6 minute read
FUN, FASHION & FAMILY
Little Big Town is Living the Dream
BY STACIE STANDIFER | PHOTOS BY KRISTEN BARLOWE
One of the most incredible live music performances I’ve ever witnessed was just a few months ago in New York City. During my lifetime, I have seen countless concerts, private shows and exclusive acoustic rounds. But nothing quite compares to the breath-taking show by Little Big Town at Carnegie Hall. I jumped on a plane with a few friends and family members of the band on whim and wasn’t really prepared to be blown away. I should have known better. The talent of this group is unparalleled and in the historic setting, it was a truly elevating musical experience. The most interesting part? Country Music acts are not typically hosted at Carnegie Hall. In fact, the last time that the genre was represented there was when Alan Jackson performed as part of a 9/11 tribute years ago.
Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big Town
Kristen Barlowe
Little Big Town is different than typical country groups in many ways. The first notable thing being that not only does their music cross over, but so do their roles on stage and in studio. Rather than boundaries and labels with a set singer or set instrument player, they all possess multiple abilities to take the lead depending on the song. I heard it said years ago by UMG leader Mike Dungan that every member of LBT could be a top-tier solo artist in their own right, and that together they were unstoppable. And he was right. As their star started to really shine after years of moderate success in the business, they literally blew up the scene, sweeping award show wins and ruling radio countdowns starting in 2012 and haven’t slowed down since.
Their latest album release, Nightfall (UMG) has received stellar reviews and is an honest and heartfelt mix of up-tempo songs and meaningful ballads. Each member performs solo vocals on the record, showcasing the dramatic talent that applies across the board with this close-knit group.
Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town
Kristen Barlowe
If you haven’t seen the videos for singles on Nightfall, you are missing some truly creative entertainment. Instead of the typical short, they engaged known Hollywood faces to act as ‘stars’ of what I would describe as short films. Story telling is at the heart of all songwriting in country music and they take it to another level with the lyrics and videos for both Sugar Coat and Over Drinking. Their unique style is also evident in their videos as well as at their concerts and recorded performances, which has made them a favorite of top global design houses such as Dolce & Gabbana. Historically, high-fashion designers have been less than enthused with country artists sporting their ware, but that isn’t the case with Karen, Jimi, Kimberly and Philip. They are trendsetters for fashion that extends far beyond Music Row and it is their trademark style that endears them to stylists and editors throughout the world. As you will see in our living feature on Karen and Jim’s personal home, that elevated taste extends beyond wardrobe and applies to all things, including their personal space. It’s one of the things that fans just love about them both on and off the stage.
Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town
Kristen Barlowe
Another reason that Little Big Town is so beloved is their humble and authentic approach. There is no sense of arrogance whatsoever, as they are truly down-to-earth, giving and thoughtful people who value relationships and treat others well. I believe that is the reason that everyone in the industry is always cheering for their wins a little harder than they might for others. They’ve watched these hardworking, real people struggle to make it to the top. And getting there didn’t change a thing in terms of how they relate to peers or the public. There is a truly genuine quality that’s evident in any encounter and an obvious family-like love and respect for how they relate to one another. Overall, the way that they conduct both their personal and private lives is inspiring everyone they encounter. I’ve known all of them for years and whether it’s a public-facing event or photo shoot or just a casual chat at a party, you can count on warm smiles, hugs and a welcoming vibe. They are beloved because they give it first. There is a truly genuine quality that’s evident in any encounter and an obvious family-like love and respect for how they relate to one another. Overall, the way that they conduct both their personal and private lives is inspiring everyone they encounter. I’ve known all of them for years and whether it’s a public-facing event or photo shoot or just a casual chat at a party, you can count on warm smiles, hugs and a welcoming vibe. They are beloved because they give it first.
Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town
Kristen Barlowe
And love is what keeps them all together – a passion for their music and a fierce protective bond of one another. They have been through all types of lifealtering situations and supported one another along the way. Not only do they collaborate magically onstage but engage in business endeavors together outside of music. One example of this is their wildly successful Day Drinking Wines brand that now offers sparkling versions. A relatively inexpensive libation, Day Drinking comes in convenient cans and is sold in places like Publix supermarket. It’s basically what you imagine taking to the beach, a backyard pool party. Refreshing just like their summer-inspired hits like Day Drinking and Pontoon. Jimi also laughs and explains that they also have a ‘legit’ wine (as in one that is aged in bottles) in their venture with Browne Family Vineyards. They find that collaborating on the wines for this project, Four Cellars is an extension of their creativity and also about making memories. Like writing songs, making wine takes time according to Karen. Four Cellars has an active wine club membership where the Washington State releases are launched and shared (fourcellars.com).
The individual endeavors have ranged from fashion lines and beverages to Kimberly’s projects with cookbooks, cooking shows and product lines with Cracker Barrell Old Country Stores. Her Southern approach to entertaining is enjoyed by her fellow band members, but also thousands of home cooks who follow her religiously online. Cooking and meals are just one of the things that the group shares as both on and off the road, their families operate as one big unit. Children playing is part of it, with all of the artists raising their own in the midst of managing a soaring career. And they manage to do it without seeming stressed out or overloaded, which is a miracle. Joy seems to be a big part of how they live and it’s an attitude that endears them to all. Whether it is launching a business or product line, developing wines or performing to a sold-out arena, you can count on positive energy from Little Big Town. Now, and always.
ON THE COVER
Photography by Kristen Barlowe Styling by Courtney Kivela & Stacie Standifer Hair by Taryn Feldman Makeup by Neil Robison
On Karen: Jonathan Simkhai long blush silk dress with orange lace trim, Parish; Jimmy Choo stripe python pumps; EF Collection rose gold diamond jumbo ring, H.Audrey; Chanel yellow gold double “C” ring; Arrow & Anchor Antique Jewelry gold signet ring with grey diamond, H. Audrey; On Kimberly: Ulla Johnson Kemala dress in Coral, Kaia pitch platform knot sandals in Cherry; Lulu Frost power hoop earrings; On Phillip: Any Old Iron jacket, trousers and shirt; Saint Laurent boots
Little Big Town photographed at Clementine in Nashville
Kristen Barlowe
