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David Lee Murphy
There are probably two main ways of making music. With the heart all over it, or just trying to pretend there is a heart being actually portrayed all over it. The first one is always genuine. The second one will not stand the test of time. Whether we want to admit it or not, there are not many genuine artists out there nowadays. And David Lee is probably on the very top of that privileged list. Because he is as good as they come. And maybe a little bit controversial too. But isn’t that what we all like about him anyway? He is not a Traditional Country artist, and yet he isn’t what they call Today’s Country either. He is right there in the middle, doing things his way. And keeping an eye to the past that brought us where we are today, but without denying his right to make his own Country sound. They can consider him to be an outlaw, but he won’t ever claim he is one, since he learned from Waylon Jennings himself what being an outlaw meant back then, and he isn’t sure what that word stands for these days. He is honest. Just like the music he lives for. David Lee Murphy is rough around the edges and terribly smart, Country to the core and true to himself. But different and never willing to follow anybody’s railroad tracks. Just like his music, he is a mixture of what’s right and wrong. But who’s to say? David Lee Murphy is an artist of his own. I would tell you to love him, because he means every single thing he says, sings and writes about. And that is worth a lot of respect. His song writing has always been outstanding: he has been recently honored by The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) on their 43rd Annual Country Music Awards for his song "Loco", included on David Lee’s 2004 album “Tryin’ to get there”, which he wrote with Kim Tribble. And Country artists, such as Kenny Chesney (“Living in fast forward”), Reba McIntire (“Red roses won’t work now”), Aaron Tippin (“People like us”), Trick Pony (“On a mission”) and Doug Stone (“High weeds and rust”), among many others, have appreciated his writing skills over the years. Do you need more names? Chris Ledoux, Montgomery Gentry, Hank Jr. and Brooks & Dunn. And he is not done yet. Just wait and see. If there is one full artist on Country Music that combines Country, Southern Rock and Rock music sounds, that must be him. For those who talk about a new Country Music Era, David Lee Murphy should be somebody to have in mind. He has been in Nashville long enough to grow as a songwriter and as an artist. Even if he paid no mind to the kind of sound Music City was going for back when he first started with his 1985 band Blue Tick Hounds, he reinvented himself to make his great debut album with MCA a decade after (“Out with a Bang”, 1995), that included his first number one hit “Dust on the bottle”. And David Lee Murphy has been a part of our Country lives ever since, especially as a songwriter. He also left his mark on the CMT.com Studio 330 Sessions, with the acoustic performances of “Loco”, “Scatter the Ashes”, “Tryin’ to get there” and “Ghost in the jukebox”. His answers were quick. The interview was short. But it sure was one interesting experience. This is David Lee Murphy. Get ready to love him. Or not… Esther Berlanga- Where’s David Lee Murphy trying to get nowadays? David Lee Murphy- The same place I've always been trying to get. And I'm still not real sure where that is. E.B.- How would you describe your music? D.L.M.- It's fun-edgy-slightly-trashy and intended for recreational use only. EB.- What was the most important thing you wanted to communicate with your album “Tryin’ to get there”?
E.B.- Who are your main influences in Country Music? D.L.M.- My biggest influences were guys like Waylon and Willie, Johnny Paycheck and Merle Haggard. I also liked Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Allman Brothers. I really had all kinds of influences. E.B.- Tell me about the cut “Tryin’ to get there”. D.L.M.- From a sentimental standpoint it's probably one of my favorite songs. I co-wrote it with Waylon. It's about tryin' to reach that higher place in life wherever that is. We wrote it in 1999 I think and I really wanted Waylon to sing it on the record 'cause he could kill it. But Waylon was there when we cut it, and the band kind of stepped up to the next level. I'll always remember that. E.B.- What’s an Outlaw to David Lee? D.L.M.- I don't know, but I think Waylon would say its gettin' outta hand. E.B.- Was “Loco” another way of paying tribute to Waylon Jennings? D.L.M.- No, not really. It just popped out, "I might be a little bit Loco but it keeps me from losin' my mind." I knew after I said it somebody would hear another possible translation, "I've always been crazy but it kept me from going insane," so yeah I guess you can tell who I grew up listening too. E.B.- What do you feel prouder of about the album “Tryin’ to get there”? D.L.M.- Well "I" think it's the best record we've put out yet, from just a total package standpoint. Better songs and production. I'm proud of the whole thing. E.B.- What’s Country Music to you? D.L.M.- That's too heavy… E.B.- Why do you think it is important and necessary to respect the legends of Country Music? D.L.M.- Because they "brung" us to the dance. If you listen to this last album I guess you can tell how I feel. There were so many great artists who influenced me. As you listen to music as a kid and young adult you start doing it a certain way. That's why bands like the Beatles, who loved Buddy Holly and the Crickets, and the Everly Brothers developed the sound and style they had. Elvis loved Roy Orbison and guys like that. It's all intertwined. There is a song on the record called "Ghost in the Jukebox" and another one called "Beggin' for Affection" which is a tip of the hat to the legends. But I like both Honky Tonk and New Country. There's some I like more than others. It's a big world and that's what makes it fun. If it was all the same it would get boring to somebody real fast. E.B.- You wrote or co-wrote all the songs in this album. What’s the most difficult thing about writing a song to you? D.L.M.- Knowing when to quit. E.B.- Women and your songs. D.L.M.- The women are almost always smart, sassy, and not about to take an ounce of crap from anybody. But that's the kind of women I like. E.B.- What’s the best song you have ever written? D.L.M.- I heard Willie say one time picking your favorite song is like picking your favorite kid. I can't do it. E.B.- What’s the main thing we all should know about you? D.L.M.- My jail time will be up in six months.... E.B.- Any plans for the near future, as far a new studio album, or song writing? D.L.M.- I write songs everyday one way or the other. It's kind of like having a job that's really your hobby. In that respect I've really been blessed. I record stuff all the time and I'm gonna wait 'til I have what I think is a really good project, and when it makes sense put out a new album E.B.- Tell me about your European experience. D.L.M.- I recently played at a rodeo in France and had a great time. The people were warm and friendly and treated us like old friends. The food was great, the wine flowed and I didn't go to sleep until I got on the plane to leave. So I definitely got my money's worth. We love it and the guys in my band are still talking about it. We just didn't have enough time. A European tour is at the top of my wish list. E.B.- A word that defines you. D.L.M.- That one depends on who you ask... Esther Berlanga – CMA Spain
Website:
www.davidlee.com |
