By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
June 2, 1997
Trace Adkins isn’t your average country music star. The 6-foot-6 baritone has hosted a cooking special. Granted, it was a cowboy cook-off, but still … He also was a guest voice on “King of the Hill” and acted in the sitcom “Yes, Dear.” And, oh yes, he released two albums in the last year — “Trace Adkins, Greatest Hits Collection, Volume 1” (Capitol) and “Comin’ On Strong” (Capitol) — and headed into the studio this week to record another.
But he’s taking a break to perform in Rockford this weekend.
HERE’S WHAT ADKINS HAD TO SAY:
On being an early riser: I get up early every day whether I have anything to do or not. I just have to. With two little kids, you kind of get into that routine. I take them on the road with me when we’re not away from home for too long.
On being so disciplined: Don’t confuse lack of sleep with discipline. I just get up early. I remember when I was a kid, my father would be up and already have drank a pot of coffee before anyone got up. I used to think, “What’d he do that for?” But there’s something to be said for solitude. A man needs at least an hour or so alone in his day.
Music you listen to: It seems these days the only music I listen to are the demo tapes sent to me for consideration on my next project.
On finding good songs: It’s really not hard. Nashville is full of talented songwriters. I’m in the center of the universe as far as songwriters are concerned and there is no shortage of material, and I’m writing some myself. I’m just overwhelmed with all the material.
Favorite vacation spot: We’re Orlando people. Disney World is paradise for the kids.
How you deal with fans when you’re out with your family: Not too many people recognize me. Sometimes they figure it out after I’ve already walked away. People have always been really nice and respectful to me.
How your kids deal with your fame: I’ve often thought my kids are growing up thinking all this is normal, and it’s certainly not how I grew up. We go to the Grand Ole Opry and hang out backstage and they think that’s normal for everyone. I hope we keep them balanced and show them that there are other ways of living. There’s never just one way.
On country’s place in the music hierarchy: I wish we enjoyed the kind of success pop music has, but the numbers aren’t up there yet. As far as the music industry is concerned, country is still kind of the ugly stepchild. It was at a real right point for a while when Garth Brooks was doing his thing and the Dixie Chicks brought a lot of attention back to country for a while.
Dealing with the term “sex symbol”: My wife gets a kick out of it and then she’s like, “If they only knew.” She thinks it’s kind of funny.
Favorite way to spend your days off: I’ve got a place with about 60 acres 40 miles south of Nashville. It gets me back to how I grew up on the farm. I spend my time on the tractor or running a chain saw or fishing on my pond. I like being sweaty and dirty. It makes me feel like I’ve actually done something. I go down there and work myself into this state of exhaustion and it feeds my soul to do that.
Last good movie you saw: I went to see “Shrek 2” and it wasn’t as good as the first one, but it was pretty good. I did get to opt out of the “Clifford the Big Red Dog” movie, but I’m afraid they’re going to make me go see it myself now to see what I’ve missed. [Laughs]
