Shortly after unveiling his upcoming album titled Ain’t Rocked In A While with his talented band, the Fixin’s, Brent Cobb engaged in a captivating discussion on Loudwire Nights, where he explored his profound passion for rock and roll. This conversation reveals the intricate connections that shape his music and artistry.

Be sure to enjoy the complete interview in the audio player located towards the end of this article.

“My mom hails from Cleveland, Ohio, which means she introduced me to the sounds of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin,” Cobb shared with host Chuck Armstrong during Thursday’s broadcast on May 1. This distinction is significant because Cobb’s roots lie in Georgia, and his father’s lineage is steeped in rural traditions, exposing him to influential artists like Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb, rather than just the iconic bands he mentions.

“The very first album from Zeppelin, my uncle Brian would cover — what’s the opening track on that debut record?” Cobb pondered aloud before quickly recalling, “Oh, it’s ‘Good Times Bad Times.’ That song profoundly affected me as a child. I was like, whoa. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Cobb’s musical journey took a turn with the heavy sounds of Black Sabbath, which broadened his horizons as a songwriter. The band’s ability to shift effortlessly from heavy metal to entirely different sonic landscapes on various tracks taught Cobb the vital lesson that creating quality music transcends adhering to specific genres.

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“It’s always been woven into my DNA, both the country and rock and roll elements,” Cobb expressed, emphasizing how deeply ingrained these musical influences are in his identity.

“I simply appreciate good songs … To me, there’s exceptional music and then there’s poor-quality music. You can often tell when artists genuinely care about their craft, whether it’s through their lyrics or the musical composition. Conversely, there are those who seem indifferent — and sometimes, that indifference is precisely what makes a piece of music resonate, if it’s done with authenticity,” Cobb articulated.

Key Insights from Brent Cobb’s Appearance on Loudwire Nights

• His experience recording Ain’t Rocked In A While in Springfield, Missouri: “My friend Oran Thornton, who co-produced this album alongside me, resides there. We’ve collaborated extensively over the past 15 years. He is an exceptional engineer who emerged from the rock scene. Do you remember that band DC Talk and their hit ‘Jesus Freak’? The guitar solo on that track was performed by a 16-year-old Oran.”
• His preference for recording live to tape: “I firmly believe in the tangible sound difference that tape offers … The way a guitar interacts with that tape alters its entire tonal quality with each take. It creates an atmospheric cohesiveness that envelops the sound, akin to a big warm, cozy blanket covering everything.”
• The significance of Shooter Jennings producing his debut album, No Place Left to Leave: “At that time, I was exploring various styles and struggled to find a cohesive thread among my ten songs. While I had a clear vision for each individual track, I was uncertain about the overall sound I wanted. However, I knew I loved the Shooter Jennings album Put the ‘O’ Back In Country he had produced, which gave me confidence that I was collaborating with the right people, including Shooter and Dave [Cobb].”

Experience the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Brent Cobb was featured on Loudwire Nights Thursday, May 1; the show is available for online replays, and you can catch it live each weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check if the show is accessible through your local radio station and enjoy interviews on-demand.