Perhaps no singer/songwriter has witnessed a larger groundswell in his fan base over the last four years than Corey Smith. Recently, Smith released the 11-track disc Keeping Up With The Joneses on the Broken Bottle Music label. On Sunday, December 27, Smith will return to Birmingham for a performance at the Alabama Theatre. Recently, Smith spoke to us by phone from his home near Athens, Ga.
BT: Corey, thanks for your time. We're really enjoying Keeping Up With The Joneses - I know you must be pleased with the final result.
CS: I'm very happy about it. It's great to finally have it out and to have people listening to it - It's a big relief.
BT: If you will, talk about the writing and recording process for the album.
CS: Most of the songs - with the exception of maybe two or three - I wrote between December and February of last year. I had a pretty good chunk of time off from Christmas to the end of January, and I knew that I was going to be sitting down and writing a record. I usually write best when I'm at home - I'm content at home and I get into a regimented schedule and I'm thinking, reading and writing a lot. The record does a pretty good job of taking a snap shot of my state of mind over the past year. We spent most of May in the studio and and we were in the studio for part of June as well. I did more with pre-production on this record than I had on any of my others.
BT: How do you feel about technology's impact on the music industry in the age of iTunes, Youtube and satellite radio among other outlets?
CS: It's definitely a double-edge sword. On one hand, it's great for consumers because consumers have more choices than ever and they don't have to depend on radio or MTV to tell them what's good - they can dig around and decide for themselves what's good. At the same time, it gives artists more opportunities - there are fewer barriers to the marketplace. It's made the industry much more democratic. However, the other side is that there is a lot of poor-quality music out there as as result of this. I personally think that it's good - technology has allowed me to develop gradually as an artist. I finally understand what my message is and have the skills and experience to convey the message I want to convey to people.
BT: You've always had a loyal fan base and the grassroots movement has been key to your success as a touring artist. If you will, talk about the evolution of your career to this point.
CS: It's really been about the fans - it's been a very organic thing. I certainly never expected to be able to make a living playing music, much less be able to travel around and have the success we've had. We've been blessed to be in the right place at the right time with the right songs.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $20 - $25 day of the show - and can be purchased at www.alabamatheatre.com or by calling 715-6000.
BT: Corey, thanks for your time. We're really enjoying Keeping Up With The Joneses - I know you must be pleased with the final result.
CS: I'm very happy about it. It's great to finally have it out and to have people listening to it - It's a big relief.
BT: If you will, talk about the writing and recording process for the album.
CS: Most of the songs - with the exception of maybe two or three - I wrote between December and February of last year. I had a pretty good chunk of time off from Christmas to the end of January, and I knew that I was going to be sitting down and writing a record. I usually write best when I'm at home - I'm content at home and I get into a regimented schedule and I'm thinking, reading and writing a lot. The record does a pretty good job of taking a snap shot of my state of mind over the past year. We spent most of May in the studio and and we were in the studio for part of June as well. I did more with pre-production on this record than I had on any of my others.
BT: How do you feel about technology's impact on the music industry in the age of iTunes, Youtube and satellite radio among other outlets?
CS: It's definitely a double-edge sword. On one hand, it's great for consumers because consumers have more choices than ever and they don't have to depend on radio or MTV to tell them what's good - they can dig around and decide for themselves what's good. At the same time, it gives artists more opportunities - there are fewer barriers to the marketplace. It's made the industry much more democratic. However, the other side is that there is a lot of poor-quality music out there as as result of this. I personally think that it's good - technology has allowed me to develop gradually as an artist. I finally understand what my message is and have the skills and experience to convey the message I want to convey to people.
BT: You've always had a loyal fan base and the grassroots movement has been key to your success as a touring artist. If you will, talk about the evolution of your career to this point.
CS: It's really been about the fans - it's been a very organic thing. I certainly never expected to be able to make a living playing music, much less be able to travel around and have the success we've had. We've been blessed to be in the right place at the right time with the right songs.
Tickets to the 8 p.m. show are $20 - $25 day of the show - and can be purchased at www.alabamatheatre.com or by calling 715-6000.
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