Soulful figurehead Cody ChesnuTT has landed on our shores with his four-piece band for the first time since 2006, with two headline shows in Sydney and Brisbane and two shows as part of the Melbourne Festival. Cody will be bringing his latest mix of southern-fried RnB, Prince-lined soul, and gospel-tinged hip-hop anthems in the fine fusion of Landing On A Hundred.
We caught up with Cody ahead of his tour to chat all things recording, guitars, returning to Australia.
Over a decade, you’ve gone from recording The Headphone Masterpiece in your four-track bedroom studio to the famous Royal Studios. Of these two set-ups, which is more conducive to song writing?
For me, I would say the four-track. It’s more immediate. I can get things down and problem solve a lot quicker this way. I feel a bit more focused when I’m writing this way.
You had a pretty lengthy break between your two LPs. What went on in that down time and how did it affect you as an artist?
It wasn’t really what I consider “down time”, I was pretty productive, but in a different way outside of music. I spent that time living a life that I had never lived before…learning how to be selfless. I spent this precious time learning what the role of a husband and father really is.
This period afforded me the opportunity to grow in my understanding of myself and the world around me through both reading and observation. In short, what went on was a lot of maturing.
Your guitar work has shifted dramatically from the rock playing of your early career. Was this change necessary to reflect the matured lyricism for your later work?
Not necessarily. My approach to the guitar or any instrument for that matter, is solely reflective of what the song is demanding. The approach is alwayslisten to the song…serve the song.
Do you still consider yourself a rock’n’roll musician? What labels do you prefer using for your more recent material?
I don’t think I’ve ever labeled myself as just a “rock’n’roll” musician or artist. I’ve always felt like I embody the full spectrum of music. But if I were to claim one, “soul” would definitely be at the center my universe.
What kind of attention were you receiving from major labels in the time before Landing On a Hundred?
Not a lot really. There were some people interested in the material, but with all honesty, is was pretty quiet on the label front.
What brought on the move from Atlanta to Los Angeles? How different do you think things would be if you’d stayed in Georgia?
My pursuit of the dream took my cousin I to LA. This was a move that allowed us to cut through a lot of “red tape”. Being in the center of the industry helped us tremendously with building our relationships. Having access to talent and industry figures, expedited the situation a bit. Had we stayed in Atlanta, who knows…it might have taken us a little longer than it did. Creatively, I have a strong feeling things might have turned out pretty much the same way.
Landing On a Hundred was recorded with a ten-piece band. Is working with a big band something that¹s new to you? What was it like working with them in the studio?
Yes, working with a unit this size was a new experience. Before this band, the most members I’ve created with were three. It wasn’t as challenging as some might think. The songs were well structured before I introduced them to the band. The musicians in the band were extremely talented, so it made the process and enjoyable one. Everyone in the unit brought an amazing attitude and work ethic to the project, which made it easy to communicate the musical ideas.
What kind of band will you be playing with for your Australian shows?
I’ll be bringing the rhythm section that I recorded the album with.
What kind of touring have you been doing for the album, and how have you found it?
We’ve been touring most of the yearboth personal gigs and festivals. I’ve found touring this particular project to be an amazing journey. I say this because my audience has grown with me over the years, and in a way, I was starting over. It’s been beautiful to see people embrace my desire to grow.
The most challenging part of the experience is being away from my family.
You first became heard of in Australia when you collaborated with The Roots on their version of The Seed. They’ll be here two months after you, was a special appearance from you ever on the agenda?
No, we didn’t make any plans for this run.
On the subject of famous fans of yours, director Michel Gondry got behind you in 2006. Are you planning on working with him again for Landing On a Hundred?
I’m not sure. There’s always the possibility, but we haven’t discussed anything to date.
Cody ChesnuTT Australian Tour 2013 Dates:
Wednesday 16th & Thursday 17th October – Foxtel Festival Hub – Melbourne Festival
Saturday 19th October – The Metro, Sydney NSW
Saturday 20th October – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane QLD
For full tour and ticketing information please refer to the attached media release or head to: www.livenation.com.au
Watch ‘I’ve Been Life’ here
