I’m generally a whole lot rock ‘n’ rock. Especially when it comes to rock. However in the nature of branching out with co-writers, I’ve got country peeps wanting to write with me. I suppose that’s a good thing. Especially since country is moving into the realm of what the ’80’s hair metal genre was.
In a few minutes I’ve got a vocal session with two singers coming in to lay down their country vibe on a tune I’ve recently crafted with Aubrey Richmond. We’re doing a male version, a female version and a duet version. Should be fun. I would sing the male part, the only problem is, I don’t have a country voice to do it. Once that’s done I can get a good mix on the demo and ship it off to some of my contacts in Nashville. ‘Cause if you’re thinking country ya gotta go to the capital.
Speaking of country going the way of ’80’s hair metal, I’m under the impression that it all started with today’s pick. Why would I say that? Well, being versed in the ways of guitar god-dom. I’m familiar with Def Leppard. In case you’re not schooled enough in who brought them to massive fame – it would be Mutt Lange. Mutt is not his real first name, but he is a producer extraordinaire. He made them what they are.
If you listen closely to Shania’s material, you will hear riffs and motifs that come from the early Def Leppard era. You will also hear a very similar approach to the production. Why would this be? A simple answer really – Shania had married Mr. Lange. What better way to get a career? That’s not to say she’s not extremely pretty to look at, and she can put on a hell of a show. She can even sing a bit. All that combines to a very slick sound that has morphed country.
Don’t have Shania? Go get her!