Lucky Ned Pepper Interview

Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  We’re just releasing our first CD „Get Lucky“ this year, so this year will be the start of things for us.

Lamitschka:  How did you choose the title for the CD?  Is there a story behind the name?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  Not much of a story, we just thought it was fun!

Lamitschka:  Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  We both write a little bit, but all of the songs on this CD were written by other writers.  Most of them came from writers we know back in Nashville.  Larry Bastian is a good friend of ours and we recorded 5 of his songs on this CD.   He has written several number 1 songs for Garth Brooks and a list of hits for other artists as well.  Some of the other writers are Dean Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Max T. Barnes, Chris Cagle, Jason Greene and others.

Lamitschka:  Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).

Lucky Ned Pepper:  I think they were songs that really said something us.  We picked songs that we can relate to, and songs that we would listen to as fans.  There’s a pretty good mix of songs on this CD, but mostly just good country music!

Lamitschka: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  The single is called “I Remember The Music”, and I think it’s something a lot of people can relate to.  It’s about songs making us remember different times in our life and the feelings that come along with those memories.  But instead of being bittersweet, it’s definitely more celebratory and its just a lot of fun.

Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  Just good music.  I’ve had ballads that were my favorite, and upbeat songs that were my favorite.  I think that almost changes with my mood.  I really like songs that are vocal heavy right now.  They’re a lot of fun to perform.

Lamitschka: You did a duet with _Joy Sampson. How did that happen to come about?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  Joy came into the project to sing backup vocals, and eventually became part of the group.  We picked a couple of songs to sing as duets, but before it was time to put the album out, Joy had to leave the group to have a baby and take some time off.  So now, we’re a duo instead of a trio, but we really wanted to keep those songs, so there they are.

Lamitschka:  How much creative control do you have over your music?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  All the creative control we want, which can feel like too much!  Sometimes it’s nice to have somebody pull you back just a bit, but it is nice to have the freedom.

Lamitschka:  Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  I think we’re inspired by so many country artists from George Strait, the Eagles, Chris Young, Merle Haggard, Brad Paisley, etc., etc., etc.

Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  I try not to concern myself with the scene, and try to focus on what we feel is great music right now for us.  We  just want fans to feel something special…to be able to connect and get some joy out of the music.

Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  It’s complicated, and so much fun at the same time.  It’s interesting to wake up every morning and it seems Like it is different than the day before!  Certainly not boring!

Lamitschka: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  I don’t know that I would change anything, but we always hope for honesty and integrity from the people in the industry.  I don’t think I mind so much when someone doesn’t like our music, just as long as they’ll give us a chance if they do.

Lamitschka:  As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  The studio is a great place, but there’s nothing like being on stage!

Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  I think that evolves everyday…I’ve never felt that there are borders on music.

Lamitschka:  What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?

LuckyNed Pepper:  I think our passion for our music and for performing is usually evident to people, and it seems to be something people are drawn to.

Lamitschka: When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  We’re both big on hanging out with our families.  It doesn’t really matter what we’re doing.

Lamitschka: Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?

LuckyNed Pepper:  Every day.  I think that’s the fun thing about life…it just keeps on changing and every day you get to make new choices.

Lamitschka: What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  Just a lot of fun, a lot of energy, and some great music.  We’re always looking for a few surprises to throw out there too.

Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?

Lamitschka:  What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?

Lucky Ned Pepper:  There’s a lot, but I have always loved “Where the Green Grass Grows” by Tim McGraw, and I don’t know if it’s  his favorite, but I know Rick wishes we could’ve cut “Voices” by Chris Young… so many great songs.

Lamitschka: What message would you like to send your European fans?

LuckyNed Pepper:  We’ll be there soon, hopefully!!!

Lamitschka: Describe what a perfect day is like for you.

Lucky Ned Pepper:  Wake up at home with my wife and son, go catch a plane to some huge country music festival, play to 30,000 people, eat some good food, hop back on the plane to head home, and go home to hang out with my wife and son again before bed time.  That day hasn’t happened yet, but I’m not giving up!

Christian Lamitschka (
CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com
)