Influenced by the country icons that came before him, country singer-songwriter Shelby Lee Lowe mixes in inspirations of southern rock, R&B and soul for his neo-traditional sound. Following his self-titled debut album in 2016, Lowe has released his sophomore album Stubborn Heart, several singles and EPs, showcasing his songwriting on practically every track. His most recent EP, The Fame Sessions recorded at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, includes the nostalgic “Where There’s Country” co-written with Carson Chamberlain and Wyatt McCubb and featuring Frank Foster.
We recently caught up with Shelby to talk about his musical journey, his songwriting process, and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
SLL: Hey! My name’s Shelby Lee Lowe and I’m a neo-traditional country singer and songwriter from Cornersville, TN.
CN: What was it like growing up an hour away from Nashville?
SLL: I’m from a very small town, so it was always exciting to go to the big city of Nashville as a kid. When I was a teenager, my friends and I would sneak out and explore downtown Nashville.
CN: Did being close to Music City impact your decision of being a musician? Or is music something so deep inside you that you would have pursued even if you grew up elsewhere?
SLL: I think being this close to Nashville was a major influence for sure. Everybody knew someone who had run into a country music superstar in or around the area at some point. It made the idea of being a full-time singer seem like a real possibility.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
SLL: Of course I have been influenced by the legends of country music past like Hank Sr., Merle Haggard, George Jones and Waylon and Willie. I’d have to say Dwight Yoakam is an artist I’ve always looked up as an artist and writer. There’s too many artists from several genres to mention them all.
CN: With the mix of what country music is today, how important is it to you to be an artist carrying the traditional country music torch?
SLL: The things that make country music unique and cool to me are the things that set traditional country music apart. It’s important to me to keep trying to make music that is new and different, but still has the elements that make country music awesome to begin with.
CN: A big part of who you are is that of a songwriter. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
SLL: I have hundreds of song ideas in a note memo on my phone. Usually when I’m mowing the yard or driving, I’ll get to work on one.
CN: Do you ever pull inspiration from personal events in your life when writing? Does that make the writing process easier or harder?
SLL: I do a lot of times, and I prefer those songs. When a song is about something personal, it usually comes together pretty quick.
CN: Over your career you have opened for the great Charlie Daniels, Darryl Worley, Cowboy Troy, Sister Hazel, Jordan Rager and Chris Janson among others. Are there any specific moments or experiences that stick in your mind?
SLL: Opening for The CDB in my hometown was pretty epic. The biggest crowd I had played in front of before then was probably a couple hundred people. I remember seeing thousands of people in front of the stage for the first time, and it was exhilarating and nerve racking at the same time. I got such a high from playing that show.
CN: You also recently opened up for ERNEST.
SLL: I opened for Ernest at one of my favorite venues Sidewinder’s in Roanoke, VA. I always have a great time there, and I can’t wait to come back.
CN: Do you find any songwriting time while on the road?
SLL: Most of the songwriting I do on the road is when I’m driving the van! If I’m lucky enough to be on a bus I can do some real writing. I’ve tried to write with folks on the road and it’s usually tough to keep from getting distracted.
CN: This past September, you released a 3-track EP The Fame Sessions, recorded at the Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals. If those walls could talk! Can you take us behind-the-scenes and share with us what those recording sessions were like?
SLL: It was amazing. To be there recording in a place I’ve grew up hearing about and watched documentaries about, was a humbling experience.
CN: You also released your new single “Love Button.” What was the inspiration behind this song?
SLL: “Love Button” felt like a 90’s country hit and I loved it the first time I heard it.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be?
SLL: George Strait
CN: What was the first concert you ever attended?
SLL: CCR and the Beach Boys
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
SLL: Human, because I am one and I am just trying to get the most out of life like all the rest of us.
CN: Ready for the holidays?!
SLL: Yes! I have a few local shows lined up, but I am mostly looking forward to spending time with my family.
CN: What’s on the horizon for 2023?
SLL: I have a ton of shows lining up across the country and new music planned for 2023. It’s gonna be a great year!
For more information on Shelby Lee Lowe, visit his website shelbyleelowe.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.