ISSUE #37 MMUSICMAG.COM

SPOTLIGHT Chris Crisman Kane Hibberd

LITTLE BIG TOWN Success brings a wealth of changes for the

resilient country rockers Jimi Westbrook, Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet

FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS LITTLE BIG moment happened, the people we respect of the group’s previous material. Their Town has delivered irresistible harmonies, and love were pulling for us. It’ll be forever songwriting process has also changed. timeless melodies and compelling songs— etched in our minds.” “Success changes the dynamic,” says but the path to success has hardly been a With Little Big Town’s latest, Pain Killer, Westbrook. “This process was a little more straight line. In the late ’90s they landed a band members Westbrook, [Westbrook’s laborious. In a perfect scenario, we’d be

major record contract, but the deal fizzled. In wife] Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman writing for the whole year. But that’s hard Matt Erwin 2002 the group released their debut album and Phillip Sweet extend the streak by to do with the schedule we’re keeping. For on an indie label—but it didn’t fare well. Three reconnecting with noted producer Jay Joyce this album we had to block out time.” years later, the band turned things around (Eric Church, the Wallflowers, Cage the Little Big Town also tapped a stable when their second album landed three Top Elephant) who produced Tornado. Likening of ace songwriters including Jedd Hughes, 20s, including the No. 4 hit “Bring It on Home.” him to a mad scientist conjuring sonic magic, Ryan Tyndell and Natalie Hemby. “We did But their third record was less successful. Westbrook believes that Joyce’s creative the recording differently this time,” says In 2010, the winds began to change again process strikes a balance with the band’s Westbrook. “We actually wrote in the studio. as their fourth album generated a Top 10. perfectionist tendencies. “We want to get It was very productive, and the songs came Two years later, the platinum-selling things just right, sometimes to a fault,” he together really well.” Tornado proved a game-changer, scoring says. “Compared with Jay, we’re complete Little Big Town has dealt with many four hits—including their first chart-topper, opposites. But he trusts our instincts.” changes, but one thing hasn’t wavered: “Pontoon”—and a Grammy. “It’s really Pain Killer embarks upon stylistic mutual respect. “There are a lot of opinions, humbling. We feel really grateful,” says detours—from arena rock (“Save Your Sin”) says Westbrook. "But we’re settling into our member Jimi Westbrook. “We worked so to gothic pop (“Faster Gun”) and beachy own, and we’re comfortable with who we are.” hard, and it means the world to us. When our reggae (title track)—that push the boundaries —Blake Boldt

LUCINDA WILLIAMS For one of Americana’s most celebrated artists, the best is yet to come

LUCINDA WILLIAMS HAS ENJOYED A SINGULAR 36-YEAR career that has included recording a dozen albums, collaborating with countless artists, and winning three Grammys. Yet the 61-year- old performer harbors no doubt her artistry is still on the ascendant. Michael Wilson “I see myself as an anomaly,” says the Louisiana-born artist as she releases Down Where the Spirit Meets the Bone, her first-ever double ISSUE #37album, andM herMUSIC first release & MUSICIANSon her own Highway MAGAZINE 20 label. “Maybe it’s because I grew up around poets—I remember my dad saying that poets aren’t even considered at the height of their career until they’re in their 50s and 60s. And my voice is the best it’s ever been.”

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MARCH/APRIL 2011 M MUSIC & MUSICIANS MAGAZINE

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