Q&A: Gary Allan
BySep 12, 2002 10:00 PM
Country singer Gary Allan only recently scored his first major hit, but he’s no newcomer to the stage.
Country singer Gary Allan only recently scored his first major hit, but he’s no newcomer to the stage.
Allan entered the business at the age of 12, performing at honky-tonks around California. At 15, he was offered his first recording contract, but his parents decided he should turn it down. Allan continued his career, playing bars with his father before breaking out on his own. Eventually, he inked a deal with the now-defunct Decca Records and released two little-noticed albums.
In 1999, his breakthrough album “Smoke Rings in the Dark” (MCA Records) spawned his first radio hit, “Right Where I Need to Be.”
Allan’s latest effort, “Alright Guy” (MCA), also has proven successful, thanks to the hit single “The One” and the title track, a cover of singer-songwriter Todd Snider’s rebellious, controversial song, which references Madonna’s book “Sex,” marijuana, drinking and getting arrested.
Although Allan’s lifelong goal was to be a successful musician, he still has mixed feelings.
“I think it’s a lot more politics than I ever thought it would be,” he said. “But it’s still magic, being able to live your dream.”
Allan recently talked with SoundSpike about his career, the song “Alright Guy” and traveling with six kids.
The lyrics of “Alright Guy” really defy what’s going on in country music these days.
I think country music is so politically correct right now. It’s almost like bad pop and bubble-gummy. None of my heroes were politically correct--Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings--I don’t think [being politically correct] is what country music is all about. I’m hoping to release “Alright Guy” as a single and make a video for it.
How do you think radio and video outlets will respond?
I played it live on CMT three times. I played it before a party live on TV. There’s a couple of radio stations that claimed they wouldn’t play it. But there are radio stations that are playing it. It just indicates the whole state of the country.
How did you chose the songs for the album “Alright Guy?”
Just from things I heard along the way. I pick up songs from friends. I’ve got a lot of friends that write.
While you were on the Brooks and Dunn tour, how did you spend your free time?
Playing basketball with Kix Brooks, a whole lot of the crew, the bands, the Trick Pony guys. I’m terrible but they let me play anyway.
What do you miss most when you’re on the road?
Surfing. I’m from California. I fly home and surf every chance I get. My kids do, too. I have six kids ranging from 6 to 12.
What do they think about your career? I understand they travel with you?
I think they’d rather have me have a different job. But they like it and they like to come out to the shows. I got another bus and I’m traveling with my family for the summer. There was really no other way. I couldn’t stand the idea of being away from them for so long.