Lori McKenna–Singer, Songwriter, Wife, Mother

Oh, I had to laugh when I heard the title of Lori McKenna’s latest CD, Unglamorous. Doesn’t that often sum up our feelings as moms? You may be surprised that even entertainment personalities feel that way as well. You may not be familiar with Lori McKenna’s recordings, but you may have heard some of her songs that have been recorded by Sara Evans, Mandy Moore, or Faith Hill. Lori’s music is a mix of country and a bluesy folk style. You can find out more about Lori McKenna by checking out her website, where you will find some concert dates and some free appearances as well as samples of her music. Lori McKenna TV is frequently updated with videos.

I had a nice chat with this working mom about her life and her music:

JD: Who have some of your musical mentors been?

LM: I was the youngest of 6 kids in a musical family. My two older brothers are songwriters. I grew up in the 70s, and liked a lot of my older brothers’ music: Neil Young, Carly Simon, Carole King, James Taylor. I’m very inspired by my brother Richard.

JD: You’re a mother of five. Are your kids musical?

LM: My oldest, Brian (18), is in a band, and a songwriter. He’s in college majoring in audio-engineering. Meghan 6, has me write down the songs that she’s singing, so she’s got it in her, too.

JD: You’re balancing a lot. How do you recharge yourself?

LM: I just went away with my husband for three days. That was great. Music recharges me. I listen to it on my ipod while I mow the lawn, and it clears my mind. The same goes while I’m driving or doing laundry–I can filter things out and process them, so that when I go to bed, I can actually sleep.

JD: Wait–you don’t actually like doing laundry do you?

LM: (Laughs) I do now that it’s not in the basement anymore. It’s right off the kitchen where everyone is. I don’t like putting it away, but I do like doing it as sort of a mindless activity.

JD: What else do you want to tell our readers?

LM: I’m so lucky. My job gives back so much to me. It’s fulfilling, like having a child who loves you back. A woman is lucky if she can find something like that. I think I appreciate my family more because I am able to have my own identity through my music. I think it’s vital for parents to have something for themselves – it’s very easy to just become a “parent” and forget who you are as a person.

She may or may not be unglamorous, but she’s one of us, don’t you think? You can find more of my interview on my site, Snapshot.

We’re giving away five copies of a 4-song CD and DVD so you can sample her latest project Unglamorous for yourself. Leave a comment to win. We’ll draw the winners on Tuesday, October 16 (U.S. or Canada shipping addresses).

Email Author    |    Website About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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