AboutCountry's Jennifer Webb talks with Shannon Brown about her brand new album, Corn Fed, working with John Rich, her songwriting, and more.
BMPRSHost: What is your favorite cut on your album? Why is that your favorite song?
Shannon Brown: That's a tough one, because I love them all! But one of my favorites is a song called "Welcome to the Good Ole Days." It's where Disco and Bob Wills collide. Crazy huh? It's a great sounding record and a fun song. From the moment I heard it I immediately thought of my mom and dad's disco club back in the late 70's early 80's. It just made so much sense for me to include it on my record. It is a part of my history.
BMPRSHost: What is your favorite song that you've ever written?
Shannon Brown: A song called "Small Town Girl" it is the last cut on my album. It is the most honest I've ever been with myself in a song. I still get teary eyed when I hear it and even sing it. It is a beautiful track. John Rich did such a great job. This album is very energetic, but this is more acoustic and traditional sounding. It is a waltz.
BMPRSHost: What song do you "wish" you had written?
Shannon Brown: That would be "Turn to Me." It was written by John Rich, Vicki McGehee, and Gretchen Wilson. It's a story of strength and vulnerability. I was immediately touched by it.
BMPRSHost: Who are your musical influences, country or otherwise?
Shannon Brown: That's a tough one! Growing up around the bar business, I have many musical influences. I'll name a few. Barbara Mandrell, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Merle Haggard, Patsy Cline, Marty Stuart, Martina McBride, Vince Gill, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones.
BMPRSHost: I know you ran into John Rich at the 2004 CMT Flameworthy Awards by accident and were already friends from years past, but how did you originally meet him?
Shannon Brown: We were former label mates and he also hired me to sing some of his songwriter's demos. Funny what several years will do!
BMPRSHost: Do you feel that he inspired you to try your hand at a country music career again? Or were there already plans in the works for a new album?
Shannon Brown: No, I never left. I just took a 2 1/2 year break. During that period of time, I focused on my writing and in putting a solid plan together to go after "it" again, but this time on MY terms. That is where John came in. He helped me to achieve just that. This is definitely my music. This record is so very true to who I am.
BMPRSHost: As a producer was John Rich wild and crazy, very serious about his work, or both?
Shannon Brown: Well what do you think? No, seriously, he was ALL business. This record was as important to him as it was for me. We had a really great time making the record, but he was always very focused and had a plan. A great plan I might add.