By Michael-Shawn Dugar Inland360.com
Sara Evans is no stranger to success — she has experienced a great deal of it throughout a lengthy music career that includes seven studio albums and numerous country music awards.
Evans’ most recent album, “Slow Me Down,” which was released in March, is on its way to becoming another strong addition to her already well-padded resume. The multiplatinum-selling singer is on tour promoting the album and recently released a second single, “Can’t Stop Loving You,” also featuring singer Isaac Slade.
Fans can see Evans perform live Saturday, when she makes her first appearance at Clearwater River Casino near Lewiston.
Inland 360: Can you tell me a little bit about ‘Can’t stop loving you’?
Sara Evans: I just loved the song from the first time I heard the demo and knew that Isaac would sound great singing it with me. He blew us away in the studio and really made it such a vocal event.
360: Who were some of your musical influences growing up? Who/what influences your music now?
SE: Growing up I listened to a lot of classic country music … like Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, etc., but I also listened to more pop and rock acts like the Doobie Brothers. Now I actually listen to a lot of pop and Top 40. It’s what my kids listen to, so we all sing along as a family.
360: Is there a song/album of yours that may not have had great commercial success but you feel is one of your stronger pieces of work?
SE: My first album, “Three Chords & The Truth,” was loved by critics, but country radio wouldn’t play it. The album was really country, and it came out right when country radio shifted towards a more pop sound, so it didn’t fit at that moment.
360: Can you describe the energy/environment at one of your live shows?
SE: I make it a point to try and sing better live than on my records. I want the fans to leave my show and feel like they were moved by my music.
360: What has been your most memorable performance at this point in your career?
SE: That’s a really hard question … I’ve had so many amazing opportunities. Doing CMT Crossroads with Maroon 5 was one of the biggest moments. Singing “Endless Love” for Lionel Richie was another.
360: Was there a moment when you realized you were famous? Was it ever tough getting used to?
SE: It really hit me when my third album, “Born To Fly,” was released. That album was a game-changer for me and really helped catapult me to the next level professionally. I had been singing and performing since I was a little girl across Missouri, so I was always “famous in a small town” so to speak, so it wasn’t a huge adjustment.
360: Do you love making music/performing? If so, when did you realize it?
SE: I love being in the studio and songwriting … but nothing is as exhilarating as performing live each night with my band for a live audience. There’s something special and electric about every performance — probably because every show is different with a different crowd. I absolutely love performing live.
360: When it’s all said and done, what will you like to have accomplished with your music?
SE: I hope that I make music that lasts, that touches people and becomes the soundtrack to moments of their life.
If you go
What: Sara Evans live in concert
Where: Clearwater River Casino
When: 8 p.m. Aug. 16
Tickets: Available at CRC box office, online at Ticketwest.com and by phone at (800) 325-7328
Michael-Shawn can be reached by phone at 208-883-4628 or by email at Mdugar@dnews.com. You can follow him on twitter at @Mikedelaphante.
