(Editor's note: We at EP Unlimited are very excited to bring you this exclusive interview with Lane Brody. If there is such a thing as a "Renaissance Woman" in this day and age, it is Lane. There is not much in the entertainment field she has not done, and done well. Bren and I are somewhat awed at her accomplishments.) Lane wrote her first song at the age of twelve. While still in her teens, she began a highly successful jingle career singing solos for many popular TV and radio commercials like McDonalds, 7Up, Kentucky Fried Chicken and Juicy Fruit Gum to name a few. Amazingly, her incredible voice generated interest worldwide when she became The Voice of the XIV Olympics singing the commercials ("You've known us all along") for Beatrice Foods, who was the main sponsor for the Oympics that year. It was reported that people found themselves listening for Lane and those commercials all during the games. During this time she also landed her first record deal with GRT Records. Her first single release became a #1 record in many country markets. Her work as an outstanding vocalist continued as she recorded performances for two CBS Movies of the Week. In Country Gold , actress Linda Hamilton lip-synced to Lane's vocals. In The Gift of Life starring Susan Dey, Lane sang "Just a Little More Love" which received an Emmy Nomination. She leaped on to the country and pop record charts with an Oscar nominated song, "Over You" from the film Tender Mercies. Lane is the first female in country, to have an Oscar-nominated hit from a soundtrack album. She had hits with "He Burns Me Up," her self penned "He's Taken," as well as the stirring "Baby's Eyes." She co-wrote and sang "The Yellow Rose" of Texas theme from the NBC series with Johnny Lee, and the record soared to the number one position on the country charts, with a hit music video to match. As a result, she received her first BMI Most Performed Song of the Year award. Lane takes her songwriting as serious as her singing, like her critically acclaimed song, "All the Unsung Heroes" that she performs as the title song of a 40 minute video aiding the healing process of Vietnam Veterans and their families. One review says it all: "Emotionally clutching, with captivating camerawork, and a hauntingly beautiful sound track, featuring the crystal voice of LANE BRODY" -THE WASHINGTON POST This documentary won the American Film Festival's Blue Ribbon Award, and is a respected addition to the Smithsonian Institution, Arlington National Cemetery and at The Vietnam Veterans Memorial ('The Wall") in Washington, DC. Lane is a natural for TV and has appeared on numerous shows. She enjoyed working with Danny DeVito and the infamous cast of the legendary show, TAXI. She now holds a place in the history of the show and joins the ranks of other guest stars such as TOM HANKS and TOM SELLECK. She made her dramatic acting debut beside Robert Desiderio in ABC's Heart of the City , where she played the role of country singer Jenny Jamison, and performed three songs, one being her own "Everything But True". Lane has shared the stage with a list of talent that would be truly defined as the "Who's Who" in country music, but as you can imagine she embraces those moments with those no longer with us such as Dottie West, Tammy Wynette, Grandpa Jones, Eddie Rabbitt, Keith Whitley and Merle Travis.
While I was recovering from listening to her singing, I realized that her song writing is much like her singing in that the same qualities in her voice are expressed in her songs. A combination that is very rare in this day of cookie cutter songs and singers. The one word that describes it most for me is: honest. I'm not going to go into any more detail about Lane's music. I honestly don't have the right words for it. Go to her website, listen to the sound clips and you will see what I mean. After you have listened to those clips, make sure you all keep a close watch out for Lane's long awaited Cd which is coming out on Medallion Records, and the first single which is also going to be released soon.
Lane: I am first a singer/entertainer. I was on stage at five years old singing and knowing that I loved it, and wanted to be a recording artist. Opportunities that came shortly after in modeling, on camera television commercials, and recording jingles for radio and tv, helped prepare me for a diverse career as well as music videos, which are so important in a musical career. I have always had an acting coach. It wasn't because I wanted to be an actress, but it creatively helps to free me as a performer. I focus only my recording career. When opportunities to act are offered I remain ready, although if I never acted again, it wouldn't bother me. That's certainly not the case with my singing, recording and performing in concert, because therein is my passion.
Lane: I am not compelled. I am being as honest as I can be as an artist. My blood, sweat and tears are part of the tapestry of country music. For 15 years, I have toured, sharing the stage and my life and times, with many of country music's legends. While the Nashville music industry did not support me (which is another story yet to be told), these great artists and the fans continue to. My struggle in country music has enriched my artistic soul. Country music is part of who I am. Bren: There is a lot of turmoil in country music these days with the Pop/Rock influence. Where do you feel your music will fit in today's genre? Lane: To touch on your comment about "turmoil', let me say that in my opinion, too much time has passed, and the choices that have been made by the powers that be, have forever turned the tides of the genre. We will never know what could have been if country music's integrity ( legacy ) had been a priority over greed. It has now become a melting pot of many sounds and many influences. Personally, we are making the best recordings we can make. Where my music will "fit in" is yet to be seen. Bren: If we could gather a "Round Table" of the people who have had an influence on your career, who would they be and why these particular people? Of these people, who has had the most impact on your career?
