By Tom Bryant
Interviewing celebrities, stars, singers and performers is the best part of what I do and when I learned I would be interviewing the front man for the country rock super group Lonestar, I thought it would be a great interview, not to mention a great privilege.
Most of the time you ask the "standard questions" and get the "standard answers" to get your article out on time. I attempted to stick to the "standard questions" but with Cody Collins, I got a real person telling me like it is and I found that to be relaxing and refreshing. So, the "standard" interview went out the door.
I found this singer and country sensation to be pleasant, open minded and honest with the fire still burning inside of him to be the best.
Cody Collins is the newest member and lead vocals for "Lonestar". Lonestar has been making top 10 hits since 1995 and Cody joined the prestigious group in 2007, giving his unique country-rock voice to an already powerful line-up.
That powerful line-up includes guitarist Michael Britt, keyboards and guitarist Dean Sams, and Keech Rainwater on drums. Cody describes Britt as "the smartest guy I know" and Dean Sams as "business smart, in allot of ways".
Born in Dothan, Alabama you only have to talk to Cody for a few seconds to hear that southern accent that makes his voice so unique and powerful. Cody told me that he was moved to Pensacola Florida when he was six years old and now calls Nashville home.
Being brought on board by Lonestar was a bit of a shock to Cody as he told me that he was singing in a house band in Atlanta back in 2007 when he received a phone call. Cody said that during that phone call he was told that he had been selected to be the groups new lead singer. Believing Aston Kutcher of the hit television show "Punked" was hiding nearby, Cody said he thought someone was playing a huge trick on him, only to learn it was no trick.
With over 10 smash hits that began chart busting in 1995, well over ten million records sold and named The Academy of Country Music's "Top New Group" of 1995, Lonestar was a super group that required a dedicated hard working professional to take over the lead vocals and Cody got the call.
Learning such hits as "Tequila Talkin'," "No News," "Runnin' Away With My Heart," and "Come Cryin' to Me" to name just a couple, Cody said he had to learn all of the Lonestar hits and said that he did everything he could to sing the songs the way they had been previously recorded so that the audience would enjoy them as they were when they were originally released.
I asked Cody how he chose this profession, "I don't know, I just started singing, started singing as a kid and learned I was able to". I then asked Cody if he had changed any since being brought on as the new lead singer. "No, I'm still me, it's a lot of hard work and I love it, you have to love it, I love it the same now as I did then, the same as that first time".
With a brand new album out, and a top single, "You're the reason why", Lonestar is due to leave on tour and will be visiting Detroit, Pennsylvania, Ft. Myers and a few other stops and Cody is looking forward to it.
When asked if he missed being at home instead of the road Cody explained that he lives with his room mate, no wife, dog or current girlfriend, so the road is just fine with this country star.
When it comes to music, other then Lonestar music, Cody said that he enjoys listening to Bob Marley and Aerosmith when he is truly relaxing, which demonstrates that he is wide open to style and influence. You only have to listen to Lonestar's new release to tell that Cody's vocals and the bands style keeps this super group on top if multiple influences and great country band.
According to Cody, one of the biggest highlights for him was when Lonestar sang "God Bless America" during the 7th inning stretch of Game 4 of the 2007 World Series in Colorado and the Grand Ole Opry, not to mention he's still walking on a cloud as the lead singer for this magnificent group.
Some critics love to pick bands apart after replacing the front man but its hard to pick this band apart. Seeing how they're still selling out arena's and releasing top hits, I don't see this band going away anytime soon. The band's decision to choose Cody Collins was brilliant and anyone who doesn't believe in the power of MySpace just needs to watch and listen to Lonestar.
The current new release, "Party Heard Around the World" was released in April and is a true testament to this groups talent and staying power. The new single release, "You're the Reason Why" is simply kick ass. Cody told me that the band collaborated on the latest album and they all had a hand in writing the songs and it shows.
We are truly excited about Lonestar coming to the Antelope Valley and the Palmdale Starlight concert in July and we will truly enjoy the music this group produces.
Some groups replace the front man and never recover, this group is going to stay at the top where it truly belongs with the old and the new and I believe the new is going to be a real ride.
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