Sonny Landreth's music tells stories of a childhood immersed in the South and produces a sound that is synonymous with the homogenous blend of Cajun, zydeco, country and blues that opens the door to the solid bottomless power of heart-felt and country-fed Southern blues music.
I had a chance to meet with Landreth and here's what he had to say.
JO: What influences in your life have most impacted your music?
SL: For the most part, the culture of South Louisiana - Lafayette in particular. It's really a special place for me because it's so deep in tradition, with the music and the food, the way people dance - just their whole outlook on life. It gave me a great point of reference and a background to grow up hearing a lot of different kinds of music.
JO: What is it like to be signed to Sugar Hill Records and to be able to share common ground with artists like Sam Bush, Ricky Skaggs, Robert Earl Keen, Nickel Creek, and The Gourds?
SL: It's really great. First of all, Sugar Hill is an artist-oriented label and basically that means you feel the freedom to create. In the past the other labels were a lot more formatted and there was pressure to produce a certain type of music, but that's not the case here. I feel very much at home. And speaking of all of the above, they're all such great artists and I feel a kinship with them. I think there's a strength-in-numbers factor that really kind of gets you down the road.
JO: Out of all your albums, which one means the most to you and why?
SL: Well that's a tough one; each one of them has their own vibe that I have a personal attachment to. And particularly if you look back and you reflect on your experiences at the time, what was going on in the world and what was going on in your personal world, it becomes reflected in that album. So I don't think that I can pick one in particular.
JO: Well, maybe if someone who had never listened to your music before was going to pick up one of your CDs and listen to it, which one do you think would be the most geared toward that?
SL: I tend to point back to Outward Bound because that was where the whole thing took off for me - in sense of a major label, as well as in terms of both songwriting and vision. The reason is because Outward Bound in 1992, South of I-10 in 1995 and Levee Town in 2000 all formed somewhat of a trilogy in songwriting and concept for me - there's definitely a common thread that runs through there.
JO: You talked about each album reflecting an experience or an obstacle, both musical and personal. What are some that you have overcome to stand where you are now?
SL: Probably for the most part of getting into the mindset of being able to wear different hats at the same time - as a songwriter, as a guitarist and producer.
JO: I understand that the early 1930s delta blues legend Robert Johnson inspired and impelled you as a musician. If you could say one thing to him today what would it be?
SL: I would thank him profusely for opening my eyes and ears to the most soulful music that I've ever heard, but also for the epic journey of the story song. In other words, how his guitar work supports the lyrics of the song, while still keeping in mind the importance of telling the story. His music will withstand the tests of time. There is an element of mystery and passion in his music that is in a league of its own.
JO: What are your views or opinions on the recent steps taken by the RIAA to stop pirated music downloads online and how has file sharing benefited or stifled your own music as an artist?
SL: Frankly, I'm on the fence about the whole thing. There is so much happening in the economy, technology and at the major labels that the jury is still. I think that it does affect artists to a degree, but I am not convinced that it is to the degree that record companies would have the public believe. I think things are changing for the good, but there are some not so good things that have to happen first for that pendulum to swing back in the direction of where it really ought to be, for the artist and for the public.
JO: What pieces of advice can you give to young artists about the music industry?
SL: In the big picture, one thing always leads to another. Meanwhile, if you have it in your heart to play music for your life and for your career, go for it. I will tell you the same thing all of my mentors told me when I was younger, and that's simply how difficult it really is. If you decide on it, go for it, but you have to prepare and be ready to dedicate your life to it. You need to be ready to compete in a very competitive world of playing music. You have to be prepared for times when you are the only person who believes in yourself.
Landreth will be playing tomorrow at the Mercy Lounge at 9:30 p.m. Tickets for the show are $13 in advance and $15 at the door.
For more information on Landreth, Sugar Hill Records or the Mercy Lounge, visit www.sonnylandreth.com, www.sugarhillrecords.com or www.mercylounge.com.
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