Questions w/ Trent Dabbs (part one)

I know it's way too early to start talking about a 2010 favorites list, but I have a good feeling that you'll see singer/songwriter and Ten Out of Tenn (TOT) founder, Trent Dabbs, on my list in December. His new album, Your Side Now, is just plain great. You can head on over to iTunes and hear it for yourself right now! As a big Trent Dabbs and TOT fan, I've really been looking forward to posting this interview. So, without further delay, enjoy part one of Questions w/ Trent Dabbs...

StSL – Your brand new album, Your Side Now, was released last month. How was your experience making this album?

Trent – It was simple. Usually I have a band and we rehearse and then track in the studio, but this record was basically me, two producers, and a handful of musicians. I tried not to over think much of anything on the album. I spent serious time with friends to inspire me and translate certain stories into songs. If you surround yourself with people who inspire the music the songs start to unfold.

StSL – I have to say that I’m completely hooked on Inside These Lines. I think I’ve listened to it at least fifty times since picking up the new album. Can you share the story behind that song?

Trent – Wow. That is great to hear. I told the producer that I know my own weakness in writing songs and I wish that these simple songs could sound bigger and more timeless. Jamie nailed that song and it probably has a lot to do with the fact that he wrote it with me. If I remember correctly, I think I told him that I liked the name "Something Along Those Lines" for a song. We started sharing stories about how hard relationships truly can be and what it would sound like to be overly honest.

I have a few friends who struggled through divorce and it was the kind of pain I could only try to express through a song. I wanted to be honest but not overexpose a close friends story. I mean…the concept is basic…but the dealing with the struggle is not something everybody wants to hear in a song. Glad you think we pulled it off.

StSL – Let’s talk a bit about your songwriting process. Do you have any specific methods or places you go to for inspiration?

Trent – I listen to conversations. I ask questions and hear what people are going through whether in a novel, a movie, or a coffee shop.

StSL – Do you have a favorite song on Your Side Now?

Trent – I think Your Side Now (the title track) is my favorite. Just because it sonically feels like the next level for me as an artist and it is so simple yet interesting.

StSL – A stranger comes up to you and says, “Play me the best song ever written.” What do you play?

Trent – Honestly…I would probably play "Happy Birthday" just to be funny and give myself longer to think about the actual answer. I might even play one of my songs to see if they laughed. They would think I was a jerk. If I really had to say something off the top of my head it would probably be Imagine.

Visit TrentDabbs.com for more info and be sure to join us right back here tomorrow for part two!