JOE NICHOLS

To many music industry insiders in the USA, country recording artist Joe Nichols is on the verge of becoming a household name.
Why? Because the moment one hears the vocals on his new album, “Man With A Memory”, one fact becomes crystal clear.

Joe Nichols has plenty of soul in his voice. And, when he shares that soul with listeners, the songs can become magical.
Within the mix of the music on his new album, Nichols soulful quality has ignited a spark, which has fueled his debut single, “The Impossible”, into skyrocketing sales and propelled the song to the status of the Number One country single in the USA. (Note: On Radio & Records Country Radio Airplay Chart.)

And with nearly every country music critic in the USA, already proclaiming the Rogers, Arkansas, native as country music’s next “superstar”, the twenty-five year old is to many, the hottest country recording artist of 2002. In the following interview the singer and songwriter, speaks of his interpretation of the word “soul”, in relation to his own brand of country music.

(Q)- Why does the hit single “The Impossible” relate to so many people?

(A)- I think the tragedy it talks about, everybody has a story like that to tell at one time or another. It’s a song about a real live story, it’s not a typical love story.

(Q)- Does your definition of traditional country music, mean songs with lyrics that are about “emotional” subject matter in regards to everyday life?
Joe Nichols- Absolutely.

(Q)- And that relates to your current hit single?
(A)- Yes. That’s what draws me to it, the song is about real life and the song has no façade, no show to it.

(Q)- Your voice is unique. You possess the talent for conveying emotion via your vocals and songs. While the music on your new album is traditional country, in some ways, the music is also about singing songs with “soul” in your voice. Is that a part of what being a traditional country singer is about to you?

(A)- Oh yeah! The main thing about making this album is that first of all, I made an album that I’d buy myself. And, in order for me to buy a record, the record has to be soulful and that’s what I love about country music. What I want to do is, sing with every bit of meaning in my voice that I can. The bottom line is to have “soul” and to make it country. I hope people can realize that what is country music’s strong point.

(Q)- Adversity and overcoming adversity are key components of a traditional country song.
(A)- Adversity has definitely been pretty thick in my life.

(Q)- In what way?
(A)- Money of course is always tough on everybody and growing up, we didn’t really have a lot. But at the same time, that proved to be a motivator.

(Q)-Do you feel the style of country music that is steeped in the traditional elements and yet has a vintage sound with a modern production, has the potential to find once again, a prominent place in overall music industry?

(A)- I think so. The country genre has always been right for it. Now, in the era that we’re in, it is tough to do something different. It’s tough to do something that is real and comes from the heart. No matter what it sounds like. That is why I think the time is right currently. We need someone to come along and deliver. Now that’s not to say that I’m the only guy to do that. However the time is right.

(Q)- What is the experience been like for you to actually take your music out on the road and perform live in concert?
(A)- It’s more fulfilling to play to live, because with the music I have and the style that I have relates to people on an everyday level. I sing about stuff that happens in everyday life. So it’s a very fulfilling experience to see people come out and actually appreciate the music I’m doing.

(Q)- Why?
(A)- Because I grew up in the country I wasn’t raised in the city. The simple, good, hard working folk are still out there digging country music. To them it’s cool. I think we’ve all been waiting for a while for some kind of spark to have the country once again speak up musically and come to the forefront and into the mainstream (of pop culture in the USA.). The time is right and country music is in a great place for that to happen. That is what we wanted to do with this new album. Go back to the good old days when country music was made from the heart.

(Q)- What country legend influenced your music the most?

Joe Nichols- Merle Haggard. His songwriting was real. I’ve always been a fan of realness in songwriting and singing. He sings with more soul then I’ve ever heard in any other singer, he writes stories that are poetic.

(Q)- Has another artist in this past year offered words of support to you in regards to your music?
Joe Nichols- I have not met Alan Jackson but Alan Jackson did get my record. He is a big supporter of it and he loves the fact that it’s traditional and he has come out and said in a magazine that my album is one of his favorite new albums and to me, that’s a pretty big boost.