Black Stone Cherry returns with a brand new album under a new label this time and one can feel the air of freedom and change on the new album. Grande Rock got in touch with Ben Wells (guitars, vocals) so as to talk about the new album and how the label change influenced the band in general. Read for more below…
Hi Ben, it feels so great to have you on Grande Rock…
B: Thanks for having me!
Well, do tell us about the label change. Was it hard to do so after all these years or did you see it as a new opening for your career too?
B: It was an uneasy feeling at first, mixed with relief. It was just time to part ways with our former label. After meeting with several different companies, we felt most comfortable with Mascot. They just seemed to really understand where we are coming from and where we wanna go.
Which are the new elements that you introduced with the new album “Kentucky”?
B: We have horns and female background vocals on this album for the first time! That’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while. There’s also strings and organ on there too.
And the obvious question… is the album title “Kentucky” a way to honor your hometown? How did this occur at this point of your career?
B: We are proud Kentuckians. We are from there and all still live there. Since we recorded this album at home, where we did our first album, and all musicians are from our area, it just made sense to call it “Kentucky”, since it was coming full circle for us.
Please give us a hint about each track…
B: “The Way of the Future”: Heavy, low-tuned riffage!
“In Our Dreams”: Lower-tuned heavier monster, with a chorus the size of a stadium.
“Shakin’ My Cage”: One of my faves! A cool riffmonster of a song. The lyrics are something we would have done on our second album, so it’s really cool.
“Soul Machine”: A funky rocker for sure. This one pulls out all stops and features horns and female backing vocals.
“Long Ride”: This one’s the power ballad!
“War”: Our heavy cover of a classic song.
“Hangman”: Another favourite of mine and one of the first songs we wrote for the album.
“Cheaper to Drink Alone”: A cool rocker. Has a kinda classic vibe, all in fun!
“Rescue Me”: Heaviness with great melody.
“Feelin’ Fuzzy”: A funky trip. I love the riff on this one.
“Darkest Secret”: A song we've had in the workings since 2014 that we’ve always loved.
“Born to Die”: There’s a great message in this song.
“The Rambler”: The ultimate ballad and one that tells an incredible story.
Who is that lady who sings along with Chris on “Soul Machine”?
B: It’s actually two ladies from back home in Kentucky. Tonya and Sandra Dye. They’re really awesome!!
What about the two bonus tracks “I Am the Lion” and “Evil”? It seems that you are fond of the idea of offering extra tracks to those who will buy the special album editions. Was it on purpose that those two tracks were left out of the final track listing or what?
B: We wanted all the songs to be on the album, but it just doesn’t work that way. It’s hard to decide, because we feel every song is worthy. But in the end, they’re released in some way shape or form. The label sets different formats that have extra tracks for certain marketing reasons.
How did you take the decision to record the album at the same place where you recorded your debut? Was there a specific reason behind that move?
B: We just wanted to capture the vibe we had when we first started recording and there’s a feeling of comfort and confidence that you can’t get anywhere else. It just makes sense. Plus, it’s in our home town and that means we could go home every night!!
You said that this album is “by far the heaviest & most aggressive” that you have done to date. What was the main reason that made you push your boundaries even further as a band?
B: It’s just the way we sound. We self-produced this album, so it was a way for us to be free and make the music the way we wanted to make it.
There’s a long tour ahead of you till mid-August if I’m right. Do you enjoy being on the road more or in the studio and why?
B: I like both. Each has their time. I like being in studio when it’s time to record, as well. Then, I can’t wait to get on stage and play live. So they both have their places for sure.
What are your expectations from the new album “Kentucky” and your new label in general?
B: I didn’t have any expectations; we just wanted to be true to ourselves. Other than that, I know I’m proud of this album. Very proud. I hope our fans will enjoy it and hear BSC truly being BSC.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! How did you come up with the name Black Stone Cherry initially?
B: It’s a cigar brand here in the US. We thought it sounded cool.
Which are the best 3 southern rock albums according to you?
B: Hmm... tough question! Any of the albums by Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers. They’re all amazing and influential.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
B: Probably Elvis’ gospel album, because I love Elvis, and I love gospel!
Fill in the phrase… “Southern Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
B: ...the lifestyle. Southern rock isn’t just about music, it’s a way of life that the fans live and love every day. Without them, it’s just music.
Which is the guitarist who influenced rock music the most?
B: I’d have to say Jimi Hendrix.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
B: Elvis Presley because he’s the best!
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
B: I’d say the 1950s, for sure! I totally love the music, the style, the cars – all of it.
Where would you like to live… in Middle Earth, in the Seven Kingdoms or in a post-apocalyptic world like the one on “The Walking Dead”?
B: I’m just fine right here in Kentucky!
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
B: I would be very, very surprised, because she loves albums and is very selfless. I hit the jackpot with my wife, for sure.
