Photo Credit Beth Elliott
Kiefer Sutherland has a set a goal for the Dallas, Forth, Worth Metroplex to have the most rounds of beverages in the history of Billy Bob’s. His strategic plan involves a two-prong approach. First, he will provide great music from his debut album ‘Down in a Hole’ and his new single ‘This Is How It’s Done,’ which was released last week. Secondly, Sutherland plans to purchase drinks for everyone in attendance to break Merle Haggard’s world record of buying the largest round of 5,095 drinks.
“I will make this statement, and I might have to do it twice because I do not know how many people are coming, but I will buy you a round of drinks if you come to Billy Bobs and we will drink together at my May 4th show.”
We sat down with Sutherland to talk about his country roots in the state of Texas.
You released your new single ‘This Is How It’s Done’ last week. Can you tell us what is the inspiration behind the track?
I was in Louisville Kentucky, and we were playing a festival there, and I walked into a bar to grab some lunch. The bar reminded me of the first bar that I ever walked into. It was one of those rare songs that wrote itself very quickly, and I wrote about the first bar I walked into when I was either 16 or 17 years old. The truth is that night I put everything into the song from the two gentlemen fighting, the pretty girl dancing on the bar, and then put it to a rhythm. It reminded me of an old Hank Williams mix with stomp Honkytonk music.
How many tracks will be on your album and will there be any featured artists?
There will be ten tracks on the record, and we use some extraordinary artists on the album such as drummer Brian Macleod. Most of the public might not be too familiar with them, but any musician would know who they are, and I am very grateful to have them as a part of this album.
When you are in the creative process are there any specific instruments that you like to use and why?
I like to use the guitar, and I tend to be more of a traditionalist regarding music. It’s straightforward with the instruments that we use such as, guitar, piano, drums, and base. What I try to accomplish is a warm sound, as if you are listening to National Skyline, Jackson Brown, and even early Eagles records. Those records had such a warm sensibility, and that is what I am trying to do with these instruments.
You are currently on the North American leg of your “Reckless Tour” and will be starting your European leg in June. Can you share with us as a touring artist how do you, mentality and physically prepare yourself to travel and perform?
There is not a lot of preparation it is just something that you must go out and do. Honestly, it’s that simple as soon as the dates start to show up you must go out and play.
You had the opportunity to perform more than 120 shows in 2016 and 2017. Can you talk about what is your daily regimen?
The only regimen that I have before each show is making sure to not consume any alcohol and after the show is finished I participate in the festivities… Cheers!
You will be performing at Billy Bob’s this Friday, May 4th in Fort Worth, Texas. Why has the Dallas Metroplex always been somewhere you play while on tour?
Being able to play Billy Bob’s is such an honor and it is one of the great venues of all time. I can literally go through the history since 1910. It is a unique place to play and to be invited this Friday; May 4th is honestly one of the great honors of my life. I had the opportunity to talk to Merle Haggard before he passed away. He set the Guinness World Record of 5,095 for buying the biggest round of drinks totaling $12,737.50.“I will make this statement, and I might have to do it twice because I do not know how many people are coming, but I will buy you a round of drinks if you come to Billy Bobs and we will drink together at my May 4th show.”
Do have any other memories from Billy Bob’s beside Merle Haggard and the Guinness World Record?
I just think about the artists that played there. It has been home to so many different acts before it became a ‘Honkytonk.’ When you think of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and the number of people who played there you are walking on hallowed ground. For me, it is such an honor to be invited to play.
What are some of your favorite memories of performing in Dallas over the years?
One of my favorite memories of Texas was when I was rodeoing in Dallas. I was a teen roper, calf roper, and spent a lot of time traveling from Midland, Dallas, and Houston. Houston hosts the biggest rodeo to start the season off, and most of my time in Texas has been as a Cowboy. I also remember attending a premiere for Lou Diamond Phillips somewhere in Dallas, and it was a fantastic experience. I have to say, the best time of my life was as a roper in the state of Texas.
You are a musician and have benefited from fine arts throughout your life. How important is it for us to continue to fund the fine arts programs around the world which give the next generation an opportunity to be creative?
It is everything and if you do not give young people the opportunity to find their talent, whether in music or theatre our society and culture will lose the ability to tell stories. Stories about history and dreams about our future.” I think it is paramount for schools to have music programs, theatre, and ways to teach children how to express themselves and to be able to talk about what they are going through at the time.”
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