Bren: If you could go back in time, what would you do differently and why? Lane: I would do nothing differently, although I can't say that I wouldn't have hoped that others would have done things differently. I would have made the same choices and taken the same blows I have taken. Bren: Let's do a sort of turnaround on the "Round Table" question. If a young, upcoming artist asked you to his or her "Round Table," what advice would you give them? Lane: I have answered many letters from young artists. My advice is not necessarily what would lead them to instant fame and fortune, which is what many young artists desire. I would say at their round table, as I have said in response to letters I have received in the past....sing for the pure joy of it, because this is what will sustain you through the ups and downs, and never forget the talent is not yours. Pray to be a vessel through which God does His work. If you can think of doing anything else other than singing with your life, without feeling sick to your stomach, you'll probably be better off doing something else. The world cannot offer you anything greater than the gift your talent has already given you. If your singing for fame and fortune, and you sell out by doing anything and everything to gain these things, even if you get them, you have lost.
Lane: Amazing impact!. Tons of email, more regular mail, orders for everything, music, concessions. Fan club membership has tripled. I love it when people write and say they had no idea of the many things that I have done. They love reading about all the new things as they are happening, and as you may or may not know, the fans picked my first single off of the country.com website, which was one of their most successful campaigns. I'm happy for all artists. Now we can inform the people directly, about what we are doing. They can listen to soundclips, see video clips, itineraries, and now we can have press kits that are down-loadable to the promoters, press agents, and publishers of magazines. I could go on and on....... Bren:Your USO involvement and your incredible expression of appreciation in "Unsung Heroes" is a beautiful example of patriotism. How often do you perform for military audiences? What has been the most fun or the most challenging trip? Lane: I do not perform for our military as often as I would like to. I have done two USO tours, and they were very strenuous. I would gladly do them in the future. I had the honor of performing "Unsung Heroes" for a select group of veterans this past veterans day, and I will be singing at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wreath laying ceremony this coming Independence Day. Bren: As you know, EP Unlimited is part of a website dedicated to Patty Loveless and we always ask folks this question: What is your favorite Patty Loveless song and why is it your favorite?
Bren: What has been one of your unexpected, hopefully pleasant, surprises in your career? Lane: I'll go with the pleasant direction. The day that my label EMI called and told me they were sending over a song called "Over You" for me to sing for a soundtrack album from the film, Tender Mercies. As a result, I was informed that I became the first female in country music to have an Oscar nominated hit, from a "soundtrack" album. Bren: Your concern for animals is apparent in your bio and on your site, are you involved with any of the agencies or organizations that help animals? Lane: Yes. To many to mention, but I do encourage all people to have their pets spayed and neutered and at least support their local animal shelters. Bren: In your songwriting what has been your most surprising song - one that perhaps either came from some unexpected inspiration or one that developed differently than you initially planned? Lane: That would have to be, a song that will be included in my soon to be released CD. Its called, "My Mind Wanders". I picked up my guitar, and wrote it in a matter of minutes. I thought it was kind of a sad love song, but the next day when I listened to my "ruff" of it, I realized it was actually a story about my relationship and experience, with the Nashville music "business". That's what's incredible about being an artist/writer. Sometimes you plan to sit down and construct a song with an idea in mind, and then there are times your "artistic soul", that I referred to earlier, has it's say.
Lane: Honesty!!! I write from what I feel and know. Yes, I know how to structure a "hit song" etc., do I focus on this....no. I trust the elements will all work together in the creative process. Bren: Our last question really isn't a question at all. We like to give the people we interview some 'space' of their own to make any comments or statements they wish. So, here is Lane Brody's Space: Lane: I cannot take a stage, record a song, do an interview, start my day or end my day without giving all glory to our Triune God ( Father, Son and Holy Spirit). God Bless You at EP Unlimited, and all the readers. Thank you very much for this opportunity. Also, I want to say to the fans that... I love you dearly, and I am greatful for your constant support. Keep emailing and writing. I love hearing from you, and as you may or may not know, I do answer all my mail personally.
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I have to confess, that when John suggested to Larry we contact Lane for a possible interview, I drew a total blank with the name. Once I got to her website (there is a link to her site near the bottom of the interview) I started to recall a lot of things. Her appearances on Taxi and her duet with Johnny Lee among others. This caused me to paw through my stack of Country Weekly's where I found the recent article about Lane. Then I started listening to the sound clips on her site and I couldn't stop thinking "How in heavens name has this lady been overlooked for so long?" A voice of sweet innocence and yet with a worldly feeling that was undeniable. There is joy, pain and hope; a touch of sadness in her voice.
Bren: While you have not received the general acclaim you deserve, you have gotten praise from Louie Bellson that indicates your acceptance in jazz circles and the critic Oermann includes your talent among names that are famous in the R and B world. Your versatility and talent is helping keep those music styles alive and fresh. What is compelling you to return to Country Music? 
Lane: These are their names. Some you may know and some you may not. I am only going to talk about the GOOD influences, I've had more than my share of the other. Bruce Swedien, Bobby Whiteside, Mary Strong, Michael Zinberg, Steve Wax, Don Grierson, Dick Krizman, Fred Foster, Dottie West, Thom Bresh, Mike Post, Father George Vaporis, and Eddie Bayers. These people would make up my round table because of their positive affect on my career. The one's with the greatest over all impact are: Mary Strong, my coach and Godsend, because she prepared me for everything that happened throughout my career, Father George, my Priest because as my spiritual Father, he keeps me on Gods path, and my husband, Eddie Bayers because he gives me unconditional love and support. 
Bren: While we are on the subject of impacts and influences, you have an excellent website. What impact, if any, has the internet had on your career?
Lane: "How Can I Help You Say Goodbye". Great match of artist and song. Being a fan of Kostas, I include all the songs she sang that he composed.
Bren: Is there an element in song writing that you consider crucial? (ie - message, marketability, tempo, etc.)