Shooter Jennings released his debut album, Put the O Back in Country on Universal South on March on March 1st. Born the only child of Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, he's got an A-Class Country Music pedigree. We kindly thank him for taking the time out of touring and promoting his album to answer our questions.
AboutCountry: What is behind the names of your previous bands: Stargunn and the 357's?
Shooter Jennings: What can I say? I have a thing for guns.
AboutCountry: How much did your band mates help to define the sound of your record?
Shooter Jennings: The 357's are my sound. Leroy, Ted and Bryan are my backbone.
AboutCountry: What upsets you most about the current state of country music radio?
Shooter Jennings: The lack of true Artistry.
AboutCountry: Do you feel that the newer artists coming in are staying truer to the traditional sound than the artists from the last decade or so?
Shooter Jennings: Yes. I think there's a definite hunger for the roots of country.
AboutCountry: Do you think living in LA and experiencing that "scene" helped you evolve as an artist?
Shooter Jennings: Yes. A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.
AboutCountry: What is your favorite track on the record?
Shooter Jennings: Solid Country Gold
AboutCountry: How does it feel to have George Jones sing on your record?
Shooter Jennings: Great. I was shaking like a chihuahua.
AboutCountry: Who do you consider amongst the best of the "new" outlaws?
Shooter Jennings: Gretchen. Hands down.
AboutCountry: What do you tell people who try and compare you with your father?
Shooter Jennings: If you say I sound like my dad, Thanx. If you say it's not as good, I'll agree.
AboutCountry: Who, other than your dad are your musical influences? (Country, Rock, or whatever) Who are some of your favorite artists, independent or mainstream?
Shooter Jennings: George Jones, Skynyrd, Zepplin, Traffic, Mars Volta, White Stripes, Lee Ann Womack, Old Aerosmith
AboutCountry: What are some of the best things about working in music around Arizona? Are there any other locals you particularly like?
Shooter Jennings: My mom lives in AZ. I don't know many locals, but it's hot there, so we hit the Rusty Spur.
Be sure to check out our review of Shooter's Put the O Back In Country album.