Song River
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| Photo Credit: Ron Fenn |
Ten
years or ten minutes... time certainly waits for no one. Chatting
with my friend, Ben Wells today of Black Stone Cherry as they are out
on tour currently supporting their latest album, Kentucky. I asked
Ben to take us back to their first recording at Barrick's Recording
and reflect upon the first time they entered the studio to record
their first self-titled album, Black Stone Cherry and this last
recording session for their new album, Kentucky. Warmly and with
fondness Ben talked to me about BSC's past, present, but most
importantly their future in the world of hard rock.
Song
River: Ben, let's start with looking at the song material written
back then in comparison to now.
Ben
Wells: Years ago when we first started we just wrote. Radio wasn't
something we thought about. We just wrote what we liked. In a way, we
kinda got back to that vibe this go around. We just want to make
music that is natural and not written for any type of success. I
think that's what will make it successful in the long run.
SR:
Have you found the words and thoughts come easier/harder/same in your
songwriting as they did back at the beginning?
BW:
It's an ongoing process. They come and go. Sometimes we can be really
influenced and have so many ideas coming at us. Other times we can
hit a dry spell. It happens. But it all needs to come naturally and
not forced. It's always been that way with us.
SR:
Did you feel the same sense of anticipation when you create, record
and the perform?
BW:
If anything I get more nervous now I think. I love it. I love the
butterflies. I love the feeling of performing and writing and
recording. Maybe it's because people are listening more now, but I
love the fun pressure.
SR:
Butterflies duly noted... Has there ever been a level of angst about
the material you produce?
BW:
I wouldn't say we are an angry band. We are a positive band. We may
sing about situations or things that bother us, but we never leave
the song on a dark note. There's always a place to shine positivity.
SR:
Have you changed at all in your approach and interaction in your art?
BW:
I don't think so. If anything we've gotten back to not over thinking
it. Just creating it.
SR:
It is so important not to over think creativity, it really stifles
it.
Reflect
back to the first time you walked into that studio- describe how it
looked, felt- now compare those same emotions to now.
BW:
I was overwhelmed, excited and nervous. We all were. We wanted to
play our parts right, and sing in key and were so nervous. We
didn't know the process. But we had a great time. Some of the best
times.
SR:
I was reading that the certain element of youth has been kept on this
album, Kentucky. How has it held that element?
BW:
100%. That was our goal and it felt so good to just go in and be us.
We self-produced this album. Did it all on our own. And the fans will
hear that it's a true representation of BSC.
SR:
The 1940's bungalow that appears on your latest album, Kentucky,
seems to hold some special meaning.
BW:
That's our heart as a band. The practice house. It's where the band
started, where we write, where we practice, where we meet. It's our
haven. People love to come hang there with us. It's such a cool
country vibe. Literally in the middle of nowhere. We wanted it on the
cover to show people our roots.
SR:
Fans love to feel that sense of connection, showing where we come
from really brings them in closer.
It
almost seems in many ways, this album and this point in your lives is
about coming back home.
BW:
In a way. I mean, we all still live in Kentucky. We love it here.
It's our home. And we are proud of it so we wanted to record here
again. I mean..why not! [laughed]
SR:
Is Kentucky more of a reflective album, or a recalling
yesterday leading to what tomorrow will bring?
BW:
Definitely looking forward.
SR:
Hard rock. Is it still just alive today in the age range of 30 to 40
and is it relatable to those 20 and under?
BW:
In certain places of the world it still reigns as king of the genres.
Rock is alive as long as people are playing it and people are
listening to it.
SR:
Does Black Stone Cherry ever believe that there
is a time to make a statement on our social and cultural lifestyle?
Where does the track “The Way of the Future” fit into all this?
BW:
It is our view of certain situations. We aren't really a big
political band, but every now and then we'll speak up a bit.
SR:
Talk to me about the song, “The Rambler” what is there in the
crux of this tune?
BW:
It's a beautiful song. One of my favorites. It totally captures what
we do in our lives and people will relate to that because everyone
can feel the emotion in that song. Very special.
SR:
Live? So it would seem that is the true baptism of BSC. What
transpires and brings about this conversion do you think when you are
experienced live?
BW:
It's us cut loose. It's BSC in your face. Loud and heavy. Soulful and
emotional. It's where our personalities meet the music and that's
what it's all about with us.
SR:
As a group of friends, as a clan, as a family, as a band BSC has
stayed true. What is it you all decided back at the beginning that
has been the go to- that kept you rocking and solid?
BW:
It has to do with where we are from, how we were raised, and the fact
that we are FRIENDS before we are a band. We are all in this
together.
SR:
To another ten years of BSC? What is it all of you see and want?
BW:
I hope we are putting out more music, touring and making new fans,
and doing more of this! Talking about BSC!
Black Stone Cherry Links:
BSC Website
BSC Twitter
BSC Facebook
Black Stone Cherry Links:
BSC Website
BSC Twitter
BSC Facebook
Black Stone Cherry- "In Our Dreams"