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Exclusive Interview with James Carothers

James Carothers

About James Carothers

  • Interview date: March 20, 2015

  • Country: USA (Nashville, Tennessee)

  • Michael P. Young for Photos.

Why country music ?
~ It’s etched to my DNA. I was born between Jackson, TN and Tupelo, MS- so that’s just my breed. If I try to sing a different style, it still sounds country! So, I might as well stick to what sorta works- I won’t be winning any Nobel prizes, but daggumit, I can sing country music!

If everything would be possible (waking the dead included) , which two people should sing the ultimate country duet?
~ Kitty Wells and George Jones.

What song you ever recorded means the most to you and why?
~ New Country Singers because it makes people laugh- or they think I’m a huge drunk. Either way, somebody gets a laugh and I get to make fun of “bro” country!

Who would you like to write a song for you?
~ Jamey Johnson

Whisky wine beer or water?
~ George Thorogood wrote “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer” for me….true story!

What do you consider the most important change in country music during your career and what are your thoughts about it?
~ The most important change in country music is the internet. Now, guys like me don’t have to be signed to huge labels to be heard all over the world- so I like that. However, the internet makes music free so it might make it tougher to get filthy rich.

What is the question interviewers never seem to ask you and…you wish they would? (Please provide your answer as well.)
~ I wish they would ask me about big picture- international type problems. “James, how would you ease tension between Russia and the US?” James: “I would make their military leaders join a bass-fishing reality show where the winner gets to go on a date with two Kardashians.” See, I’m just as smart as all those politicians! Fire away, I’m ready for The O’Reilly Factor!

Describe the ultimate recording studio (not the technique but the facilities)
~ The ultimate studio is made of some kind of extinct wood. It has high ceilings in the tracking room, and is haunted by the ghost of Hank. I think that’s why there’s multiple “Ghost Hank” songs- they recorded in that studio! Maybe in 50 years, a studio will be haunted by the ghost of Rascal Flatts- now that’s scary!!

Johnny or June ?
~ Johnny. I don’t mean any disrespect, but I can’t imagine driving down the road thinking “if only they’d play an old Carter Family song that features June.”

Are you still nervous before going on stage and if so, do you use any “rituals” to calm you nerves.
~ I’m not very nervous about performing. I get nervous about technical things going wrong and making me and the band sound band- and there’s always a chance of that happening. Sometimes I craft a voodoo doll of the sound person for in case they mess up- that makes me feel a lot better.

What was the most memorable day in your musical career and tell us why.
~ Typical “Blues Brothers” night in Santa Fe with my old band. We played at this bar- ate and drink ourselves into owing THEM money. But to be fair, the chicken fingers were excellent! I heard the CMAs were about the same…

James Carothers Country Singer

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