10 Questions with…Heidi Newfield

12 years ago Liv Carter Comments Off on 10 Questions with…Heidi Newfield

The good people at All Access recently chatted with Heidi Newfield for a 10-question Q&A. They covered the new music, her musical influences and some of her favorite things.

1. What has been going on lately? I hear there’s a new record in the works.
I’ve been super busy lately! Just the way I like it! Gearing up for the new single, “Why’d Ya Have To Be So Good,” shooting the video, writing, touring, meetings, choosing new management, creating the new website and getting all my social media linked up, AND getting ready to get back in the studio to put the finishing touches on the album in August. It’s feeling like my best work yet. A natural creative evolution.

2. You were raised on a Quarter Horse farm in California, correct? How did growing up there influence your music?
Yes. Growing up on a working ranch with Quarter Horses and just about every other kind of animal, including a pet raccoon named Porgy. I learned how to work hard from a very young age. I was in 4-H and was involved in sports and high school rodeo, so it was a blast! But, it all taught me about responsibility and building a good work ethic. I always had a horse to climb on after school. All the county fairs, horse shows, trail rides, hunting trips, and rodeos were a natural fit for Country music being the sound track of my youth. Country traditionalists like Hank Sr. to the Outlaw era, to the great ladies of the day like Loretta, Dolly, Emmylou, and Tammy were always a part of my upbringing. I feel blessed to have grown up with such a wealth of great musical talent teaching me, molding me, and making a lasting impact on me!

3. What do you think sets Country music apart from other genres?
Reality. Country Music has always been honest. It’s never been afraid to tackle real life subject matters, even when balancing ‘show business and entertainment’. It’s still about a great song, a memorable melody, and relatable lyrics.

4. What is your favorite thing about the album making process?
I love being in the studio! I love the creative process, digging in and ‘building’ a fabulous record. Tracking is probably my favorite part- when we are ALL there playing off of one another, being inspired by what or how someone plays from song to song. I also love laying harmonies down. That process is always fun, because if the song calls for it- you can really begin to feel it all come together when you lay down those harmonies.

5. Who are some of your influences?
I am a fan of great singers and even more so, if they are great ‘entertainers’ as well! Elvis, Hank Jr., Tina Turner, Tanya Tucker, Kenny Rogers and Dolly, Waylon and Willie, Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, Ray Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Clapton, The Beatles, Vince Gill, Etta James, Aerosmith, Zepplin, James Brown, Loretta, and Beyonce to name a few.

6. When did you first know you wanted to be an artist?
I was 6 years old. I got up and sang with the band on a trail ride way up in the boon docks. I sang Delta Dawn, and I just knew! My path was clear from then on.

7. Besides music, what are some of your favorite things to do in Nashville?
I love movies, reading, gardening, working out, riding motorcycles & cutting horses, cooking, and when I’m in the mood, shopping.

8. What are some things you do to “stay normal?” This business can be overwhelming at times and everyone needs a break every now and then.
All of the above. I also just like to be around good friends and family. I’m not the “diva” kind, but if I ever had a ‘moment’, my girlfriends or sisters would bitch slap me!

9. What’s the craziest thing a fan has ever done?
Show up at my house! How’d they find out where I lived??? Dang!

10. What is the funniest story about being on the road that you probably shouldn’t tell? Either about you, band, road crew- anyone!
Oh Lord!!! That’s a tough one!!! Most are not “tell able”. There’s this thing called, “the code of the road,” so, I’ll plead the 5th on this one.

Bonus Questions:

1. What’s your poison? Aka “big girl drink?”
I’m a whiskey girl. I like Crown Black, straight up with a Coors Light back (unless Bud Light wants to endorse me) I also love wine!
I always keep some good red wine on my bus at all times!

2. If you could duet with anyone dead or alive, who would be it?
Right now? George Strait

3. Who are some of your favorite artists- outside of Country?
I’m a music FAN! I buy a lot of music of all kinds. Rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, soul, new age and classical. From AC/DC to Zeppelin. Love Adele, Springsteen, The Civil Wars, Amos Lee, Ray Lamontagne, Cas Haley, Marley, Van Halen, Cold Play, U2, Dave Matthews Band, David Gray, Miles Davis, Bird, David Sanborn, Clapton, Derek Trucks and Skynard. Ella, Enya, Eva Cassidy, Tom Petty, G Love, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jill Scott, John Hiatt, Jeff Beck, Kid Rock, Lenny Kravitz, Bill Withers, The Stones, Ryan Adams, Sting, Tony Bennett- my iPod is chalked full of good music!

[via allaccess.com]
Liv Carter

Liv Carter

Liv is a career coach for creatives, and the people who work with them.
She holds several certificates from Berklee College of Music, and a certificate in Positive Psychology from UC Berkeley.
Her main influences are coffee, cats, and Alexander Hamilton.
Liv Carter

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