B: Thanks for having me!
Well, do tell us about the label change. Was it hard to do so after all these years or did you see it as a new opening for your career too?
B: It was an uneasy feeling at first, mixed with relief. It was just time to part ways with our former label. After meeting with several different companies, we felt most comfortable with Mascot. They just seemed to really understand where we are coming from and where we wanna go.
Which are the new elements that you introduced with the new album “Kentucky”?
B: We have horns and female background vocals on this album for the first time! That’s something we’ve wanted to do for a while. There’s also strings and organ on there too.
And the obvious question… is the album title “Kentucky” a way to honor your hometown? How did this occur at this point of your career?
B: We are proud Kentuckians. We are from there and all still live there. Since we recorded this album at home, where we did our first album, and all musicians are from our area, it just made sense to call it “Kentucky”, since it was coming full circle for us.
Please give us a hint about each track…
B: “The Way of the Future”: Heavy, low-tuned riffage!
“In Our Dreams”: Lower-tuned heavier monster, with a chorus the size of a stadium.
“Shakin’ My Cage”: One of my faves! A cool riffmonster of a song. The lyrics are something we would have done on our second album, so it’s really cool.
“Soul Machine”: A funky rocker for sure. This one pulls out all stops and features horns and female backing vocals.
“Long Ride”: This one’s the power ballad!
“War”: Our heavy cover of a classic song.
“Hangman”: Another favourite of mine and one of the first songs we wrote for the album.
“Cheaper to Drink Alone”: A cool rocker. Has a kinda classic vibe, all in fun!
“Rescue Me”: Heaviness with great melody.
“Feelin’ Fuzzy”: A funky trip. I love the riff on this one.
“Darkest Secret”: A song we've had in the workings since 2014 that we’ve always loved.
“Born to Die”: There’s a great message in this song.
“The Rambler”: The ultimate ballad and one that tells an incredible story.
Who is that lady who sings along with Chris on “Soul Machine”?
B: It’s actually two ladies from back home in Kentucky. Tonya and Sandra Dye. They’re really awesome!!
What about the two bonus tracks “I Am the Lion” and “Evil”? It seems that you are fond of the idea of offering extra tracks to those who will buy the special album editions. Was it on purpose that those two tracks were left out of the final track listing or what?
B: We wanted all the songs to be on the album, but it just doesn’t work that way. It’s hard to decide, because we feel every song is worthy. But in the end, they’re released in some way shape or form. The label sets different formats that have extra tracks for certain marketing reasons.
How did you take the decision to record the album at the same place where you recorded your debut? Was there a specific reason behind that move?
B: We just wanted to capture the vibe we had when we first started recording and there’s a feeling of comfort and confidence that you can’t get anywhere else. It just makes sense. Plus, it’s in our home town and that means we could go home every night!!
You said that this album is “by far the heaviest & most aggressive” that you have done to date. What was the main reason that made you push your boundaries even further as a band?
B: It’s just the way we sound. We self-produced this album, so it was a way for us to be free and make the music the way we wanted to make it.
There’s a long tour ahead of you till mid-August if I’m right. Do you enjoy being on the road more or in the studio and why?
B: I like both. Each has their time. I like being in studio when it’s time to record, as well. Then, I can’t wait to get on stage and play live. So they both have their places for sure.
What are your expectations from the new album “Kentucky” and your new label in general?
B: I didn’t have any expectations; we just wanted to be true to ourselves. Other than that, I know I’m proud of this album. Very proud. I hope our fans will enjoy it and hear BSC truly being BSC.
It’s time for our “weird questions”!!! How did you come up with the name Black Stone Cherry initially?
B: It’s a cigar brand here in the US. We thought it sounded cool.
Which are the best 3 southern rock albums according to you?
B: Hmm... tough question! Any of the albums by Lynyrd Skynyrd or The Allman Brothers. They’re all amazing and influential.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why?
B: Probably Elvis’ gospel album, because I love Elvis, and I love gospel!
Fill in the phrase… “Southern Rock music wouldn’t have evolved the way it did, if it hadn’t been for…”
B: ...the lifestyle. Southern rock isn’t just about music, it’s a way of life that the fans live and love every day. Without them, it’s just music.
Which is the guitarist who influenced rock music the most?
B: I’d have to say Jimi Hendrix.
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
B: Elvis Presley because he’s the best!
If you had the chance to travel in time… where would you choose to go? To the past or the future and why?
B: I’d say the 1950s, for sure! I totally love the music, the style, the cars – all of it.
Where would you like to live… in Middle Earth, in the Seven Kingdoms or in a post-apocalyptic world like the one on “The Walking Dead”?
B: I’m just fine right here in Kentucky!
Imagine that your wife is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
B: I would be very, very surprised, because she loves albums and is very selfless. I hit the jackpot with my wife, for sure.