Q&A With Sunny Sweeney; Playing Chastain Amphitheater, Sept. 17

By Amanda Miles

Sunny Sweeney was named “One to Watch in 2011” by Country Weekly, praise that would prove prophetic as Sunny had the highest charting debut single for a female country artist in over four years. Her new album Concrete debuted to accolades and fans could not get enough of the smash hit ‘From a Table Away.’ Sunny invites fans into her world with authentic emotions she proudly wears on her sleeve on songs like, ‘Drink Myself Single,’ ‘It Wrecks Me,’ and ‘Helluva Heart.’ Her sound is traditional country with a modern twist, a sound she sought out producer Brett Beavers to help her craft. The result is a dynamic record she cannot wait to play live for a Georgia crowd.

Tell me about the writing and recording of  Concrete. What was that experience like? 

Writing is where my heart is. Nobody in our business would be doing this without songs. The song is always the most important to me. You can make or break with a song. It is so important. People always ask me would I rather record, write or sing live. I always tell them no, for me, I have to do all of them. I like to write the songs and play them live and see how they connect with the crowd. I think all of it is such a cool process. I love my job so much. I never want another job.

Who have you been influenced by musically?

Mostly older country. Loretta, Merle, Vern Gosdin, George Jones, Tammy Wynette. The reason I love traditional country is because their music told stories. They weren’t scared to make a splash with a topic. Loretta Lynn had a song about birth control! She was so cool, she still is cool, she sang about what she knew and what she lived. People responded to that because it was real.

I see that you have been on tour with Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum and playing with Darius Rucker this weekend. Do you have any tour stories to share? 

I have been out with Brad since May. I just cannot imagine how anyone can be cooler than him. He treats us like major rock stars (laughs). We got rained out recently and he put us on the main stage so we could still play. It was awesome. There are definitely folks who would not do that but he was like, “You came to play.” I said, “Yeah! I’ve already got my eyeliner on. I’m ready to do something!”

We played with Lady A recently and they were so nice. I don’t know if it is just the country music genre in general but they always gave us a shout out during their show.  Everyone has been so nice. It was been such a cool summer and I can’t wait to play with Darius. He’s hilarious….Hilarious Darius!

I don’t know if they have told you but Chastain normally lets folks bring in coolers. You will definitely be able to tell if they let us take in coolers, we’ll be enjoying the show very much. 

Girl, it will make me feel like I’m right at home.

I heard you like to watch trashy television when you are home. Tell me what your guilty pleasure shows are. 

The Kardashians! I can’t stop! Make it stop! Judge Joe Brown, the Kardashians, Survivor, I love them.

Sunny Sweeney plays Chastain Amphitheater With Darius Rucker, 9/17/2011 at 8:00pm