With her recent single “White Liar” becoming her first No. 1 song, and six Academy of Country Music award nominations this year, a hardworking blonde from Tyler, Texas, is proving that not winning the top prize in USA Network’s ill fated “Nashville Star” series may have been in her best interest.
As 25-year-old Miranda Lambert kicked off her first headlining tour titled Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars in support of her third album, “Revolution,” she took some time to discuss her music while on a short break at home in Oklahoma.
Q: How did being on the first season of “Nashville Star” affect your career?
A: It’s definitely the reason why I am here. The live TV experience was good, and it got my face and music out in front of people. It would have taken me so much longer to get to where I am today. Not winning was actually a blessing.
Q: So what is it about your home state of Texas that produces so many great performers and such good music, and who are some of your favorite Texas artists?
A: I’m from Tyler, Texas, which is way outside of Dallas, but I currently live in Oklahoma. We are proud and strong, and Texas music is just a different genre. I got my start playing shows in Austin. We traveled from Tyler to find places to play. I like both old school and new school — Jerry Jeff Walker, Jack Ingram, Guy Clark, Pat Green, David Allan Coe, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers Band. (Note: Coe is from Akron, Ohio)
Q: You are one of the few artists in today’s country music scene that actually writes your own songs. Can you tell me a bit about that process and how “working” on the road and with all the other stuff you have to do affects your writing?
A: Songwriting is the number-one most important thing to me. It used to be my hobby, but now it is my career, and it has been hard to separate them. Usually, after I make a new record I don’t write for a while, but I lately have been writing a lot. I love writing songs, making records and playing shows. The tough part is the other stuff — photo shoots, traveling, doing interviews. ...
Q: There is an ongoing debate about the state of country music, usually focusing on the issues of traditional versus pop styles. Your music is a mix of classic country and rock, so how do you feel about that debate?
A: If it’s real and it’s good, it doesn’t need a label. There is room for all kinds of music, and I like the work of people like Carrie (Underwood) and Taylor (Swift). It’s all about the music — look at George Strait’s amazing career, and Reba, who has reinvented herself.
Q: Speaking of careers, how do you deal with the Nashville music industry, and what are your long- term goals?
A: I try not to let the business get in the way of the music. I have really good people to do that part for me. As far as longevity is concerned, I don’t know. I wish there was a book to tell us what to do to maintain a career. I hope I’m doing this in 25 years, talking to you about another new record.
Concert preview
Miranda Lambert’s Roadside Bars and Pink Guitars Tour
9:30 Friday, March 19. $20-$100. Wild Bill's. 2075 Market St., Duluth. 678-473-1000. www.wildbillsatlanta.com
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