Photo by Marshall Foster
Radney Foster has been writing hit songs and recording albums for over 30 years. The Texas native first found success as one-half of the duo Foster & Lloyd, which made three albums for RCA Records. Aside from having their own chart success, a few of the songs written by Foster & Lloyd would go on to yield success for other artists, including Sweethearts Of The Rodeo and Tanya Tucker. This would turn out to be a common thing for Radney Foster in his solo career as well, as songs he recorded for his own albums would go on to be recorded by prominent artists; the list of notable Radney fans includes Kacey Musgraves, Gary Allan, Sara Evans, Keith Urban, Jack Ingram and The Dixie Chicks.
Everything I Should Have Said, Radney’s 2014 release, was his first collection of new music in five years. The album involved Radney leaving Nashville and recording at Louisiana’s Dockside Studios, which was literally a brothel in the past. Still touring in support of Everything I Should Have Said, Radney will be playing in our area on May 20 at The Cutting Room. After he finishes this run of dates, a follow-up to Everything I Should Have Said will be worked on.
Radney spoke to Downtown about his rich history with both New York City and the music business, in addition to what else is ahead for him. He can be followed online at www.radneyfoster.com.
Photo by Marshall Foster
Radney Foster: Foster & Lloyd played at the Lone Star Cafe in the Village. I remember I was shocked that our second show started at 1:00 AM. After the show, the guitar player and I had a few beers and climbed to the top of the building to sit on the giant iguana.
New York City hasn’t always had a country radio station within range, yet the major country artists have always been able to play large venues here. Why do you think country music is still going strong while other genres are not?
RF: I think there is an authenticity to country music that connects with you, no matter where you are, or where you’re from. I’ve seen it from Norway to Japan. New York is big, brash and authentic. Of course they would love real country music — it’s big, brash and authentic!
Do you like being thought of as a country artist? Do you see yourself as more of a singer/songwriter? Or an Americana performer?
RF: All of the above! I am a singer/songwriter who sings country music. There’s not much of a call for that on mainstream country radio right now, so I’m usually considered Americana.
For people thinking of coming to see you at The Cutting Room, what should they be expecting? These days, are you performing any of the songs you’ve written for other artists?
RF: I do play some songs covered by others, like “Raining On Sunday” – which was a hit for Keith Urban – and “Real Fine Place To Start,” which was recorded by Sara Evans. I’ll also do my own hits and throw in some new stuff as well.
What was your first cut as a songwriter? Was it “Since I Found You” for Sweethearts Of The Rodeo?
RF: Yes. That song also ended up being on the closing credits of the movie “Nadine” with Kim Basinger and Jeff Bridges – “The Dude!”
Photo by Marshall Foster
When it comes to writing for other artists, are you always in the room with them? Do you ever send files through e-mail or write online?
RF: Most of the songs cut by other artists have been because they have heard them from my records. I do pitch songs through my publisher, but most of the ones that become hits were on my albums first. Keith Urban has cut three songs from See What You Want To See, an out-of-print record I put out 17 years ago!
Is there a co-write of yours for another artist that you’re most proud of?
RF: I’m thrilled that I’ve been able to write with Guy Clark, one of my heroes. He wrote “Fair Shake” with Bill Lloyd and I, a hit off our second album. Later he recorded another song were wrote with him, “Picasso’s Mandolin.” That is one of my prouder moments.
Will you be collaborating with other artists on your upcoming recording sessions with Will Kimbrough?
RF: You never know what will happen when you get in the studio!
What’s ahead for you when this tour has wrapped?
RF: I’m in the middle of producing a record for Alisa McCance, and I just got cast in an independent film, shooting this summer. I write most days when I’m not on the road, and lately I’ve been writing short fiction.
Finally, is there something you wish more people knew about Radney Foster?
RF: I’m an avid fly fisherman and I love to cook.
