Martina McBride Tells Tales From the Road

Martina McBride is bringing her live show to your living room with a CD/DVD compilation called 'Martina McBride: Live in Concert.' The eight-song CD and 20-song DVD each include live performances of some of the angelic-voiced country sensation's biggest hits, including 'Independence Day,' 'Concrete Angel' and 'Anyway,' plus a few rock covers that have become audience favorites.

McBride sat down with The Boot for an insightful conversation about her new project, reality TV, cooking and yet another venture in the works that she calls her "best ever."

Is it true that the first concert was an Ozzy Osbourne show?

Yes! I was 15 or 16. I was into all kinds of music as a teen -- country music, because my dad was in a band that played country, and whatever my sister and brother were into. My older brother was into Creedence Clearwater Revival and ZZ Top, and my sister was into pop radio. So somewhere along the line, I got into Ozzy Osbourne, REO Speedwagon, Heart, Pat Benetar, Journey.

Speaking of Journey, when did 'Don't Stop Believing' become a part of your live show?

Last year, we were on the bus talking to the band about songs we could do for an encore. It's always fun to do something a little bit different, and we're big '80s rock music fans. And Journey is just awesome! So we decided to do 'Don't Stop Believing,' and played it live the very next day.


Does touring ever get monotonous?

No, I love it. It's hard being away from home. But other than that, performing is the highlight of my day. I'm having more fun on tour now than ever. And being in control of the tour, being a headliner and being able to set your own vibe is really exciting for me.

You only tour when your three daughters are out of school and can come with you. So walk us through a typical day on the road with the entire McBride clan.

We're all on the bus together, but it's a little different than at home. We stay up a little later and sleep in a little later. Ava, my 2-year-old, is usually the first one up. We eat breakfast and watch a little TV, and then we get dressed and go into the venue to see what's going on. And sometimes we'll get to go to a movie, go shopping or to the zoo or whatever is fun in that town. They've been everywhere -- every state except Alaska.

If your daughters wanted to follow in your footsteps into the music industry, would you encourage them?

Absolutely! It's a great life. I love it. It's amazing. I tell my girls that everybody has a gift. We all have gifts, and it's important to use those gifts. But right now they're so busy with school and sports ... we don't have them in acting or dance classes or anything like that. But they're really outgoing girls, so you never know what could happen!

Is there a new artist whose live show has really impressed you?

Little Big Town! They were on the 'Waking Up Laughing' tour with us, and they're just amazing live. They're really talented, and hearing them live is just as good or better than the record. And they're such great people -- it's always nice when the personalities are as great as the talent.

You spent a lot of years paying your dues and working your way up. What's your take on celebrities who achieve immediate stardom just by appearing on a reality show?

I don't know that experience, so I'm not one to judge. I think that being thrown into instant fame must be, at times, difficult. They obviously have to have the talent to abstain a career. Everyone has their own way of getting noticed, so more power to 'em!

If you could change one thing about the country music industry, what would you change?

Right now, I'm noticing that there aren't a lot of females being played on the radio. It's cyclical -- it comes and goes. But it would be nice to hear more females.

You must be thrilled with the success of 'Anyway,' given that it's the first single on which you have writing credit. Will we see more self-penned songs on future albums?

I think so. I just wrote a song a few days ago, and we recorded it yesterday. Hopefully it will end up making the record. We should be finishing up with the album by the end of summer, and it's coming along great. I probably shouldn't say it's the best album I've ever done, but that's how I'm feeling right now.

In addition to being a great writer, we know you're also a great chef. What's your signature dish?

Oh my goodness, I wouldn't call myself a chef! [laughs] But I love to cook. I love trying new things. Most recently, everything I've made has a lot of spice. But probably pot roast and gumbo are my signature dishes. Wow, now you're making me hungry! [laughs]

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