Houston Bernards Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the
first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen
or heard you?
Answer: I feel the music I play is honest and not over produced. Its a mix of what I love most about country music.
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer: This last year has been great, the new music I
have recorded has really been exciting and I cant wait to share it. We
are getting more and more opportunities. It has been years since I have
been to Germany and I cant wait to come back.
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how is it doing?
Answer: The
latest single we are releasing is called “American Dream” For me it
reflects the dreams we have, following our dreams and the challenges
along the way.
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for
your CD?
Answer: I write or co write most of the music I release but sometimes I find a song I wish I wrote and would love to perform and sometimes get that opportunity.
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Answer: The
difference is where I recorded the album. This time I worked with Bill
McDermott, producing in Nashville. He is a Nashville legend and I find
that each time I record new music I believe its better and better.
Lamitschka: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Answer: I
like to record songs that speak to me and move me, I found that when I
would record vocals on these current songs that I would get choked up,
thats how I would know I nailed it. Meaning, the best I could offer.
Lamitschka: What is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded and what's the story behind it?
Answer: The
Driving – I wrote it right after I came back from a short tour and it
was one of the most challenging trips. It was pretty crazy, dangerous
and sleepless. I wrote it with my buddy Jake Anderson. Missing home,
missing your family could almost be a cliche at this point for touring
musicians but it doesnt make it any less real. Im surprised I survived
that trip, almost got arrested and almost died. Crazy.
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?
Answer: At this point being independent I have total control and I love feedback from my team and fans.
Lamitschka: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
Answer: We
have a song called “Ready to Leave” about personal experience in
domestic violence. I did not think it would resonate the way it has and
Im glad it has empowered some people to leave the unhealthy
circumstances. It can be a scary journey.
Lamitschka: Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer: I
love so many artists, new ones every day, dating back since the
beginning with Hank WIlliams, Willie Nelson, Bruce SPringsteen, John
Mellencamp, Dwight Yoakam to other artists like Tyler Childers, Kacey
Musgraves and Sturgill Simpson.