Check out our interview with Leslie Cours Mather, then watch the video for her new single “Countrified”!
1. Hi there! Would you mind starting off by telling our readers a little bit about yourself and your background?
Sure! My dad was in the Army when I was born, so we moved around every few years. I was always the new kid in school. My piano and my songwriting came with me everywhere I went, and I think they were my survival. I don’t know what I would have done if I couldn’t write and sing how I felt. Countrified is a song I wrote to describe someone with Country roots who has some big city influences. I never had a home town. But I knew my roots.
2. Your new single is called “Countrified.” How’s the feedback been from country radio on it?
Great! At the time of this interview we are almost to the top 40 on the Music Row Chart. It’s a great summertime song–fun and upbeat. I love traveling around to radio stations and visiting with the people who are playing my song–it means more when there’s a personal connection.
3. How would you best describe your style of music?
Eclectic for sure! My dad and grandpa were both very determined to introduce me to all kinds of music, and I soaked it up like a sponge. Linda Rondstadt was someone I was introduced to as a very young girl and I have always found her amazing because she wasn’t afraid to stretch musically. But, she also knew her roots.
4. What are some of the goals you’ve set for yourself in your career?
Like other people, I have had some set-backs in my career. The hardest was when my daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. Everything came to a halt. It taught me what is important in life. People–family and friends. Now that I’m back in the game, my goal is to remain thankful and enjoy the process. And I have some practical goals. I have a TV show idea for Countrified I’d like to see happen, and I want to explore more of my musical sides.
5. What’s been the biggest “Wow” moment in your career so far?
Recording at Blackbird Studios in Nashville for the first time. Blackbird is owned by Martina and John McBride. Martina is one of my biggest musical influences. I had never recorded in a state-of-the-art environment like that before. I got the best of the best–microphones, engineers, producer, musicians, singers. It’s a musician’s playground.
6. Outside of music, what is something that you are really passionate about?
Food! I love great food. I used to think I loved to cook, but then I discovered the bliss of having someone cook for you. I love those rare times when a meal has the perfect wine pairing that enhances the flavors even more.
7. What’s the #1 item on your Bucket List, outside of music?
I’d like a private guided tour of the European vineyards. The tour would include my husband, of course, and a driver and a chef.
8. What would you say are your biggest strengths and weaknesses as an artist?
My strengths are my resilience and my ability to stay positive in such a tough business. I love to perform, especially if I can interact with my audience. Also, I connect emotionally with the songs I sing, and I really enjoy getting into different characters. I am rather pathetic at social media, but it’s getting better! I see the importance of it, and have learned to enjoy it. But because I am an introvert, my tendency is to keep my thoughts to myself.
9. What is your favorite charity to support?
I keep in touch regularly with Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Therapeutic Advances In Childhood Leukemia and Lymphoma (T.A.C.L) since these are the doctors who treated my daughter. She’s a healthy girl today, but not all kids have the same outcome. Whatever I can do to help them, I’m happy to do it.
10. What advice would you give to an aspiring artist trying to make it in the music business?
It’s tough, it’s a lot of hard work, and there are no guarantees–DON’T GIVE UP! Do it because you love it, and it will be fulfilling. We’re so goal oriented in this world, but if you don’t enjoy the process you’ll miss a lot of it.
11. Any final thoughts or comments you’d like our readers to know about you or your music?
Thank you for listening! And find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Let me know you’re Countrified too!!
Here’s where you can learn more about Leslie and follow her on social media!
