Photo Courtesy of BDSongs Facebook
What people take away from country music is the story, the connection of the artist singing the song. The positive effect is bringing people together. One's voice does get heard even in the snowy hillsides of Alaska. Anchorage, Alaska artist Doug Briney known for his singles "More Than Just A Farm" and "It's All Country" recently took time out of his schedule to sit down with me in our first interview, I must say Doug's speaking voice is just as soothing and comforting as his singing voice who continues to work towards his goals of making it to the big city of Nashville one day, it's not a far stretch, after all if your into the likes of positive country such as Josh Turner and Chris Young then your in for a real treat. Doug brings us some great positive country influences who covers Young's "The Man I Want To Be" and Turner's "Would You Go With Me" from his live stage shows across Anchorage among Ronnie Dunn's "Bleed Red". Briney is a true gift as it does clearly show, Doug,do you believe this was the chosen path to lead? Right now, yes! if you would have asked me six or seven years ago my answer would have been the complete opposite. Timing has been everything these days, there has been considerable growth through the years. "I do believe timing is everything Doug, there is a reason behind every purpose"; "Absolutely Shellie!" Doug responds. What have you learned through out your career at this point? "I've walked away with a revelation being true to myself, others see it because truly people are people, you identify with one another as we all want the same things in life, they just happen at different times". Oh, most definitely Doug, sometimes showing your real self can open you to a ton of criticism, for the most part it's just dealing with it.How supportive has the community been towards your career in music? For the most part they have been supportive, believe it or not Anchorage has a huge country music following, although the downside is the lack of the larger venues, we have the clubs and bars where most fans go, it's however the limited space and venues that seem to be the toughest. The fans here are really excited and keep asking me when I'm going to make the move to Nashville. Have you experienced any memorable moments from your live shows? I did a show in Homer, Alaska and there was this lady who wanted to hear a particular Toby Keith song, I really didn't know all the lyrics to it and only knew the first couple of lines, she was really aminent on hearing it, so I brought her up on stage, she was excited I gave her that much, but she kept going on and on. I went on to explain to her the next time I'm there I'll know the entire song, she just wasn't satisfied. I then told her if she sits down I'll perform some other songs and promise her she'd have a good time, I made her happy after all. Later, the bartender that evening said to me how well I handled the situation. That was a moment I'll never forget. You perform many cover songs from other artists such as Ronnie Dunn, Chris Young, Josh Turner and Toby Keith, what drives you to perform such meaningful songs? Every single song I sing I can personally identify with. When I heard Chris Young's "Voices" the first time I felt personally connected to, the days my dad would tell me "don't cross that line" jumped out from the song especially. Those kind of lyrics from a song people really connect to. It comes down to picking the right songs, like "Voices" and Bleed Red by Ronnie Dunn. Blake Shelton took "Ole Red" and made it a hit. I want to showcase what fits to me but to also have that longevity as well.
Oh most definitely Doug, it comes down to a song someone will connect with on a personal level, it is all in the approach and delivery to a song. "Yes, Shellie it is", Doug replied. You have a strong sense of faith in God, do you think that is what draws you to the music you perform? Absolutely, my faith and the music is intertwined, it works. There are spiritual aspects to the music where as it isn't religious or to what you practice is what you preach, there is a separation of the two, I like to call it positive country, it really is just positive country.
It really is positively reflective,quite reminds me of what Vince Gill has done throughout his career. "You've got that right Shellie, Vince is an influential singer songwriter, take his song "Threaten Me With Heaven" the message stands alone by itself, as so it is with Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, from the song "Baby Girl" in the line where she sings "dear mom and dad please send money, I'm so broke it isn't funny, love your baby girl". Words like that people relate to, and reminds me of a time when my daughter was learning the ropes of following her dreams and made the move to Los Angeles, California.
Speaking of Jennifer Nettles and Vince Gill if you could collaborate with any country artist who would it be? Jennifer Nettles hands down, she takes a song to a different place, she stretches a performance throughout a live show, the first time I saw a live performance on TV sealed the deal for me, this was someone who I was in complete awe of musically. If there was ever a way I could collaborate with her would be well worth the time. Vince Gill on the business side of things, he's very business minded, to show me the ropes of what I can do to improve.
Of course every artist wants to succeed in this business, what separates you from the rest? I like to say that is my faith, that is number one to me, and the real desire to do more with my music, I'm just not satisfied yet, I won't be until I get to a place I can better myself. It is the work ethic in me.
When it all comes down to this Doug, at the end of the day who inspires you?
I wouldn't be the man I am without my wife, my family and faith. Honestly I have a tremendous self drive to keep myself going, not only for my family but for myself as well.
Honestly Doug without family and faith none of us would be where we are today, your a good man who's going far in this business, I only wish you the best and I'll be there along the way to support and promote you all that I can. People have been placed in my life for a reason not just for a job, it is truly connecting with others and to help make a difference in the world. Thank you so much for talking with me today, "Thank you Shellie", Doug replies.
For more on Doug Briney and his music visit Doug online on Facebook and Twitter here
Doug Briney Community Facebook Page
@DougBriney
The official Doug Briney website
Doug Briney - Alaskan Country Music Artist
