Posted on: June 2, 2014 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

It’s a pleasure to meet you, Doug. Can you give us some background information about your latest album, Super Country Cowboy?

Super Country Cowboy is my second project and it is a 9 song album.  The songs on it all have very special meaning to me and folks can really get a good sense of who I am as a person as well as an artist.

super country cowboy cover med

How is the new release different from your 2012 debut, It’s All Country?

Wow… where to begin.  First off, SCC was produced by Tate Music Group whereas IAC I produced that myself.  That’s a big difference.  The sound is very different, I really pushed myself toward a more “radio friendly” sound.  The songs themselves are written by multiple writers and again really reflect who I am whereas IAC really featured Pat Kelly as a writer because 6 of the songs on that album were his or co-written by him.  I am extremely proud of both projects but it is really a very different project from start to finish and yet, it keeps a bit of traditional sound in the mix as well because that is simply a big part of me.

Country music is often steeped in tradition and strong morals. Family comes back time and time again on country titles; how do you address family on your album?

Well… the title track “Super Country Cowboy”, talks about the influences of my parents music in my life.  The second song “I Get To” talks about changing our attitude and that is really a learned behavior from childhood.  “Pretty Big Deal” is all about being a hero in my kids eyes.  “The Choices You Make” talks about growing up in a stricter home vs a friend who doesn’t have any accountability and how those choices we make have a lasting impact on our life.  Even the song “Believe” talks about faith, character and childhood influences.  I think every song on this album really addresses family in some manner or another.  I guess the only exception is the song, “I’m Up.”  That song is really all about Monday  morning and the trials it brings but being up the the task.

How has Nashville impacted your career, and how is it different from Alaska?

The talent pool here is incredible!  It has really sharpened me as a performer, writer, player and has given me the opportunity to meet people who have a long family history in this business.  Mark Cash, Jon Frizzell, Big Vinny and Butter from Trailer Choir and more I’ve had the opportunity not only to meet but to play and perform with.  It is incredible!

What artists have influenced your music and overall outlook?

That is a long list… Kenny Rogers, Vince Gill, Lee Greenwood, Ronnie Dunn, Toby Keith and Jennifer Nettles are names that come to my mind immediately.

Hitting the road is always essential to introduce new audiences to your music. What memorable moments have you had on tour?

An ice storm that turned a 10 hour drive into a 19 hour marathon.  Yuck!  I don’t mind driving on ice and snow, but folks down here and the road crews are just not equipped for it.

While each track on an album is special for the artist, which cuts from the album hold a particularly strong connection for you? I would say there are three on this album that I connect with completely and each and every time I perform, “I Get To”, “Believe” and “Unknown Soldier.”

Where can interested individuals pick up a copy of Super Country Cowboy?

For a CD they can come to one of my performances or go to www.dougbriney.com they can also download the album from iTunes, Amazon and I really have tried to make that easy all through the website.

What does the end of 2014 hold for you?

I am shooting for the stars on this one, but I really hope to perform on the Opry stage by the end of the year.  It is a huge goal but I’m working on it.

Do you have any other thoughts for NeuFutur readers?

I guess what I really want to say is “thank you” for allowing me to share my music with you and supporting it.

Thank you so much for your time.

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