We spent time in the studio with country star Joe Nichols last November, when he was beginning the process of recording his ninth album.
The 38-year-old has five No. 1 singles to his name, the most recent being 2014's "Yeah." Nashville producer Mickey Jack Cones was at the helm of that album -- Crickets -- and Nichols decided to bring back the Texan for another go-round.
While the new disc likely won't be completed before autumn, we heard more than enough from Nichols and Cones' time in the studio to predict that they'll find chart success with the new batch of tunes. One song in particular -- "Tall Boys" -- sounded like another No. 1 hit.
We called Nichols a month after the session and spoke to him about Cones, songwriting and bro country, among other things.
Music Times: Why did you choose Mickey to help you out a second time?
Joe Nichols: It worked on the last album. I think the last album was one of the best I've ever done, and Mickey's a hard worker. He produces great results.
MT: There were a couple times in the studio when -- because of your crazy schedule -- Mickey had to convince you to stick around. Is there a level of respect there that's different than with other producers?
JN: I think with Mickey, it's as good as any relationship I've ever had with a producer. I think Brent Rowen is probably the only guy that's like Mickey that I really trust in the studio. Their opinions are really valid to me. Not to say that I haven't worked with great producers, man. Buddy Cannon's great. Byron Gallimore. Those guys are fantastic producers. But as far as a personal one-on-one relationship, I think Mickey's as good as it gets.
MT: What is it about him that stands out?
JN: He's a singer. It's a great help. He's a very personable guy. He can tell you what he's thinking without sounding like an industry guy or sounding like he's trying to overthink it or sensationalize it. If he wants something in the studio, he's very blunt, and he comes across very honestly.
MT: You cut the first six songs for your new album in November. What's the process like when you're deciding which tracks -- like "Tall Boys" -- are going to be on the LP?
JN: It's all collective. We all have a big say and a lot of input as far as what songs we cut. Some songs are Mickey's favorites and not mine, and vice versa. Some songs are my favorite, and everybody else doesn't like 'em. I think it's a collective effort. We all like "Tall Boys," so we're going to cut it and see how it comes out.
MT: You made sure to pick a traditional country song -- "I'd Sing About You" -- as well.
JN: There's this common thread with me throughout my career. I'm a traditional artist at heart. I think everything I do has to kind of base around being a traditional country guy. We can step out and do current radio things today, but deep down, my bread is buttered with traditional country music.
MT: Still, most of your new stuff leans toward party themes and "bro country" territory. Is that something you like?
JN: I think the phrase is, "We do what we have to do, so we can do what we want to do."
MT: You have a good track record when it comes to writing, but you've stayed away from that side of things on the past couple albums, including the one you're currently working on. Do you care that these songs are coming from elsewhere?
JN: I kind of have the opinion that good songs are good songs, and that's what great careers are built on. It doesn't matter who wrote 'em. It's all a matter of who gets a check. And at the end of the day, the check for writing a great song isn't nearly as important to me as having a great career. So I think, Conway Twitty and George Strait, those guys have made massive careers out of singing other peoples' songs and making 'em theirs. That's kind of what I think. I'm just of the opinion that great songs are great songs, and you shouldn't be worried about a paycheck.
Want more? We also have plenty of interesting comments from Cones.
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