Chris Tompkins on Songwriting, Muscle Shoals, and Pretty Little Souped Up Four-Wheel Drives
Chris Tompkins, co-writer of Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” and Bo Bice’s “American Blood,” recently shared some thoughts with Bona Fide Bice on his songwriting, his roots, his success and Southern Rock today. (And yes, Bo too.)
You’ve had quite a run lately, haven’t you? First Jimmy Buffet and “Bama Breeze,” then the juggernaut that is your huge crossover hit with “Before He Cheats”: Multiple weeks at number one on the country charts, video of the year at the CMT awards, a nomination for ACM song of the year, plus cracking the Top Ten on the mainstream Top 40 chart and being the first country video ever played on TRL. Wow. When you and Josh Kear wrote the song, did you have a feeling it could be really big?
Yes and No. We knew we had a good song but had no idea how big it would be, which we are very grateful of. We knew it was special and different.
You’re 11 years old, your stepdad brings home a piano, you sit down and start to play it (being a prodigy) and you announce, “Hey, Mom! I’m going to grow up and write number one songs!” And she said, “That’s nice, Chris. Now be a good boy and finish your math homework.” Or something like that. Were you determined from a young age to make a living in music, or did you look at it initially as a hobby that paid for your beer money?
I hated school, every single hour of it. My parents always encouraged me to play that piano all the time. They will tell you that to this day. I got special treatment if I got a “C” on my report card and then they would go tell me to play the shit out of the piano – which I started out playing chords my uncle taught me, and I thought – hey, if I can play other cover songs, maybe I can write my own. My first song was called “Don’t Stand Me Up”. My band director helped me do a demo in the band room at school during class – that was seventh grade – that pretty much changed my life.
Did you originally start out focusing on keyboards, or were songwriting and keyboards always hand in hand?
Hand in hand.
Clearly you’ve progressed beyond paying for a keg or two. When did you realize you really were going to be able to make a go of it in the music industry?
I knew it the first time I auditioned for the Bluebird Cafe Sunday night writers show when I was 17. I got a really good response and was invited back two weeks later.
Which songwriters do you admire most? Why?
Jackson Browne is my biggest influence….because of the truth in his lyrics even when I didn’t understand them, I was drawn immediately. Other influences are John Hiatt, Marc Cohn, Steely Dan, and Neil Young.
Currently you’re a staff songwriter for That Little House Music, is that correct? (Or are you with Big Loud Shirt?) What does that look like exactly? Do you write songs for them, and they in turn act as your marketing arm to labels?
I was with Little House from 2000 – 2006 and Big Loud Shirt bought my catalog last year. I’m currently a Big Loud Shirt staff songwriter. Big Loud Shirt is my publisher. They pay me to write songs, and they have staff members that take my songs to the record labels to hear for various artists – (my song pluggers)…..
You got your start in Muscle Shoals, which will forever be identified with Southern Rock. Southern Rock reached its apogee in the 1970’s. Which acts do you see as the current torch bearers for Southern Rock? Where do you see the Southern Rock influence in popular music today?
Actually, I really feel like Bo Bice is the real deal. Although his first record did really well and was a good record, his next record is going to have more of that rootsy influence. As far as other bands, you have to really look at what Southern Rock is – No one in country music now is pulling that off, and that’s a shame, think about Skynyrd and Charlie Daniel lyrics, as well as Allman Bros., that is classic, it pretty much stands alone. Let’s just say, Bo’s new album is going to be phenomenal. I also want to say my two good friends from Muscle Shoals, Gary Nichols and Jason Isbell are absolutely the real deal. They are true to what they do – which is rare.
What does the writing process look like for you? Do you usually have a co-writer? Do you start with a place (“Bama Breeze”) or a quote (“American Blood”) or a moment from life (“Me and Emily?”)
I just start playing and then I start singing dummy lyrics and just kind of let the song write itself. Sometimes I write alone, but most times it’s a collaboration.
Reading through your list of musical influences, most of them would be classified as rock (Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Steely Dan, etc.) You started in Muscle Shoals and ended up in Nashville. How did you transition to country music away from the rock influences?
