Sugarland Enjoying The Ride

What do you get, when you combine great vocals, great writing, and two great genuine people? The answer is simple. You get the country music group Sugarland, composed of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.

Since hitting the scene, Sugarland’s popularity has been growing at an alarming rate. “Twice the Speed of Life,” which was their Mercury Nashville debut, went Double Platinum. They’ve also enjoyed performing on many shows including the CMT’s, ACM’s, and The Tonight Show.

Starting on December 15, Sugarland will headline its own tour, the “CMT ON TOUR 2007: SUGARLAND CHANGE FOR CHANGE.” The tour will also have Little Big Town and Jake Owen on the ticket, although Owen is scheduled to miss a few dates. Kristian recently talked about the inspiration for his songs, the duo’s current venture touring with Kenny Chesney on the “Flip Flop Tour,” and a very special and meaningful charity with which he is involved.

Q: Most country music comes from the personal lives of the artist. Where does your inspiration come from?
A: First off, we are different in that we write all of our songs. My inspiration comes from my two children.

Q: What has been the most surprising since Sugarland launched?
A: How fast everything has moved for us.

Q: What has been the most memorable moment at an awards show?
A: I’d have to say the ACM’s, when George Strait got sick. They asked us to do one minute of “Baby Girl” and by the time the show came around, they asked us to play the whole song and close. At the end of the song, Tim McGraw and Faith stood up and clapped and then the crowd followed their lead. We had never met Tim or Faith before that, and that was an honor to see them standing, because at that point, we were still very much coming up in the industry and were unknown. Another memorable moment would be meeting Sir Paul McCartney.

Q: What has been the most memorable concert moment?
A: Chicago Theater. We played our new record, and it was the first time that I saw the emotional connection of the songs on the fans’ faces. There is nothing like seeing your words touch another.

Q: Currently, you’re on tour with arguably the greatest country music star of all-time, Kenny Chesney. How it is touring with him?
A: Kenny really has great respect for his opening acts. He always goes the extra mile to be a teacher. Some people in his position tend to push opening acts to the side, but he is always around interacting, and is just a great person.

Q: What are your expectations for future albums?
A: We need that one particular album that stands out. We need to make an album such as “Born In The USA.” That type of album elevates the artist or group to a new level, and most importantly our fans deserve an album like that.

Q: Many artists are involved with charities. I know your involvement is one very personal.
A: Yes, the Liver Foundation is very close to my heart. My mother had Hepatitis C and passed away from complications. Everyone should find at least one charity that means something important to him and give back.

Q: Closing comments?
A: Don’t miss the "Flip Flop Tour"! K.C. puts on a great show and Pat Green runs for government every night he hits the stage.

Official Site: Sugarland
Official fan site
Summer tour dates
Fall tour dates