Interview: Dan Smalley on ‘The State Of Country Music’
Tell us a bit about your album The State of Country Music.
The State Of Country Music is a collection of songs written and recorded in Nashville, TN that represent who I am as a person and an artist, pulling from every one of my influences and introducing a new sound to the landscape that is Country Music.
You were born in Alaska and are by your own admission a “military brat”- how has your upbringing shaped your songwriting?
Growing up all over the place made me pretty quick at adapting to situations where you’re kind of required to find your spot where you contribute the most within certain environments. As a songwriter, you tend to wear different hats at times. From the lyric hat to the melody hat, to the riff hat to the vibe hat… so many hats. Being able to find your place for the sake of the song is crucial to co-writing.
Country music is definitely on the rise across the world – why do you think people connect with it?
I have a hard time figuring out trends usually. I think it’s really cool the state of country music we’re in has garnered such a global appeal.
Which other artists songs might we have heard your writing on?
I have a handful of cuts from artist you may recognize! Mr. Trace Adkins, from my neck of the woods in Louisiana, cut a song I wrote with Casey Bethard and Houston Phillips called “Find My Groove”. I also have an Ashley McBryde cut called “Velvet Red” that we wrote together with Trick Savage. And Randall King has cut a couple tunes we penned together on his last two records called “Hard Way To Make It Rain” and “Tonk Till I Die”.
You toured England in March – what was that like? Had you played in the UK before?
So the UK run in March was a dream. It was my first trip to England, Scotland and Ireland. From Glasgow to Belfast, to Newcastle, York, Birmingham, Leicester, London, Oswestry and Manchester! Jumping trains and planes and walking the cobblestone of England was good for my soul. We (Jeremy McComb and Gary Quinn) laughed a lot and really had an amazing run of shows.
Is there anywhere you are particularly keen to get back to/come to for the first time in the UK?
So I’ve still yet to properly see London. Would love to see the London Bridge and Big Ben!
Where can we hear your new album?
The new album will out on all streaming platforms and iTunes – check out https://www.dansmalleyofficial.com – thank you, Massive Country!