I have always loved country music. I’ve always been able to use the kind of language that represents country. I grew up in the country. My parents worked at flea markets and my mom always had beans, cornbread and sliced onions on the table…..what can I say? I knew that I belonged in Nashville.
Do you ever write with a specific artist in mind?
Not usually but sometimes…lately, Carrie Underwood because she is working on a new album :)
You play at the Bluebird fairly regularly, is that correct? Have you ever thought about going the singer/songwriter route and recording your own music?
Yes, I play there about ten times a year. I definitely plan on making an album in the near future. Watch out.
I’ve heard a bootleg from your February performance at the Bluebird with Jason Isbell, Gary Nichols and Bo. It was just great. Tell me — why did you guys stop playing together? Could you all get back together for a CD or two, just as a personal favor to me?
Bo, Gary and Jason are some of my closest friends…before any of us had success, we were back home in Muscle Shoals going out on the weekends, sitting in with the bands, hanging out at each other’s houses, going on road trips, etc. etc. That Bluebird show was a very special night. It was the first night that all of us had gotten out together and played after each one of us had had some success. I will never forget it. It’s very possible that we will all play together again…as for the CD..who knows.
I have to ask – “Before He Cheats” isn’t autobiographical, is it? You didn’t walk out into a parking lot to find your pretty little souped-up four-wheel drive all busted up, did you? ;-)
No, but I feel the guy’s pain!! I just bought a new pretty little souped up FJ Cruiser 4 Wheel Drive and I think I can keep it in the pants! HA!
Sitting watching TV a couple years back, if you would have known Carrie Underwood was going to perform your first number one song, would you still have voted for Bo?
I would have kept voting for Bo and made my wife vote for Carrie …that’s a hard question there. That whole thing is so ironic. Bo came to my #1 party (Carrie was of course there) and everyone got a kick when I told the story of voting for Bo…even Carrie chuckled…
What’s coming up next for you? Have your found an artist to perform your next number one song, or are Bo and Gary still arm wrestling for it?
Bo has recorded two of the three songs we’ve written lately. I’m very excited about that. Bucky Covington (another American Idol guy) has my song “Hometown” on his new CD so things are happening…especially with American Idol…but I have lots of new artists that have been recording my songs and a lot of good things are boiling. I’m truly thankful to be able to share my music. I will say in closing, Bo’s got some damn loyal fans. Ya’ll rule.
June 17th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Great interview!
Thanks Chris!
June 17th, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Nice job, ThreeDimen and Chris, you rock! Bo does have great fans, doesn’t he. I’m happy for your success and thanks for the reassurance about Bo’s next album, we can’t wait to hear it!
June 17th, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Wow, you guys are just full of wonderful surprises! This was a really great interview. Chris is a sweetie! I loved hearing more about his music and his friendships. They are very special guys. 3D, you rock! IFLBFB!!
June 17th, 2007 at 8:04 pm
Awesome interview. Things are looking so good. And a big YES to “Jackson Browne.” Thanks 3D.
June 17th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
Wow. Big time interview…you need to replace some of those lame ass interviewers on network teevee. Great questions, great responses! Sounds like Chris is having a blast right now! I’m loving the fact Bo’s recorded a couple of his songs! Thanks ThreeD.
June 17th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
Great interview ThreeD and thanks so much Chris, for sharing all that with us. You are amazing, but now I want to hear that 3rd song you wrote with Bo ;-) (And I second the request for a Jason Isbell, Bo Bice, Chris T, Gary Nichols CD, tour, Lifetime movie, whatever. You guys are all great.)
June 17th, 2007 at 8:35 pm
Wow, what a coup, ThreeDimen!
Loved the interview. Chris’ career trajectory is clearly rocketing skyward. He’s a helluva writer and knows his way around a keyboard. I am in favor of Tompkins World Domination! If he’s still writing for Queen Underwood I’m sure he will have royalties to buy a REALLY souped up 4WD.
(Oh, and I also want to know about the third Bo song.)
Gawd, I’d love to hear Bo, Chris, Jason and Gary again (besides the soundboard, which is one of the most fantastic live performances I’ve ever heard), and I am so lucky to have heard three of them in February. What an array of talent!
June 17th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Thanks ThreeDimen for an awesome interview. Thanks Chris for your insight and candor. You rule,too!!
