Sugarland's Kristian Bush Living the Surreal Life

"Some believe in destiny
And some believe in fate
I believe that happiness
Is something we create
You best believe
That I'm not gonna wait
'Cause there's gotta be
Something more"

From the Sugarland song "Something More"

Kristian Bush is living large.

No, the male representative of uber hot country band Sugarland isn't tossing money away on fast cars, fancy homes and the other trappings of the recording star life - his riches can be measured not in money, but in moments. He and bandmates Jennifer Nettles and Kristen Hall all had some version of success before breaking free from the past and walking into a place called Sugarland.

"We were talking to each other on the bus the other day," Bush laughed during a recent telephone interview from the road, "And someone said 'Apparently, Sugarland is a big deal ...and we're it'."

In less than a year, the down-home trio has set the country music world aflame with a high-powered musical style that melds folk, bluegrass and traditional country with a touch of Southern rock edge. But it took more than just talent and drive to get them here.

Chemistry and fate had to join hands to support the journey of the three multi-talented performers. After years toiling in anonymity, it would also take a basement, a shared dream and a cool name to fuel the fire.

"We were all just sitting around talking one night with a friend of Kristen's and we just asked where she was from. She said she was raised in Atlanta and born in Sugarland, but she didn't say 'Texas' at the end of it. Kristen kind of popped her head up, looked over her friend's shoulder at me and, I don't know, it just clicked. Kristen said 'That's a good name for a band' and when you write it down, it just looks like a band name you'd write on your notebook when you were twelve. All of a sudden - POOF - you've got a band."

Since the 2004 debut of Twice the Speed of Life almost a year ago, singles like "Baby Girl" and "Something More" have easily made themselves at home atop Billboard's country charts, allowing the Atlanta-based trio to easily step into its new role as another one of Nashville's success stories. The album went platinum in summer 2005.

For an "official, card carrying Appalachian kid" like Bush who grew up in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, his new world is one of fresh opportunities and more than a few episodes of deja vu. Still, his former run at fame as half of Billy Pilgrim at the ripe old age of 22, did little to prepare him for the runaway train that is Sugarland. In fact, the entire experience is a rather surreal one for Bush.

"We've all had experience in the industry before, but we passed my level of personal experience in most avenues of the business - sales, attention, touring - about eight months ago. Bush said laughing.

"It's just such a shock to get here when you've been living in this bubble just doing what you do."

As the affable performer acclimates himself to a life where he spends more time on a bus than at home, the father of two does get to glimpse the downside of all that road work.

"My least favorite thing about what I do is being away from my family. My wife Jill and I have an eleven week old daughter and a three year old son. I miss them all terribly and know that until I can manage that part, that will be the saddest thing about being out there on the road. The best thing, of course, is that you get to get up and play every night. Until you see one of our shows, you won't understand just how much fun we're having."

Sugarland's performing prowess and down-home demeanor - on stage and off - is partly to blame for all that notoriety. They may have an ice cream flavor in their native Georgia named after them, legions of loyal fans and three CMA Award nods (including Single of the Year for "Baby Girl"), but years of plugging away in the legendary Atlanta music scene means they aren't newbie enough to get too full of themselves. Their kudos are for critics and the music-buying public to champion, not three songwriters from Down South.

What the band does label itself is lucky. Lucky for being able to cut their musical teeth in the warm embrace of a musical community that helped launch the careers of bands like REM, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Travis Tritt and the B-52s, and lucky for knowing when to move beyond it. Suffice it to say, they're not taking a thing for granted.

For instance, though Bush is perfectly aware of the famous Music Row songwriting club that has spawned many a platinum album, he is proud that all three members of Sugarland can write songs on their own. He can see the appeal of utilizing the genius of Nashville's lyrical elite, but he's one-third of a group that doesn't exactly follow the rules.

"Of course you want to put the best songs out there on your album, so you go get the very best ones you can find and that's what they do. They have an entire horde of these incredibly talented writers. It just so happens that all three of us can write songs, so by the time we were sitting down to write, we didn't have to look any further."

Bush said the biggest obstacle Sugarland has encountered so far was that ever important first step of getting attention from the record companies. That problem was solved real quick, though, when they brought their own fan base from Georgia to a Nashville showcase. Amidst their loyal followers' hoots and hollers, record company executives suddenly saw dollar signs. The fierce combination of intricately woven lyrics, harmonic vocals, tightly knitted musicianship and front woman Nettles' charisma and whiskey on the rocks singing style had everyone on Music Row knocking at their door the second they stepped off stage.

For Bush, Sugarland's success is not just validation of their collective talent and determination, it's a clear sign that there is still a place for the singer-songwriter movement to call home. To a man who discovered the "amazing" music of prolific songwriter/performers in the alternative rock genre after thinking everyone sounded like Alabama growing up, the idea of Sugarland blending all those influences and styles into one unique sound is bliss. The three are carrying on a tradition laid down by musical ancestry that includes everyone from James Taylor and George Jones to Elvis Costello, Bush said, hopefully breathing new life into it at the same time.

"I think people, whether they're fans or great musicians, are always fans of great music. I love the fact that people who listen to our music are also listening to people like Norah Jones or Sheryl Crow or an Alan Jackson record."

His personal music collection still shows his penchant for well crafted music that defies what others think he should be listening to. For instance, right now Bush spends one hour a day getting in touch with his inner Islander by turning on a little reggae while he's in the shower.

"I call it my Bob Marley Shower Hour," he laughed.

"There's just something really going on with his collective works, just the way he expresses himself. He has this way of being able to deliver a message that is both spiritual and positive without being over the top and beating you over the head with it."

It's one of the qualities that is shared by another regular in Bush's CD player - the rock group U2. Not only does he appreciate the musical creativity of the group, but Bush also hopes to emulate U2's longevity and ability to successfully navigate the often shark-infested waters of the music industry. Staying true to themselves while still churning out platinum selling albums that stir the heart and the feet at the same time is something he hopes Sugarland will eventually be credited with as well. It'd also be nice if the group could fill up a few stadiums and get some "arena love," something else U2 is so adept at.

In the meantime, Bush is learning the business and a little extra while traversing the country with two gals and three back-up musicians.

"There are quite a few things you can learn from being on the road with two women," he joked.

"For instance, I think I dress better now and I can even pick out a duvet to match my pillows thanks to Jennifer and Kristen. Plus - let's face it - riding around with women instead of guys means everything just looks and smells better."

As for being out of his career comfort zone, he just couldn't be happier about it. Every day when the sun rises, it's yet another opportunity for three former unknowns from little ol' Georgia to show what making country music is all about. On the radio or live in concert, it's obvious that no one appreciates the here and now quite like they do. Life's a party and you're all invited.

"We're completely and admittedly out of the water here, but that's exciting - that's called living right there," Bush chuckled.

"We've got the greatest job on earth and we feel lucky every single day. Besides, if you're not a little scared, then what fun is it?"