Three years ago, AmberLynn Browning released her appropriately named debut album – Outlaw – showcasing not only her style of country music, but also tipping her hat to those Outlaws who paved the way for artists like her – Cash, Haggard, Jennings to name a few. This year, the 2021 Josie Award “Songwriter Achievement of the Year” nominee is back with her sophomore album, Sun Studio Sessions, and with a title like that, you already know the history that is on this album.
We recently caught up with AmberLynn to talk about what’s been going on these past 24 months, personally and professionally, as well as her latest single “1977 TransAm” and the new album.
CN: A lot has happened since we last caught up in March of 2022 – can you tell our followers what you’ve been up to?
ALB: YES thank you for having me. I am super excited to announce another new album – my sophomore record – and since we last spoke, that is one of the main projects we have fully executed and are super proud to release along with lots of other new music and news.
CN: Your family has also grown! Congratulations on baby #5!
ALB: Yes, we are so excited about the new little one. A blessing and beautiful addition to our growing family we are so proud of. Family and God are number one to me, it’s so important.
CN: Last year you released your single “1977 TransAm” – the title track of your album. What was the inspiration behind this track?
ALB: Yes, this was a very inspired song. And it really has to do with my true country roots…how I never traverse away from them. The lyrics take you on a little trip down a country road and almost ease the stress away. Not to divulge too much, but it’s a little twist of humor and a throwback to a simpler time away from this maddening world of today.. and truly where I like to be. The TransAm is 1977 because of the movie “Smokey and the Bandit”. The generation of music surrounding that time and living free is an unforgettable feeling. I grew up around it and know the worth of this.. the chorus “Well I’ve got my ol’ blue jeans and my cowboy hat / got a little bit of gasoline and the shirt on my back / I’ve lived another day and I’m still alive / I’ve got a good man to hold me, and the Texas stand just sold me a 1977 TransAm” . . . some lyrics to get a taste.
This is a day in the life of one of us somewhere in Texas in that era, in a world where you would look around and none of what you see going on today was happening. There was a simplicity to life.. a freedom and the young generation in that time had the best of that world. The best music, the best cars and the best time. The music of that time is incomparable, however most of us now who lived it as musicians will be affected by it the rest of our lives; there will never be a song created without pulling from those roots, at least for a lot of us country & rock artists anyway. Southern rock, country and rock ‘n’ roll… if you lived through the greatest era ever you can’t help but want to continue it forever.
CN: Now 2024 is lined up to be a big year with your new album ‘Sun Studio Sessions’ set for release. What can your fans expect from this new album?
ALB: Expect surprises…and expect a beautiful explosion of songs and energy both unpredictable and right at home… We have renowned Musicians gracing these songs and real rock ‘n’ roll legends such as J.M. Van Eaton, Sun Studio original drummer on Jerry Lee Lewis original hits gracing this album. Rock ‘n’ roll legends, renowned fiddler, Outlaw Country originals and much more. Two originals on this album have already been nominated and won awards from the Josie music awards for songwriter achievement; “Wildwood Flowers” nominated and “Big Jetliner” winning. The album is slated for release in March 2024 through Sony Music.
We also have Tim Watson, legendary fiddler (Tammy Wynette/Kid Rock) and John Heinrich (Ronnie Milsap) on pedal steel and mandolin. Kurt Olson (Georgette Jones/Kid Rock) also on drums is once again phenomenal; and Jamie Bowls our pianist does this record justice.
CN: What was it like to record at THE Sun Studio, and with some big legends as well?
ALB: Simply electrifying. I can’t describe it but the air in that room is palpable. The piano I played with Jerry Lee Lewis cigar burn, the guitar I recorded with was Marty Stewart’s, the place on the floor where Elvis stood and recorded and I did also. The microphone was enough to fill my heart and fill this record with magic.
CN: You will be honoring some of Country Music’s legends on this album, including Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels and of course Jerry Lee Lewis. What was it like not only covering songs by these icons, but doing it at Sun Studios?
ALB: Breathtaking ..and will never be the same now that I’ve learned about the passing of J.M. Van Eaton this week. I am so very honored to have worked with him and call him a friend; his music in my album is a piece of irreplaceable history, as is all of the music we covered like on the Johnny Cash number “San Quentin”. Charlie Daniels’ “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” is one other cover and it’s something to behold!
J.M. Van Eaton wrote a music review about me and I’m grateful he said: “I got to meet and record with AmberLynn recently. Loved her voice and original songs. Her Outlaw CD is well worth a listen. Our tracks will be out later. Until then don’t overlook this one.” . . . He was referring to the Outlaw album, my debut record. I gave him a copy of and he gave me his album as well.
“Whole Lotta Shakin Goin’ On” – he was the original drummer for Jerry Lee Lewis hit recordings and it was my Jerry Lee cover on this record. It’s a smash.
We recorded on Sam Phillips original reel to reel equipment with the slap back that was used with Elvis Presley’s signature style. It was a remarkable experience and a pleasure to work with the folks at Sun Studio. The sound and recording on this album is beautiful.
The album will also feature a few original songs. There are 11 original songs I wrote and they are a whole lot of country, rock n roll, and southern rock numbers. There will be some ballads, some rocking numbers, some unforgettable love songs, and kickin’ outlaw country music. A lot went into the making of this album but mostly the songwriting which is most important to me.
CN: Do you have a favorite track on the album?
ALB: I really love all of them but “Whole lotta shakin goin on” is a top favorite of mine as well as my original “Wildwood Flowers”. I truly hope my fans enjoy these.
CN: Will you be on tour in support of this record?
ALB: Yes indeed. Next fall we will tour this album release throughout Texas and I’m very excited about this run. We will be shooting a music video at the birthplace of Waylon Jennings as well.
CN: Now that 2023 is in the rearview mirror, what was your favorite moment of the past year?
ALB: Well it has to be the birth of my new child and the birth of this new record that was in the making with such a beautiful creative process, producing it was me in my zone.
CN: What else can fans look forward to in 2024?
ALB: We have some brand new singles on the horizon and official music videos as well. Also an album release show on the Texas tour in 2024 with appearances at our Texas sponsors and radio shows. Super excited to share all of this with the world.
“1977 TransAm” is available for download and streaming.
For more information on AmberLynn Browning, visit her website amberlynnbrowningband.com and follow her on Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook.
AmberLynn Browning is signed with Sony Music, Sony Music Orchard 50/50 Global Muzik Publishing/Sony Music Publishing/Orchard.