June 17th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Thanks ThreeDimen and Chris! Great interview.
“Bo, Gary and Jason are some of my closest friends…before any of us had success, we were back home in Muscle Shoals going out on the weekends, sitting in with the bands, hanging out at each other’s houses, going on road trips, etc. etc.”
Geez, I bet there are some stories to tell about those days. I hope to have a chance to hear the four of them all play together. Now that would be a show!
June 17th, 2007 at 9:40 pm
[...] song for Carrie called "Sometimes U Leave" Here is the interview its near the end. Bo Bice Blog: Bona Fide Bice » Chris Tompkins on Songwriting, Muscle Shoals, and Pretty Little Soupe… And here is the demo he said he sent to her. http://www.myspace.com/christompkinsmusic Its a nice piano [...]
June 17th, 2007 at 9:43 pm
Wow and just when I thought we were going to die from boredom, what a coup.
Yes, Chris, Bo does have some damn loyal fans and we happen to love some of his friends. I’m waiting on that joint CD and tour from you, Jason, Gary, and Bo.
June 17th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Thanks for the great interview ThreeD and thanks to Chris for being reachable inspite of his busy schedule and new found stature as award winning songwriter. This is the best thing that I’ve read in Bo-landia for quite a while.
June 17th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
This was a terrific interview. Thanks so much 3D. And thanks Chris, for sharing so openly. I was especially excited about this:
“It’s very possible that we will all play together again…as for the CD..who knows.”
Could you imagine a CD with these four guys? Have mercy!
June 17th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
Terrific interview, Thanks 3D and Chris.
June 17th, 2007 at 11:34 pm
Dang! What a great interview! Thank you for getting this down here for us!! This is so cool – I love Chris’ music…and the good things he says about Bo “it’ll be phenomenal”…makes my heart race!!
June 18th, 2007 at 1:20 am
Chris does not seem to be the type to use hyperboles so when he dropped the word ‘phenomenal’ it means something. He could have said great or good, but no..he said phenomenal. Earthquake rumblings…can you feel them now. Is it September yet?
June 18th, 2007 at 1:22 am
Really a good interview…thanks 3D.
June 18th, 2007 at 3:32 am
3D, you are amazingly awesome! Thanks to you and to Chris for the interview. Great interview!
u2vixen, I felt the same way about “phenomenal” when Chris spoke about Bo’s CD. Gave me goosebumps!
The reason that Chris, Bo, Gary and Jason are all friends is that they remain honest, true and down-to-earth. I would make another trip to Nashville to see all four at the Bluebird making phenomenal music!
June 18th, 2007 at 6:38 am
Great interview, ThreeD. Wow! My admiration for all these guys just grows every time I learn a little more about them. Yes, we are very loyal Bo fans, but that’s no accident. He’s the ‘real deal’ and so are Chris, Gary and Jason.
I love hearing about all of these guys having continued success and wish them all the best. And all of them playing together? Um, where do I sign up?
June 18th, 2007 at 7:29 am
Most excellent interview, ThreeD. Chris is a major talent and I wish him all the success in the world. He was wonderful at the Exit/In with Bo; I hope I am fortunate enough to get to hear them together live again in the future. And yes, Chris, we Bo fans are a loyal bunch! :)
June 18th, 2007 at 8:12 am
Thanks for the wonderful interview. Wow, I just listened to Sometimes You Leave on Chris’s myspace. What a great tune…lucky Carrie. Does anyone else think this song does not sound country? Well, I guess once Carrie’s people get a hold of it they will tweak the music to make it sound twangy. I was really excited about Bo’s new cd, but now I don’t think I will be able to wait. “Phenomenal” Now how will I wait for summer to be over? Never thought I would see the day I would be hoping for summer to end. I also downloaded Hometown from Bucky’s cd at ITunes. Now a bad tune either, just not real excited about Bucky’s voice. Sure isn’t Bo.
June 18th, 2007 at 8:16 am
I know what you mean paulam. When I first heard it, I thought of Kelly Clarkson because it didn’t sound country to me.
