Interview- May 24th 2005
Copyright © Country Music Online
CMO: As your voice was maturing, how difficult was it to adjust vocally?
It was difficult because, within those two years, I really had no control over what was happening. For the past, I don't know how many years, since I was 3 years old- I could open my mouth, I could do whatever I wanted with my voice. And then for those two years, I couldn't do anything, except wait. And, so coming out of it, it was really like relearning my voice. It was a whole another voice, different octaves, none of those high high notes anymore, some new low notes. So, I had to really go back and retrain it.
CMO: How would you describe being put in the music spotlight at such a young age?
It's fun. It's a lot of hard knocks along the road but that's when you got to think positive. Because, if you thought of all those bad points, that can outweigh you sometimes. I love it. I pushed everybody into saying yes. My parents come from Rhode Island. They wouldn't know how to talk to whoever: executives from whoever. That's not who they are. It was really frightening for them. They're not as nervous now. They didn't know what they were getting into.
CMO: Would you change anything and would you do it all over again?
I would do it again in a heartbeat. There are always things, like "Oh, I shouldn't have done that" or "why'd I do that." I think everybody would want to change something.
CMO: What goals have you accomplished and what do you still want to accomplish with your music career?
To be back and to be singing again. It was such a rough point for me because I would try to sing within those two years when I was off with the voice change, but it wouldn't come out. It was really bad. 15 minutes into a couple songs and I'd be completely hoarse. So, it was scary. I contemplated whether it was going to come back or not. That's how bad it was. So it's great to be back and belting and doing what I love. You know, it's great to be back. That was a feat in itself. But, I think the biggest thing was the Opry. Grand Ole Opry was number 1 for me. I think it always will be. So, hopefully I'll get to go back and sing some new songs. I was 11 at the time when I performed there so it'd be neat to go back. Right now, just focusing on getting back to where we were.
CMO: What is your motivation behind your accomplishments and what continues to motivate you?
I think the drive is because you see so many people get the message. With "One Voice" and when I first came out, they got the message. I couldn't wait to go out in public and I couldn't wait to go out for concerts. The people loved it. I think that's what drives me the most. Even more so now, because they stuck by me so much even when there wasn't even a CD in the works 2 ½ years ago. Going back to that, all the time, but it's true, they really kept pushing me and saying "Oh, we can't wait. Whenever you're coming back is going to be great." They really helped me. My motivation is them.
CMO: How was the recording process of "Everything and More" different from your previous albums?
Well, it really wasn't. When I was still a teeny bit going through the voice change and really quick, I'd sing like for 10 hours, 13 hours. We'd have to stop and do a song and then come back another day, and stop. It was really slow. But, then as it started to get strong again, I was singing 13 hours in the studio each day. So, it really wasn't different other than I really could say "No, I don't want to do that," because with "One Voice" and all the past albums, we were still new. We were very green. I got to really have a say in what I wanted to do and that was good. Not that I didn't before, I'm just more adult. I know what I want and what I don't want.
CMO: What kind of songs do you look for when you go into the studio?
The first thing that has to strike out at me is the words. That's the main thing. It has to have a strong message. And, then if it has a nice melody, that's a great thing! That's a bonus. But, I think it has to have the lyrics, and the meaning have to stick out to you.
CMO: What is a typical day in the studio like for you?
I go to bed real early. I got to get some good rest because you never know what will happen in the studio. I get up and get my voice ready, warm up. And, head to the studio around 3 o'clock in the afternoon depending on what time we got- Usually I like the night time. It's like a concert, it's easier. Then we work for however many hours. It could be from 3 o'clock in the afternoon until 8 o'clock at night or it could be from 3 o'clock in the afternoon until 1 o'clock in the morning. You're in there and you're creating all these different things. Who knows what you will come up with So, it depends, but just sing, sing, sing. I'll sing a song, and if they say like "okay, you can't do that, that's not what the song calls for" then I say "one take I'm going to do it your way, and then another take I'm going to do it my way and I'll show you what I want to do with it." So usually it's A and B.
CMO: Do you plan to work with the production on future albums?
Absolutely, I love it. -Being in there and with the band. This is one of the first few times I've got to be in with the band. I think this is the first time. And really say, "No how about try this or this." Kind of the arranging part of it, I love that. I tried to write lyrics before <laugh> but I really stink at that right now. But, I like the music area- arranging music and that. So, hopefully down the road, I'll be arranging some.
CMO: One of our favorite songs on your album is "Everything and More." How did this song come about and why did you decide to record it on this album?
It was during the first process of getting some of the demo songs that they possibly wanted me to record. I was sick that day. As a matter of fact, I was so sick, I think I had the flu or 100 degree temperature. It was bad. So I was sitting in bed, and my mother came in and said "Oh, you've got songs, do you want to listen to them now?" I said "sure, pop them in." I was half asleep, half not, when this song came on and at that time, there were different lyrics. I said "this is the one." Even at that time, I knew it was going to be the first single. I just had a feeling from day one. It's beautiful. I was un-sick for like 5 minutes or however long the song is. And, I was reading who wrote the song, and one of the writers was Senator Orrin Hatch which I thought was amazing too. It's amazing that he has time to write such a beautiful song. It was just an unbelievable song and thank God it came to me.
CMO: Who has been your biggest influence in your music career?
When I was younger- 3 years old until probably 11, it was Pam Tillis, number 1, and Eddy Arnold. Those two. I just loved them. I loved listening to them, singing their songs. Pam being more than Eddy Arnold a little bit more. But, then as I got older, in singing and making records, I listened to a lot of different singers. And I would be like "Oh, I like how they do that or I like how he does that with his voice." I try to incorporate a little bit of something different and then I put it into my own perspective. Like, you grow up with your father, you talk like your father. When you listen to someone, you cannot not sing like them because you listen to them so much.
CMO: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?
I've always wanted to do (ever since she's came out in the music business, almost 10 years ago) a duet with LeAnn Rimes, number 1. I'd love to do a duet with Patsy Cline but unfortunately I can't. But, with technology today... Those two would be it.
CMO: What do you like about touring? What do you dislike?
I think the dislike I can tell you right now it is being away from home. Even though touring is awesome, you miss home. The advantages are meeting your fans. After every concert, I sign for -I don't know how many hours- until everyone gets their autograph. The fans are unbelievable. They buy the CDs, they buy the tickets and the merchandise. You've got to thank them. Lightning storms, snow storms, I've been out there signing autographs. I think that's the number 1 and meeting all kinds of neat people and going to all different types of places all in the same year. It's one big road trip. Plus, you're singing for thousands of fans each night. How bad can that be, right?
CMO: What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in the music industry whether it is as an artist, songwriter, or even through the business aspect?
Go for it! I think it's a lot more fun when you're younger because it's a lot. It really is. And, when you're young, you have no perspective. You have your parents and you trust them. You have good people around you that you gain trust because there are so many people who can desert you and take all your money in a heartbeat. So, you really got to pace your steps and get people that you trust. I think when you're young, you have no conception of that- you just want to sing. Like hey, get me out of the corner and I'll sing for anybody. As you get older (and I'm realizing this now) your nerves and your mind you get to think like an adult, if you will, even though I'm not an adult. Instead of thinking, okay, whatever, I'll do it- I'm thinking okay, what are the cons of that. What are the pros and cons of each thing I do? Good points and bad points. A and B rather than just A.
CMO: Is there anything that you would like to say to your fans reading this?
Thank you SO MUCH for everything. I hope to be on the road soon. And, just THANK YOU.
Feature | Interview
Added: July 2005
