Aaron Lewis is the lead singer and founder of acclaimed rock band Staind; moreover, he wrote, and recorded a country album entitled Town Line, which was released via the indie label, Stroudavarious Records. On July 27, 2011, Lewis opens up to Suite101 about his music career, and discusses his charitable and philanthropic organizations.
His latest solo album Town Line, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Country Charts, for the week ending March 19, 2011.
Lewis Talks About Country Music
“I like the life and the realness that is in country music,” says Lewis.
Lewis Talks About New Album Town Line
Regarding the success of his Town Line record, Lewis states “it’s history-making. I don’t think anybody else has ever done that before, from the rock into the country genre, and have a debut at #1 on the Country Charts.”
Lewis Talks About his Charity
“The charity that I created is ‘It Takes a Community Foundation,’ to help rural communities do things that their tax dollars just don’t allow them to do. Usually, it surrounds kids. The main focus of the charity is this school that I’ve re-opened with my wife, and other concerned parents and townspeople, the R.H. Conwell Education Center. As the foundation grows, we can start doing other things. That’s the mission statement and that’s the plan!” Lewis says.
Lewis Talks About his Upcoming Benefit Concert
Lewis’ two-day benefit concert is slated to take place on Friday, August 19, and Saturday, August 20, at The Pines Theater at Look Park, situated in Northampton, Massachusetts.
“The first night is country night! I have Joe Nichols, myself, Rhett Akins, Alexa Carter and Frank Hannon playing. Then, on the rock night, I’ve got Lo-Pro, the band that I signed a few years back, and Corey Taylor from Slipknot doing an unplugged acoustic show, as well as three of the guys from Tesla, and myself, performing in the evening,” he says.
Lewis Shares his Proud Moments
“Opening this school, as well as going over to the Middle East to play for soldiers. Also, having Charlie Daniels and George Jones come in and play on Country Boy was pretty amazing. These things don’t happen very often, and for them to have happened to me, I feel very blessed and very lucky,” he remarks.
Lewis Reveals Future Plans
“We’re putting together a hunting show, and I’m definitely going to put out another country record, and my life is about to get engulfed with Staind. Our seventh album comes out on September 13, 2011,” Lewis says.
Lewis' Dream Collaborations
“I would love to do something with Willie Nelson,” says Lewis. “I would love to a duet with Gretchen Wilson. I’ve always loved Bonnie Raitt’s voice, since it transcends in a bunch of genres.”
Lewis Talks About his Fans
“I’m pretty well-connected with my fans. I really don’t spend too much on Social Media in staying in touch with them. I do utilize the outlets, but I go out after every show and I sign autographs, and hang out and talk to people. I stay connected more of the old-fashioned way,” he says.
Lewis Talks About Alternate Careers
“I’m a goldsmith by trade, so I would probably still be making or fixing jewelry in some way.”
Lewis’ Advice for Hopefuls in Music
“Think real, long and hard. Don’t be afraid to practice!” he says.
Many thanks to Aaron Lewis for granting this interview!
For more information on Aaron Lewis, please visit his official website.
Sources
- Telephone Communication. Aaron Lewis. July 27, 2011.
- Billboard Hot Country Album Charts. March 19, 2011, issue.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
Join the Conversation