Atlantic City Weekly

The country music scene is in constant flux these days, just like the rest of a music industry that is still adjusting to Internet downloads and social networking sites as a major outlet for getting new music out to the newest generation of fans.

Newer country fans might be engaging in the world of iTunes, Twitter and Facebook, but there are some artists whose timeless quality bridges the generation gap between the traditional country music fans still buying CDs and the new musical order. Just such an artist is Martina McBride, whose powerful and emotionally fulfilling soprano voice is one of Nashville’s most precious gifts to the musical world.

McBride has been part of the Nashville scene for 20 years. She had to pay her dues by doing demo recordings and selling T-shirts on a Garth Brooks tour before she made her recording debut in 1992, The Time Has Come. That first album didn’t make a splash, but it would be a mere bump in a road that has seen her produce eight platinum albums since.

In the mid-1990s, she was one of the country artists who crossed over into a pop music sound while retaining her country roots. She’s had five No. 1 and 22 Top Ten country hits. Those hits include “Independence Day,” “Blessed,” “I Love You,” “Wild Angels,” “A Broken Wing,” “This One’s for the Girls,” “Happy Girl,” “Safe in the Arms of Love,” “My Baby Loves Me,” “Anyway” and “Concrete Angel.”

Her current album is Shine, which has produced three Top 20 hits since being released in March 2009, “Ride,” “I Just Call You Mine” and her current single, “Wrong Baby Wrong.”

McBride brings her “Shine All Night Tour” to the Trump Taj Mahal Saturday, Aug. 7. In between her solo gigs, McBride has been co-headlining with Trace Adkins on tour dates across the country, so she’s having one busy summer. She spoke with Atlantic City Weekly about her upcoming appearance.

You current album Shine has been out a while and I know you like to get new music out there. Have you been working on your next album?

I’m just starting to look for music. I don’t have any songs recorded. I’m planning to go in the studio and start recording in September.

You started co-writing songs on your previous albums Waking Up Laughing and Shine. Will you be writing for your new album?

I do like it. I’ve written a whole bunch of songs the last few months. After this long, it is a new way to express myself and I’m really enjoying it.

You have a Twitter account. Are you a reluctant participant in social networking or do you like it?

I like it. I think it’s fun. If I didn’t like it I wouldn’t do it. It’s a cool way to keep in touch with your fans.

The Internet has changed the way music gets out there these days. How do you feel about the changes?

It has changed a lot, and I don’t know what the changes will be in the future. Our job [as musicians] is to keep making great music and then figure out how to get it to the fans, to get people’s attention. There is so much going on.

Nashville has gone through many changes since you’ve been recording. It has gone pop, it has returned to traditional country — what’s your take on what kind of music is coming out of Nashville right now?

There is a lot of great music coming out of Nashville right now. Lady Antebellum is making great music right now. There’s a lot a pop country and with the males, more party and drinking songs. It’s always been a good mix, a little bit of everything.

You’ve had a lot of success blending country music with pop. You helped start a pop-oriented trend when you first broke as an artist.

I’ve made my career doing more pop country, but I did the Timeless record, which was classic country. I’d like to do a gospel record at some point and we’ve had some crossover AC [adult contemporary] stuff, some interesting duets. I never felt that I [was restricted] because I’m a country artist. I love singing all kinds of music.

You’ve talked about your musical influences, including Reba, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson. Are there any pop/rock performers who you’re enjoying right now?

Kings of Leon, I love One Republic and Kid Rock; we have a duet on his new album. It was fun working with him — we’ve been friends for a few years. [Editor’s note. The song is called “Care,” and it also features T.I. doing a verse.]

Martina McBride
Where: Trump Taj Mahal, A.C.
When: Saturday, Aug, 7, 8pm
How Much: $23, $31, $46