I don't like being away from my family.
What do you like to do on the road in your free time?
Usually, I'm writing a song or going to the pool...it's a rough life [laughs!]
While you're on the road so much, how do you balance your career with your family and friends?
It's more juggling than balancing for me, but we make it work.
IN THE STUDIO
You've had the opportunity to play guitar on several albums by different artists. How would you describe the whole process of being in the studio and what is a typical day like for you in the studio?
I shut out anything that isn't what I'm working on, and just try to become one with the music. Everyday in the studio is different. Some days I feel like a guitar superhero, and some days I feel like the worst musician in the room.
In Nashville, if you're recording demos, you'll knock out five songs in three hours. If you're making records, sometimes you'll get one song in three hours.
Have you worked on any new projects lately that you'd like to tell us about?
I'm excited to hear the new Jason Aldean record - I worked on that. I also worked with a new band called Crossin' Dixon... great bunch of guys. I also have a couple of songs on the new Big & Rich record.
Finally, is there anything you would like to say to all the country music fans and all our readers?
Thanks for giving a darn about our music. It's why we all keep making it!!
Peace
