George Strait. Vince Gill. Blake Shelton. Martina McBride. Willie Nelson. Aaron Watson. What do these country artists have in common? Each has cut at least one song from one of the most gifted songwriters of our time, Leslie Satcher. The songstress’ repertoire spans not only that of country, but also other genres with artists like Sheila E., Ariana Grande and Keb’Mo recording songs she has written or co-written.
This past March Leslie released her first full-length album Leslie Satcher and the Electric Honey Badgers – 2 Days In Muscle Shoals. With a mix of country, blues, and Southern Rock, the album features several amazing collaborations as well as a crème de la crème group of musicians. Now, armed with this new batch of due-to-be classics in tandem with her existing catalogue, Leslie will take her spot on the Bluebird stage on Friday, May 11, but this time at the Opry City Stage in New York City where she will be joined by fellow lyrical powerhouses Marv Green and Tim Nichols as part of The Bluebird Café Songwriter Series.
We spoke with Leslie to get a more intimate look at her new album and to talk about her upcoming performance in NYC.
CN: Obviously your career speaks for itself with songs like “I Said A Prayer” recorded by Pam Tillis, “Politically Uncorrect” by Merle and Gretchen. As a leader in your craft, can you tell us a little bit about your songwriting process?
LS: I like to start with the inspiration in the room. Sometimes a title is born out of a conversation with the co-writer for the day, or maybe, from a sign or picture I saw just driving in to the office. At home, I write about my family a lot; when I am working on a solo piece.
CN: Earlier this year you released the album Leslie Satcher and the Electric Honey Badgers – 2 Days In Muscle Shoals which features some of the top who’s-who among musicians. Can you talk about how the album came together, the chemistry among this group, and of course the impact of Muscle Shoals?
LS: My producer and friend, Brad Crisler, had the idea to write songs just for me and then record them as demos in Muscle Shoals for fun. Muscle Shoals is his hometown. After the first four songs, we began to see a project taking shape and I started calling friends to see if they would be a part of the special album that was coming to life. We are all old friends and have written and recorded together for their works so they were excited to be a part of mine!
CN: On the lead single “This Won’t Take Long” you are joined by no other than Vince Gill and Sheryl Crow. How was it decided for Vince and Sheryl to partake in the recording?
LS: We thought of Vince when we were writing this song because it is really in his wheelhouse; the type of melody, harmony, etc. Once we had Vinny recorded we knew Sheryl would be a natural for the other part. Both were so kind to quickly say ‘yes’ when I reached out to them.
CN: This album also features Trisha Yearwood on two songs, “Run It Down South” and “Who I Belong to.” Can you talk about what it was like to have Trisha on these songs?
LS: Trisha has been a great friend to me and my songs throughout my career. She was so fun in the studio that day! We told her to cut loose and sing whatever she wanted to and she was thrilled to do that! And, of course, there’s only one Trisha Yearwood!
CN: The amazing, colorful cover of the album was painted by you! Was it planned that you would paint the cover? Or was there something about the piece that spoke to you to select it for the artwork?
LS: My producer, Brad Crisler, asked me to do a painting for the album artwork. I usually do more realistic paintings but he asked for an abstract inspired by Muscle Shoals and the music. It was a fun challenge to accept.
CN: What do you enjoy about painting? Is there a similarity between painting and songwriting?
LS: The two arts are very similar. Both take you to another place where you are free to express your feelings. I think that’s what I love the most. Painting helps me turn my brain off where the music business is concerned and I need to do that more than I get a chance to…
CN: You are about to play at the Opry City Stage in New York City as part of The Bluebird Café Songwriter Series, sharing the stage with Marv Green and Tim Nichols. What are your thoughts about having the tradition of the Bluebird shared with the country music fans up north, and at a location such as the middle of Times Square? Are you excited for the performances?
LS: The great fans of New York have always been so supportive of us any time we brought Nashville to their wonderful city! I love playing there and am really honored to be asked by the Bluebird to be among some of the first writers to make the trip to the Big Apple. We are going to have a big time, for sure!
CN: What’s next for you in 2018?
LS: More travel is in the cards for me. We may go back to the U.K. in support of this record. Also, I am playing a ton of shows here in the States, as well as, beginning to write for my next project with my producer, Brad.
For more information on Leslie Satcher, tour dates, and to purchase the new album, visit her website: www.lesliesatcher.com
To purchase tickets for The Bluebird Café Songwriter Series at Opry City Stage this Friday (5/11), click here. Please note that there is a 7:00pm show and a 9:30pm show.
Leslie Satcher and The Electric Honey Badgers – 2 Days In Muscle Shoals is available via Notting Hill Music.