Today's Country

With not only their music on the soundtrack, but also an appearance in Disney’s Race To Witch Mountain, Brokedown Cadillac instantly caught the eyes of many people as the movie went right to #1 at the box office. The timing couldn’t have been better for the band as on the heels of the movies success they have released their debut album “Somewhere In America.” We had the opportunity to catch up with lead singer Corri English to talk about the album, the movie, her acting career, songwriting, and much much more.

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Brokedown Cadillac - "Somewhere in America" Review 

1. You are recognized from your appearance in Disney’s Race To Witch Mountain. How did that role come to the band and why did you agree to take it?

Well my partner in Brokedown Cadillac, Randy Dunham and I, were writing songs at the time and we recorded a 4-song EP in Atlanta and it was very serendipitous how it all happened. We had finished recording the demo and it fell into Andy Fickman’s hand, who was the producer for the movie. He had seen us play at a club in Burbank where we had an acoustic residency and he liked us and asked for a demo so we gave him one. Then a few weeks later he asked us if we could write a dance song, like a 2-step, and we did and then after a few weeks more we ended up having 5 songs on the soundtrack and we were in the movie itself. We were in the scene with a honky-tonk and we were the band that was playing in the bar. But when the opportunity came to us we didn’t have to think twice about it. It was such an honor to be asked and to be a part of it.

2. With not only music on the soundtrack, but also the appearance in the movie itself, how do you think that being a part of that has helped you with the release of your new album Somewhere In America the most?

We want to connect with as many fans as possible and reach the most people and potential fans that we can and being included on the soundtrack was amazing. It was a big movie with really amazing people in it and behind the scenes and it really helped us to feel validated as a band. We were just a new band at the time when we got the part. We were just trying out our songs on people and seeing what audiences thought at the time so for the film to be confident enough to put us in the movie and on the soundtrack gave us a lot of confidence as a band.

3. For someone that hasn’t heard your music at all, what can they expect when they hit play?

It’s all about feel good music. We want people to have fun listening to it. There are a lot of coming of age songs and our namesake song “Brokedown Cadillac,” is my story. I am from a small southern town in Georgia and the song is about a small town girl throwing her bags n the car to chase her dreams. So we really want people to have fun, be inspired, and sing-a-long with the album when they play it.

4. You and Randy wrote the songs that make up the album. How important was it for you to write the songs you were singing and performing and why?

It’s really important. What I love about country music is the stories and when you can tell your own stories it is that much more powerful and when you perform them live the emotion behind it makes for the connection with your fans. Randy is the primary writer and I co-write a lot. I tell him a story that is just off the cuff and he comes back with this amazing song. We are both very passionate about the songwriting.

5. The country music world is known for it’s songwriters so what would it take for Brokedown Cadillac to consider using an outsider writer’s material?

We’re definitely open to that. I did some co-writing with Sugarland when I lived in Georgia and collaborating like that could be really difficult or really great. I think that depends on how well you click with the other writers. It can be a lot of fun to collaborate when everything is clicking because you may come up with an idea that you normally wouldn’t have come up with on your own. Like with Randy and I. We were playing as a duo at an acoustic residency that we had at a club in Burbank when we found a mutual love for country music. We would be more likely to collaborate with someone then give up the writing altogether.

6. Which one song from the album is your personal favorite and why?

Wow. That question is a tough one. Usually my favorites are the newer songs but “Brokedown Cadillac,” has remained one of my favorite songs because Randy took my life, my dreams, and turned them into that song. It is our closer when we are out playing live. I also like a song on the album called “Scarlet O’Hara.” Randy and I are both avid readers and Gone With The Wind is one o my favorite books and that’s what inspired the song.

7. Prior to releasing Somewhere in America, you released a 4-song EP that was produced by famed vocal coach Jan Smith. How did working with Jan help you to find the sound you were going for with your music?

Working with Jan was amazing. She is an amazing vocal producer and amazing producer all around. When we went to work with her Randy and I were playing acoustic and Jan took that to the next level. She brought our sound to life and gave it a leg. I was thrilled with the outcome of the recordings and what they’ve made happen for us since. I worked with Jan when I lived in Atlanta and it is always fun to go back and work with people you like and she is just an all around good person.

8. You have some tour dates scheduled right now to support the album. What can people expect out of your live show that the album doesn’t give them?

The thing that I love about the live shows is the connection with the fans. There is nothing better for us as a band then that and the show brings a different energy to people when they are there in person. It is always fresh, always new, comes out different; Our goal isn’t to sound pretty and great, though I hope we do, but our goal is to have fun and connect with people. The show is high energy and gets people on their feet and dancing. We want people to leave one of our shows feeling good.

9. Besides music a lot of people may recognize you from your acting. How do you feel that acting and being a part of the entertainment world prior to music has helped you the most with the music side of things?

I was a shy child by nature. I was the kid hiding behind her mom’s leg, but if there was a microphone and a stage I was really confident. Acting helped me with my performing and being comfortable. I think the two sides of this go hand in hand. Acting is just telling stories and stepping into an emotion. If you can make someone smile or make someone cry as an actor then you did your job. It is the same thing with music. Singing lyrics is telling a story the same as being in a film. In terms of the acting helping the music; I moved out to California for the acting but the songwriting and singing has always been a passion. The acting has opened up doors for the music and now the music is getting busier and starting to take precedent so it is a lot of fun.

10. What piece of advice can you offer to someone that is looking to break into the music industry?

My dad was a musician and I was really lucky to have supportive parents in my career. But perseverance is what the business is about. My dad put it best when he told me that if you don’t risk it you might regret it. If you try and it doesn’t work out then that’s fine and you will get over it, but you have to try it. That was why I made the move to California. This is a business full of risks and you have to go for it. Nothing comes without the risk and this business is a tough one and those that persevere will be around in the end.