Interview: Clint Black
Part of the heralded Class of 1989 alongside Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson, Clint Black has maintained his status as one of country music’s top acts through a steady stream of hits and his beloved personality.
Prior to his Oct. 24 show at the U.S. Cellular Center — part of a tour commemorating the 30th anniversary of his debut album Killin’ Time — Black spoke with Asheville Stages about his current relationship with those breakthrough songs, his recent inspirations, and the status of his acting career.
Edwin Arnaudin: What’s your history with Asheville?
Clint Black: I’ve played Asheville many times over the years, most memorably at the Biltmore Estate. Also, I have friends who live in Asheville and I hope to see when I’m there.
EA: In your recent songwriting, what’s been inspiring you on a lyrical and sonic level?
CB: I’m still inspired by the process — getting the sounds just right, making sure every instrument has its place in the mix, and getting the lyrics right. The challenge of the craft is to stay inspired through the long months of making a record. I’ve developed ways of doing that and I still enjoy the process, possibly more than ever.
Personally, I have a well of inspiration in my family and friendships. Socially, I’m a novice and will only show off my ignorance to a few close friends. Ha!
EA: How has your relationship to the songs on Killin’ Time changed over the past 30 years? Have certain ones taken on new meaning for you since the album’s release?
CB: Those songs are snapshots for me, like family photos. I still love the songs, but I look beyond them to the entire body of work to see who I was and who I’ve become as a writer/performer/producer.
In various situations, though, I do see other viewpoints in the lyrics. It’s interesting to think of how others relate — to imagine how they look or feel to everyone else. [It’s] hard to step outside myself, but every now and then I feel like I get a glimpse of who others think I am based on the songs.
EA: Who’s in the band you’re bringing to Asheville and why are they good fits to help realize your songs in a live setting?
CB: Hayden [Nicholas (guitar)], Dick [Gay (drums)], and Jake [Willemain (bass)] have been with me since I put the band together to showcase for my record deal in 1987. Dwain Rowe (keyboards) is a veteran of many years playing with Brooks and Dunn and lots of other artists. Jason Mower (fiddle/dobro/lap steel/acoustic guitar) has also played with many other artists — Shania [Twain], Keith Urban, John Fogerty, to name a few. They are a fantastic group and they get lots of moments in the show to step out and show their talents.
EA: Since the current tour commemorates Killin’ Time’s anniversary, will you be playing the album in its entirety, front to back, or mixing in its tracks throughout your set?
CB: We won’t do the whole album. Maybe someday, for a taping or something. This tour is more about the entire 30 years — many of the hits and a few deep cuts/fan favorites.
EA: This far into your career, what aspects about the current music industry most surprise you? What areas have changed most drastically and what do you feel has generally stayed the same?
CB: It’s easy for me to be critical of the current trends, but I try to keep in mind how hard everyone works to make good music. I am surprised still. I don’t think a song like “He Stopped Loving Her Today” would ever get airtime on the radio or even promoted by the current record company execs. And I feel our genre has become largely “guitar music.” Rockin’, yes, but many of the instruments we love have been drubbed out of the genre for the most part. I do feel a comeback in the works for those instruments but we’ll have to wait and see. The delivery systems have changed and the quality of the records have gone down in favor of the convenience of the delivery systems we enjoy.
One thing that remains is that touring is still the life’s blood of every artist. My band and I work very hard to keep improving on our abilities.
EA: Though I love music, my passion is reviewing and writing about movies. How did you get into acting and what have been some of your favorite filmmaking experiences?
CB: My favorite would have to be Maverick. I had shunned all attempts to get me into acting until that came along. Then I realized, “If I’m careful, I can be fairly decent and have a great time being just above below average!” I have had a lot of fun walking that tightrope.
EA: Your last credited film work was reprising the role of Toby in Flicka: Country Pride. Do you have other acting work lined up or is that chapter of your life done? And are you interested in writing and/or directing films?
CB: We are talking with a production company about some projects, but nothing to crow about yet. The big hurdle is to take on projects I will enjoy as much as performing and producing records. As far as writing and directing, I have directed many of my music videos and some TV commercials, but that’s a far cry from making films, so I tinker on my breaks. I did recently produce/direct the stage video you will see behind us on stage. These things are all food for the creative soul.
IF YOU GO
Who: Clint Black
When: Thursday, Oct. 24, 8 p.m.
Where: U.S. Cellular Center, 87 Haywood St., uscellularcenterasheville.com
Tickets: $37-$77
(Photo by Kevin Mazur)
