10 Questions with ... Lee Brice

NAME:Lee Brice TITLE:Artist LABEL:Curb Records BORN:Sumter, SC on June 10, 1979 RAISED:Sumter, SC

1. You recently scored a pretty big cut when Garth recorded "More Than a Memory," a song you co-wrote. First, congrats on that! How did it feel when you first learned that Garth was cutting your song? Tell us about the experience of seeing your song debut at #1 and how things changed for you as a writer/artist after that.

Well, thank you! It was literally unbelievable when I found out about Garth; he's been one of if not my biggest musical influences. For him to cut a song I wrote still baffles me today. Yeah, the whole thing with it debuting at number one was crazy, but what happened was it didn't have time to sink in. Sometimes I think it still hasn't - maybe one day it will.

Obviously it has changed my life in many ways as a songwriter and as a new artist. I definitely gained a little respect as a songwriter, and it has given me more opportunities. And as an artist it's gotten me a lot of attention. As a new artist, any little thing that gets a foot in the door is a big help.

2. A career as a songwriter and one as a Country artist led themselves to very different lifestyles. How do you balance the two?

Well, I've been writing for as long as I can remember, so that is something that I have to do to stay normal, especially now that I'm wrapped up in the crazy life of an artist. I'm figuring out that I have to make time for the writing even though sometimes it seems like there just isn't enough time. I've also realized that they feed each other. If I write good songs then I have good songs to record. I'm very fortunate that I have figured out how to balance to the two.

3. I hear that you prefer to travel in a van. Why do you prefer that to a tour bus?

Now now, I wouldn't say I prefer it. It would definitely be more comfortable and I would get more rest if I were in a bus.

The reason I choose to stay in a van is because I want to be able to play as many shows as possible. If I were in a bus right now, I would have to turn down a lot of gigs because it simply cost so much to have one. Being in a van allows me to take gigs that I wouldn't be able to if I were in the bus. Therefore I would miss a lot of people, and right now my first priority is playing for as many people as I possibly can.

4. Tell us about losing your luggage in Memphis, how long did it take to get it back?

Yeah the airline lost my luggage and it followed me around the country for over two weeks. But hey, I got some new clothes out of the situation!

5. Your taste in music varies from hard-core Country to hard-core rock. How does that sort of diversity affect you as a songwriter and artist?

Well, the truth is my music tastes go beyond country and rock, it also reaches blues, jazz, pop, R&B and even further. What I think this does is leak out into every song I write. I am listening to underground music one day and pop radio the next, so the songs I write are a part of both.

My hope is that is makes my writing cool to the songwriter and music lover, and appealing to the consumer and radio as well.

6. You have been all over the country lately and played a million shows. What sticks out as the best show ever?

There have been a few. It's always wonderful to go close to home and play, it always rocks. But my most memorable one could be when I opened for Willie Nelson. Are you kidding me??!!

7. After you injured your right elbow after playing football for Clemson you continued to study Engineering while pursuing music on the side. One Spring Break you came to Nashville and met Doug Johnson, who convinced you to make the move to Nashville. How did your parents take the news that you were dropping out of college?

At first they were not very happy, so we compromised. I agreed to just move for the summer and see how it went. I instantly fell in love with the town and the industry; I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. So after some good long talks my parents gave in. They've always been supportive, ALWAYS. They were just worried about me, which is very understandable.

8. The best part of being on the road, on a radio tour, is that people in our business love to eat- name a favorite restaurant and a favorite meal- any city.

You won't believe it, but it was in Pennsylvania! There's a little place called The Coliseum. It's like a Dave & Busters, one of those places with a bar, a restaurant, and games. Believe it or not, it was the best steak I've ever had.

9. What will you do with your first royalty check- save it for a rainy day or buy something like a new Corvette?

There ain't gonna be no Corvette, but maybe a johnboat. I want to be able to go fishing this summer if I ever get off the road for a day or two.

10. Who would be a dream songwriting partner-alive, dead, anyone any format- and why?

That's so tough, there are so many. I think Bob Dylan would be my choice. He had so many things cut by other artists from Garth Brooks to Jimi Hendrix. I'm sure he's got stories to tell for days.

1. What artist would you most like to tour with?

Duh, it would be Garth.

2. You work with some of our favorites- Enzo, Haley, Adrian and Mike Rogers. How do you keep up with those guys, or do they have to keep up with you? Tell us something about each of them that you enjoy.

Mike: He is the party facilitator! Anywhere any time if you're with Mike there's gonna be a good time.

Adrian: He's always wearing a new pimp shirt.

Haley: She makes my world go round.

Enzo: Not really sure what he does. He he he!