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).
Kudos to you! I’m sure it isn’t easy! Thanks for the post I love your blog!
When i first saw this post, I thught it was about Lorenna McKennitt , the wonderful musician famous for the song “The Mummers Dance.” Then I reread it and thought I’ve lets check her out. I’m sure glad I did, what a delightful artist!
Love to sample some of her amazing works.
Count Me In!!!!
Please enter me!!!
Wow, she is awesome, I love her music. Thanks
this sounds wonderful, please count me in. thanks
I would love this!
Count me in too!
I loved the songs she wrote for Faith Hill.
I would love to win this!
Enter me Please!! I would love to win this!!
Love the music…and the interview! Thanks for introducing us to her.
Please enter me! Thanks.
count me in on this one. I would love to listen to her songs. 🙂
Love her songs!
So neat- what a great thing!
Thank you for introducing me to Lori McKenna. I’d love to win:)
Count me in! Thanks!
I’d love to win.
My family loves dancing together! This would be great music for that!
Sounds great!
Cool! I’m definitely going to check her out, and would love to have the sample CD/DVD.
ohmygosh! I LOVE her — heard her on a talk show a year or so ago — forgot who it was — glad you posted her stuff — now I can go get it and possibly win it! 🙂
Emma
We’re a music-lovin’ family! Count us in!
Sounds like great music!
I’ve been looking for her CD, but can’t find it locally! Guess I’ll have to order it.
Count me in! I’d love a listen!
I’d love to listen to a new artist!
Count me in!!! Thanks!!!
Please count me in. I headed over to her website too and looks great.
I love Lori McKenna!! Count me in!!
I am always looking for opportunites to experience artists that I haven’t heard before. Thanks!
Please add my name to the drawing. Thank you
I would love to win this!
absolutely LOVE Lori McKenna!!
my daughter is a fan of lori’s so this would be a great christmas gift if i win!
Enter me in please! I would love a sample.
Lori’s music is wonderful! Please count me in!
I love Lori McKenna, she has an amazing talent and I think that being a mom of 5 and having this amazing career is a dream come true. She is a true inspiration for us mom’s that feel Unglamorous. I would love to have this CD!!
I would love to have this!
She sounds pretty cool! Please include me.
I just know my sister, a singer/songwriter herself, would love this cd.
Count me in!
I don’t remember how I first heard about Lori McKenna but I was so excited to see her getting “out there” and having her talent recognized more publicly. She has a wonderful way with words!! Count me in!
Faith Hill’s song “Stealing Kisses”, written by Lori McKenna, is one of my all-time favorite songs. I would love to win this!
the kids’ wooden art easel set is great!
I’ve never heard of her…she seems terrific – I’d love to win one! Thanks!
Please count me in too!
I love her. She seems so down to earth and fun. Would love to win this!
I would love to win that.
Count me in!
I would love to sample Lori’s music… Add me, please!
Please count me in. Thanks!
I’m always up for some new great music! 🙂
Please count me in, thanks!
I love to hear new music:) Count me in!!!
Count me in!!
I have been wanting to hear her. Thanks for the giveaway.
ohhh I love her. Unglamorous is exactly how we all feel sometimes (sometimes all the time) as moms. The thankless or thanklittle jobs that we do to keep the household running. Its nice to have music to do those jobs to and Lori’s music clears the soul of clutter.
ohhh I love her. Unglamorous is exactly how we all feel sometimes (sometimes all the time) as moms. The thankless or thanklittle jobs that we do to keep the household running. Its nice to have music to do those jobs to and Lori’s music clears the soul of clutter.
Please enter me!
I would love to win, she sound very cute and sweet. I am on my way to check her out!
I love music! Count me in on this one!
Put my name in the hat.
I would love some new music to listen to. I have been listening to the dinosaur blues for too long. 🙂
Would love one!!! Something for mommy to listen to would be nice for a little while.
Oh I saw her on Oprah once with Faith Hill, I LOVE her music! she is such a wonderful singer/songwriter!! count me in too! thanks!
Thanks so much for sharing! She sounds like a wonderful artist and Mother. I would love to win the cd!
Loved the interview…I would love to hear her music.
I would welcome the opportunity to listen to a new artist. I have found some great music this way, through reading blogs.
Ooh I would love it!
yes please!!! 🙂
Count me in!