If there is any chance that the name Luke Laird doesn’t ring a bell, you definitely know his work: “Take A Back Road” (Rodney Atkins), “A Little Bit Stronger” (Sara Evans), “Parking Lot Party” (Lee Brice), “You” (Chris Young), “Downtown” (Lady Antebellum), “American Kids” (Kenny Chesney), Same Trailer Different Park (Kacey Musgraves) … the list just goes on and on. With over 20 Billboard #1 singles and multiple GRAMMYs, ACM, CMA and BMI Awards, Luke is among Music City’s elite songwriters and producers. And during this quarantine, the 2x Songwriter of the Year kept his creative juices flowing with the help of his wife and sons. A fun family project led to six new songs, and The Cool Chips album was born.
We caught up with Luke to talk about his musical influences, songwriting and producing and of course, The Cool Chips.
CN: For those of our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
LL: Well, I grew up in rural northwestern Pennsylvania. I knew I wanted to be a songwriter, so my first move after high school was to go to college at MTSU. I knew it was close to Nashville and they have an amazing music business program. I played many open mic nights and songwriter nights. In those days, many nights were spent at the Broken Spoke. It was a very inspiring place with a lot of new writers, like myself, as well as some incredible veterans hanging out and playing songs. These days I am as passionate about music as ever, however my faith in Jesus and my family come before all of that.
CN: With everything that’s going on in the world in regards to COVID-19, we hope everyone in your circle is safe and healthy. How are you holding up?
LL: You know, I feel very fortunate. My family is healthy and we are safe. I know there are many people who are struggling. Hopefully, things will start to get back to normal soon, but this has been a strange year for sure.
CN: Which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as a songwriter?
LL: So many. Tom Petty, John Prine, Waylon Jennings, Chris Knight, Jay-Z, Sheryl Crow, lots of 90’s R&B and hip hop, and country music in general. I could go on, but I’ll stop there.
CN: Throughout your career you have penned so many country hits. As a storyteller, can you take us through your songwriting process? What inspires you? What does a typical writing session with you entail?
LL: Every day is different, but one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for a great idea. To me, writing a song is so much more enjoyable when you start with a great idea. That being said, many days I don’t have lyrical ideas and I like to build a track. A lot of my songs are started with having a simple 8 bar loop that can inspire something. When I co-write I typically have a folder of probably 40-50 track ideas. If my co-writer wants to listen to a few, we’ll do that, but sometimes we just write with guitars. I’m always up for whatever feels right that day. I still enjoy writing by myself, but it usually takes me a lot longer to finish a song on my own. There are so many talented songwriters in Nashville and I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some of the best.
CN: You are also one of the industry’s most successful producers. What do you look for in a project before you take it on?
LL: To be honest, I don’t usually seek out production projects. There are some producers who are great at working with lots of different artists and helping them define a sound. A good bit of the production I’ve done is when I’m writing with an artist and we, together, make a demo and it just fits right for them. One exception, is a new album I just co-produced with a duo named Everette. I was just a fan of those guys and they asked if I would be interested in producing. My role there was to help them see their vision through. They are both super talented musicians and they honestly just need a trusted third party to protect their artistry and help them finish a strong album.
CN: Do you prefer one over the other – writing or producing?
LL: That’s a tough question. I think my favorite part of the whole deal is just the initial inspiration. Whether it’s a great lyric idea or the beginning of a track that I feel has great potential. Being creative is where I feel most at home using the gifts God has given me.
CN: “Creative Nation” is the publishing and management company you created with your wife Beth. When did you both decide that you wanted to pursue your own company and help artists personally in both realms of the business??
LL: I have to give a lot of credit to Beth here. Without her there would be no Creative Nation. Beth and I were both at a point in our careers where we were ready for a change. We had just recently got married and were at a place in our careers where the timing felt right to start a company. I feel like our skillsets really compliment one another and I’m so grateful that we get to work together. I feel like we both have a heart to want to help new as well as established songwriters fulfill those dreams. It doesn’t always work out the way we hope, but just having the opportunity is awesome.
CN: In addition to all of this, your family recently released The Cool Chips, an album released on May 29 that features you, Beth and your two sons Jake (6) and Mack (4). The idea for the album was born during the period of shelter in place. What happened that sparked this project?
LL: Haha!! One day I was outside with Jake and Mack and we were just walking around looking at the worms on the driveway right after a hard rain. I was just asking them “what do you see?” While asking the question I pulled my phone out and recorded the responses….”Rocks, Worms, Dirt, Centipedes”…. When we went inside I started making a beat with those vocal samples. That turned into a whole song. Beth got such a kick out of it that she told me I should write a few more and we can put out an album. I was like, sure why not. We asked Jake “What should we name our group?” Without hesitation he said, “The Cool Chips”. No explanation. Beth and I were both like, ok, let’s not overthink it.
CN: The songs are so personal as they are all based on personal memories like “Shootin’ Hoops” or “I Don’t Wanna Brush My Teeth” – something every kid and parent goes through – while “Don’t Be Mean, Be Nice” carries a timeless and very timely message. Do you have a favorite track? Do your boys and wife have a favorite?
LL: Personally, I think my favorite is “Shootin’ Hoops”. It brings back so many memories of my childhood. Also, I loved working on the production….particularly the Juno synth part and the bass line. I actually don’t know Beth’s favorite, but I would guess “You Are My Sunshine.” She sings that to our boys and I love hearing their little voices.
CN: You have worked with many artists over the years – is there anyone that you haven’t collaborated with that you hope to someday?
LL: I’d like to write a song with Garth Brooks.
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
LL: Randy Travis. Crawford County Fair in Meadville, Pennsylvania. 1987. I was 9 years old. My aunt Lucy and uncle Vince took me. I’ll never forget it. Made a huge impact on me.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
LL: Content. My faith has shown me that ultimate hope is not found in temporary things. I’m so grateful for that.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for you?
LL: I’m actually working on my own album. It’s some of the more personal songs that I’ve written by myself. Songs that aren’t necessarily the easiest to get recorded by other artists, but it’s music I’d love to share…even if only my mom listens. Ha!!
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For more information on The Cool Chips, visit their website at www.thecoolchips.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.