June 18th, 2007 at 8:21 am
Wow, that was some great reading. I don’t know how you guys go out and get your news, but thank-you. Chris stopped short of saying TRT wasn’t Bo. But Bo’s new cd you’ll see its Bo from Muscle Shoels the southern rock capital. I always tell my kids when June hits bam September is here before you know it. Is it September yet?
June 18th, 2007 at 8:29 am
I think most stuff Chris writes could be country or not, depending upon the arrangement and vocal “stylings.”
June 18th, 2007 at 10:08 am
I never know what to say because everyone here says it for me, so all I can say is when I heard the word “phenomenal”, that’s quite a statement coming from such a successful songwriter. Bo and Chris may be long time friends, and he may have voted for Bo, but he knows talent when he see’s it, I am so excited for Bo and believe that this album will make everyone that hears it will make their jaws drop in amazement. When I see Bo live performing songs he loves, he is in his own world, and is able to bring us into that world. I love TRT, but you can feel and hear the difference,at least I can. Thanks for sharing the interview it was a great read, and congrats to Chris.
June 18th, 2007 at 10:55 am
The best thing about TRT was the dual-disc side. I just watched the video again and cf222 you are right. When Bo sang his own songs on the dual-disc video you could tell the difference between singing something he was given and something he feels. Did I mention I can’t wait for September?
June 18th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Wow! Thanks ThreeDimen and Chris for a wonderful interview. I’m glad Bo has such nice friends. BFB does rule!
June 18th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
3D, that was an excellent interview. I think you missed your calling in life! It was so nice of Chris to take the time and be open to doing it also. Thanks guys!
June 18th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Great interview & thanks to Chris for his support of Bo!
June 18th, 2007 at 2:21 pm
Fantastic interview ThreeD. Most exceptional.
Chris sounds so down to earth and likeable. It’s no wonder he and Bo are friends. I hope they can collaborate a lot in times to come.
Bo does have some rockin’ fans. I love summer and it’s a precious commodity where I live but, like so many of you, I truly can’t wait for September.
Thank you Chris for sharing. It’s a special treat.
June 18th, 2007 at 3:26 pm
3D–Great interview, thanks so much for contacting Chris T and for your great questions. In addition, thanks Chris for your thoughtful answers. It seems to me that Bo has some great people for friends and that says a lot about Bo’s character. I am looking forward to this new CD, but I do not want to rush it, I think the ride building up to the release will be a very sweet trip. I think there are several surprises ahead for us.
I like alternative words for phenomenal–extraordinary, exceptional, unique, unusual, rare, extra special, out of the ordinary, unparalleled. I really don’t expect anything less from Bo Bice.
June 18th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Outstanding work, ThreeDimen! *applause, applause* What a great read. And Chris comes across as a super cool, fascinating man and total sweetheart. More! I want to read more! Next, can you interview Bo?
June 18th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Excellent interview 3D! Bo’s new cd can’t get here soon enough. I don’t think the song on his myspace is being sung by Carrie Underwood, I think it probably is just the demo he sent to her. If it is her voice it sure has changed, cause it sounds nothing like her.
June 18th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Reading through the comments I realized it was a demo, not Carrie! Not sure why I thought it would be Carrie singing.
July 8th, 2007 at 9:35 pm
[...] of Bo Looks like Bo attended Carrie #1 party for BHC. Bo Bice Blog: Bona Fide Bice – The #1 Unofficial Bo Bice Fansite » Chris Tompkins on Songwriting, Mu… Sitting watching TV a couple years back, if you would have known Carrie Underwood was going to [...]
July 20th, 2007 at 9:28 am
[...] his life. This is high praise indeed, especially coming from the ever-humble Bo. Between that and Chris Tompkins’ pronoucement of “phenomenal”, this CD is looking very good [...]
July 20th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Wow! I don’t know how I missed this the first time around. But I’m ecstatic to be reading it now. TY 3D.
A big YAY for Chris. And, as with all Bo’s loyal fans, I can hardly wait for his new CD. :-)
June 28th, 2010 at 12:44 pm
I remember Chris you playing that piano in your parents living room :) Lot’s of fun in those times and to watch you go from Greenhill to Nashville has been a joy to see. God is sooo Good! Can’t wait for Bo’s new CD! Oh and I also voted for Bo on Idol :)