Former Los Angeles country artist, Sarah Gayle Meech has been based in Nashville for the past five years. Her second album, Tennessee Love Song, was just released and was produced by Meech and Andy Gibson (steel and dobro for Hank Williams III– who also plays on the album).
Since moving to Tennessee, Meech keeps racking up accomplishments; frequent airplay on Sirius XM’s “Outlaw Country,” songs featured on the TV show “Justified” and an appearance on TV’s “Nashville,” A MAC Cosmetics contract, an Ameripolitan Award and she will be playing alongside Merle Haggard at the first annual Ink n’ Iron convention in Nashville this summer. She’s now on tour in support of the record and will be hitting Los Angeles on Sunday, April 12th. I caught up with my old friend for a chat and to report back to TJ West.
Tell us about your new record, Tennessee Love Song. You moved from Los Angeles to Nashville a few years back. I take it from the name of the title, that you’re enjoying Nashville?
The new album features 15 new tracks; I wrote them all and co-produced the album with steel guitarist Andy Gibson. We recorded the album at Andy’s home studio in East Nashville, same place we recorded my first album One Good Thing. Tennessee Love Song is a reflection of my last four years in Nashville, good times, bad times, weather, landscape, seasons, all influenced the mood and sound of this album. I’ve learned a lot being in Nashville and grown as an artist. Coming here was what I needed to do. I still miss life in LA all the time; I’m really excited to be coming back for a few days!
You will be playing The Grand Ole Echo music series in Los Angeles on April 12th. How long has it been since you’ve played in Los Angeles?
Almost four years since I’ve been home to play. Too long!
The Ameripolitan Awards were started by Dale Watson in Austin, Texas as a response to the compromised phrase “country” music. You just won an Ameripolitan Award for Best Female Outlaw. What does the word outlaw mean to you?
I think “Outlaw” is doing things your own way. Making your own scene, your own sound and style, not adhering to trends or popularity.
You and your band were just featured in an episode of the TV series, “Nashville.” What was that experience like?
Working with “Nashville” was top notch. It was a lot of fun, I’m really happy to have been featured on the show. They feature a lot of independent artists and I have huge respect for that.
Along with the excitement of the award and TV appearance, you’ve also partnered with MAC Cosmetics. How did that come about?
MAC sponsorship came around same time as “Nashville” episode. I worked for MAC years ago while I lived in LA and kept in touch with some friends there. The timing of everything was just right. I’m so thrilled to be sponsored by them. I love MAC products, always have always will! “Pink Pigeon” lipstick is my current fav!
You just arrived back in the states after playing a few performances in Sweden. Was it your first time there? How did the audience receive you?
Sweden was absolutely fantastic! It was my first time playing overseas. All of the shows were fantastic and a couple of them were sold out too. The bands, promoters and people I met and worked with in Sweden were all superb. I look forward to going back!
What’s next for Sarah Gayle Meech and the Meech Boys?
More tour, more shows, more stories! I’m already writing for album #3. I’ll see where it finds me!
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For More Information: http://sarahgaylemeech.com/
Sarah Gayle Meech will headline The Grand Ole Echo in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 12th. 3-8pm 1822 Sunset /Free before 5pm $5 after/All Ages with Pi Jacobs (record release for Hi-Rise Ranch), Cal King, The Freightshakers, and Cashew & Cleary
This interview was originally published for the column TJ West for the online Americana magazine Turnstyled Junkpiled.
