You know how there is always an artist you can just imagine sitting and getting drunk with as you try to figure out life? That’s how Sunny Sweeney is for me. I can just imagine sitting with her throwing back beers watching the people around us, laughing trying to figure out the stories for the people. That was before I read her bio on her website… then I read her bio and KNEW that was exactly what we’d do if we ever hung out.
Sunny is by far one of my favorite female country singers… her songs are traditional and I never find myself saying “well, that doesn’t sound country.” She’s country and wears it well.
She took some time out of her busy schedule and answered some questions for us. I highly recommend her CD, Concrete.
RCD: If you could collaborate with any living musical act, who would it be?
SS: Dwight Yoakam
RCD: How long have you been playing the guitar?
SS: Since after college
RCD: What brought you to music? Did you ever have a back-up plan?
SS: I wanted to see if I could do it… and I have a college degree. Let’s just hope I don’t have to use it.
RCD: So I can’t help but notice there seems to be a theme to Concrete, a lot of, we will call it, the woes of a single gal. Are your songs based on personal experience? Or are you just singing stories? For example, your song From a Table Away is one that makes me cringe, but only because I can relate to it so much. I remember seeing an ex-boyfriend in a restaurant with his girlfriend, and I remember the sensation of seeing his hand on her back as they entered. So the imagery created with that song… well, I hear that song and still relate.
SS: Some are real, some are made up, and some are things my friends or family have gone through… and I’m very observant… I’m always watching so if I see something that looks like song material, I turn into Mrs. Kravitz and just watch til the story unfolds…
RCD: Has being married changed your songwriting?
SS: Not really… I mean now I can say I’ve actually written at least two positive love songs, but the exes in my life gave me a lot to pull from… so for now, everything is still on the same path.
RCD: What are your pet peeves when performing live? Re: venue, crowd behavior, signs, etc
SS: I hate the drunk guy in the front that yells stupid things to try and get your attention the entire time you are playing until the last song when he throws up and finally gets escorted out – yes, that really happened.
RCD: You’ve mentioned you are “boring” and “low-key” and like to sit and watch TV – what are the shows you enjoy the most? Do you watch Honey Boo Boo?
SS: I watch all the shows on TLC and E… so, yes…LOL!
RCD: Are you a person that is always on-time or late?
SS: If you’re on time, you’re late. I’m always way early for everything.
RCD: What other passions do you have besides music?
SS: My dogs.
RCD: If I ever have the honor to meet you, would you be willing to go head to head in a game of Galaga? 
SS: YES. Obviously, but I hope you have your big girl pants on, and are not a sore loser, because I’m very good at it.
Sunny Sweeney – Staying’s Worse Than Leaving by Universal Music
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