Singer-songwriter Mark Collie, also known from the show “Nashville,” chatted with Digital Journal about his new album, “Alive at Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary.”
Regarding his songwriting process for the album, Collie said, “I basically started writing the songs when I spent time with some ex-cons, and I was moved and inspired by the work of Johnny Cash. The song selection was an evolution in the process of my visits. I had a lot of help with some great producers that worked with me such as Tony Brown.”
Collie listed “On The Day I Die” as his personal favorite song on the album. “There’s a little bit of me, and a lot of heartbreaks and things that I learned. It is representative of one more last chance at redemption,” he said.
On his experience on the fourth season of the television series Nashville, he said, “It was fun. Charles Esten and I are friends, and we began our friendship as collaborators, writing songs together. Charles is one of my favorite songwriting partners, as well as a great actor. I am very proud to know him. He’s a super talent.”
Collie’s dream female duet choice is country queen Loretta Lynn, and he complimented Lee Ann Womack. His greatest musical influences include Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Bruce Springsteen. “I’m a songwriter guy, so I love the writers,” he said. “Right now, my favorite artist is obviously Chris Stapleton.”
