Southwestern Troubadour Shari Rowe Promotes Local Music Scene on the New Radio Show, “Arizona On The Rise”
Grew up in Arizona, started singing with your sisters in church. Who were your biggest musical influences growing up, and who inspires your career today, within and outside of country music?
My older brother listened to classic rock and my dad loved classic country. As a kid, I was hearing everything from The Eagles, The Who, & Boston to Don Williams, Patsy Cline, & Charlie Rich. Now, I listen to a little bit of everything. I’m mostly fascinated by the structure of songs, across many genres.
Part of a Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) trio signed to Q/Atlantic Records before pursuing a solo career, with your husband now playing bass in your band. How has being based in Arizona shaped your perspective and your approach to the country music scene?
I used to think that I needed to be in Nashville full time. I have a great community there, and still write & record there, but I’ve found that keeping my Arizona roots is vital to my authenticity and inspiration as a creator.
“Southwestern troubadour.” How do you feel your music and songwriting have evolved since you first started releasing songs like “Last Time” or “Southern Spells”?
I’d say that I have become more self aware and confident in what I bring as a writer. I have my story and it’s mine to tell. The songs I’m writing now are coming from a more vulnerable place, and I’m really comfortable with that. I think these will be my strongest yet.
Direct opener for Wynonna Judd, LeAnn Rimes, Mark Wills, Parmalee, and many others. Are there any artists you dream of collaborating with as a songwriter?
Big bucket list names here haha! I’d love to write with Natalie Hemby, Sean McConnell, Brett Sheroky- I have a growing list of songwriters who I admire and respect, and would be honored to work with.
Co-hosting a new radio show called “Arizona On The Rise,” on Arizona’s Real Country with the goal of making Arizona the “Nashville of the West,” that highlights local talent and the local music scene. Which venues would you take a first-time visitor to?
Probably Pepsi Amphitheater up north, Crescent Ballroom or Foley Ranch in the valley, and The Fox Theatre in Tucson, but we’d have to go to Cave Creek on a Friday night to show off our “wild west’ venues like Harrold’s or Buffalo Chip for some line dancing and bull riding!
A Celebrity Ambassador for The Scott Foundation (which provides children and young adults with opportunities and resources that have a lasting impact on their lives) and The Red Note Foundation (mission to beautify the world through the promotion of music performance and education). Can you share how using your music to support causes like these has impacted your own personal life?
It’s always been a priority for me to use my platform in a way that goes beyond the show. Coming alongside charitable organizations gives me an inside perspective that is powerful and life changing. Seeing the good that’s done when empathy and action come together is beautiful, and I’m honored to be able to shine a light on that.
A new single, “Too Good to Go,” is expected later this year, along with a new EP. What themes or sounds are you exploring in the music you’re currently writing and recording that share your own journey?
I’ve been digging deeper. Wearing my heart on my sleeve, as they say, and it’s showing in my writing. Life, loss, relationships, all of it. From a production aspect, I’m more in the driver’s seat than I have been before, bringing in sounds borrowed from Americana and Indie music that I love. I think I’m embracing the creative freedom of being an independent artist more than ever.
“Check on your friends, or even ask a stranger how they are, and take the time to listen. Sometimes that can be just what they needed to get through what they’re facing at that moment.” How do you recharge creatively when you’re not writing or performing?
I go outside. If it’s a mountain trip for a week or two, or a few minutes in my backyard, I need to see the sky, hear the birds, and feel the sun.