I spoke with Shelby Lynne last week in preparation for her upcoming trip to Rhythm & Brews next Monday. This was a fun interview, and easy too, since she speaks Southern. She has been through Chattanooga many times, but has not played here before. My hat is off to Mike Dougher at Rhythm & Brews for continuing to bring in real talent.
Shelby hails from the metropolis of Frankville, Alabama. That explains why she speaks with such a wonderful dialect that is so easy for a Southern boy like me to understand. Along the way, she did the Nashville thing, garnering a Grammy and some major record label contracts. But, Shelby learned the business of hard knocks as so many do, finding out that major record label contracts aren’t all they are cracked up to be.
She now has her own label and knows well that this tough business rewards the songwriter best. She also believes strongly that she must retain artistic control over her music in order to insure that the quality level remains consistent with her high standards.
When I asked what artist she would have liked to have performed with, her answer was one of the great ones –Duke Ellington. That brings up another point about Shelby Lynne – she has run the gamut of musical genres throughout her career, never being afraid to throw a change-up or a curve ball. She released a CD a couple years ago covering the great Dusty Springfield. She has done traditional country, alternative country, a bit of pop influenced music, and easy listening music. Her newest CD is Tears, Lies, and Alibis. This one may be her best effort to date. Coming up next is a Christmas album, a tour with her sister, Allison Moorer, and maybe a joint album with her sister, too.
I asked Shelby to put herself in the role of the interviewer and choose someone to interview and a question. She said she would like to ask Elvis why he never toured Europe. Elvis only played the United States and a couple shows in Canada. Great question, Shelby!
I also asked Shelby what advice she would give to up and coming new artists. “None” she said. “I didn’t get any advice and I don’t give any.” She then added that she would caution new artists to be wary of record label contracts where they control the musical content, quality and the money. Most people don’t realize it, but major record labels keep most of the money, bill the artist for every imaginable expense, and control the artist’s life in every way unimaginable.
Shelby Lynne is appearing Monday night at Rhythm & Brews. For old guys like me, it’s a great thing because the show is at 8 p.m. For ticket information, just click here.