JA – Good to see you and welcome in Europe.

JR : I come from Lancaster, South Carolina, where I lived in a small town during a big part of my life. Eight years ago, I left this city to come to Nashville. I went to Belmont University. It is also my avenue preferred to sing in the clubs of the city.

JA – You have a vocal stamp very bluesy and I would like to know what you listened to as music styles when you grew up, because you are young. Did the music that listened your parents had an influence on you?

JR – Yes, I listened to some music with my mother, and it was Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Tanya Tucker, Barbara Mandrell. As for the blues, I like Otis Redding, and all this soul tint which there was also with Patsy's Cline.

JA – Your musical tastes come from your mother and not from the influence of your friends?

JR : Absolutely, it is my mother who passed on to me mainly this passion of the music.

JA – Were your parents singers or musicians? Or were you the only main artist of the family?

JR – No, my parents were not connected to this environment, and I am the only one who chose this road. However, my mother played the piano and she liked to sing gospel hymns.

JA – In the United States, it is usual to sing in gospel choirs. I suppose that you made it?

JR – Yes, I participated in choirs, during events and festivals, then by arriving at Nashville, then through the United States and now here in Europe. I like this artist's life

JA – When did you begin to earn money with the music?

JR – Before going to school, I found a job à Dollywood. I sang in the show of the park. Then, I signed at Mercury three years ago.

JA – It is a big label on which is also signed Shania Twain.

JR – Oh yes, and it is magnificent. I am honored with it.

JA – It is always interesting to know how the artists picked up a contract. Either an executive comes to attend one of their concerts, or they send one demo, or by a friend. What was the process for you?

JR – It's true, every artist has his own story. I was at the desk and Luke lewis's assistant, the president, three and a half years ago at Universal Nashville. it was a full-time job and I played in bars at night. Then, I said to them that I wanted to sing, and I met Brent Rowan who produced my first album. Brent asked me to come to work in studio and we recorded five songs. Then Brent suggested me giving the demo to my "boss". I really hoped he would appreciate it because in the opposite case, it could have also less pleasant consequences for me.Then, Brent came to see Luke and he said to him that he had noticed a new girl there, and he made her listen to the demo. He put the CD in reading, then stopped it for a moment and said that he wished to meet the girl who sang. Brent answered him that the girl worked in the same building. Some months later, I began to work on my first album having been signed.

JA – Je programme souvent « Girl next door » sur la radio parisienne où j’anime une émission, et « Break down here » pour ce qui est du premier CD. D’ailleurs, la vidéo où l’on vous voit en voiture est agréable à regarder.

I often play " Girl next door " on the Parisian radio where I host a show, and " Break down here " on the first CD. Moreover, the video where we see you by car is pleasant to look.

JR – Oh thank you, it's very nice.

JA – Could you explain us a little the essence of your blues influence?

JR – Yes, I like very much the blues and I am very touched by the soul fiber. There are artists such as Etta James who really stood out to me, and as I said it, Otis Redding influenced well me. Elvis Presley had this vocal mood.

JA – You have for objective to come to play in Europe (editor's note: I learn a little later that Julie Roberts will play in Gstaad in Switzerland on september 21 and 22). Is this idea yours or of the label?

JR – Oh, it is an idea which I have for a long time. And the opportunity appeared with the CMA. My manager asked me for what I thought of it, and they discussed with my label, because from my part, I was very enthusiastic for this project. I always wanted to come here to be an artist at the international level.

JA – The country music is very appreciated in the North countries of Europe, but there is an increasing activity in France and we would be delighted to welcome you.

JR – Sure, I would be very pleased to come to play there.

JA – Do you play instruments ?

JR – I play guitar when I write songs.

JA – Do you play with a full band tonight?

JR – Yes, there will be a full band for this concert.

JA – Certains country artists are not accompanied with a violin or with a pedal steel. What do you think of it, and are they, according to you, instruments that a country artist must use? Lyrics can be enough for saying that an artist sings country.

JR – I cannot allow to take a pedal steel player because it is too much expensive. I would like to have one, it is a purpose, and one day maybe. On the other hand, I have a player of violin this evening who will play the mandolin. I like the pedal steel and there certainly will be one soon. As regards what defines a country song, you are right, texts are an essential element. The country music is based on the fact of telling stories, the life, the feelings. When I think of the oldest sound of the country music that I love, I think more of the pedal steel and the violin; these instruments are needed for this period of the country music. What I think, if we want a real country sound of country music, the pedal steel and the violin are necessary.

JA – As far as you write and sing, which is your first passion?

JR – I wrote during the last eight years, but I prefer to sing.

JA – How do you explain that?

JR – I prefer to sing because it is very important on stage and it is a part of my life for a long time. But I like writing.

HIGHWAY – With what artists have you already toured?

JR – I participated in numerous festivals, and we meet it numerous artists; but, I played with alan Jackson, brooks and Dunn and Rascal Flatts on tour during several months.

JA – And with what singer would you like to sing in duet?

JR – With Dolly Parton would be a dream. For the singer, it is more difficult, there are so much, but Alan Jackson is magnificent, as well as Ronnie Dunn who has a very specific voice.

JA – When you are on tour, how do you occupy your spare time in the bus? Certain artists look at DVDs, play Play-station …

JR – How I occupy my spare time? In fact, I have no it a lot. I like to go on Myspace, on internet. If I have a connection wifi, it is even more practical. I do not play the video games but my group likes to spend time with these games.

JA – Why don't you like the video games?

JR – (Laughs!!) because I do not succeed in concentrating on. I prefer to go to learn full of things on Myspace.

(Question from Julie Roberts)

JR- Do you play « Men & mascara » ?

JA – Yes, and also « Break down here » and « Girl next door ».

JA – Thank you, Julie, for this interview.

JR – Thanks to you for your support

THE FOLLOWING VIDEOS ARE AVAILABLE HERE WITH THE AGREEMENT OF UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP.

1 Vidéo "Men & mascara"

2 Vidéo de "The chance"

3 Vidéo de "Break down here"

4 Vidéo de "Wake up older"

Jean Agostini – www.highwayfm.com