Country darling shows mature side
LeAnn Rimes
Ever since she was a kid, LeAnn Rimes has brought her show to Vegas, whether playing rodeos as a youngster or a three-show stint at LVH Dec. 13-15 for the National Finals Rodeo, as she’s doing this year. The country superstar releases her latest album, Spitfire, this spring, her most personal to date. Her first single from the album, “What Have I Done,” made its debut Nov. 20 on iTunes. She talks about her new album and finding inspiration for her songs with Las Vegas Magazine’s Susan Stapleton.
Q: What keeps you coming back to Las Vegas year after year?
A: I usually come around (NFR) time. It fits with every thing going on at that time.
Q: You started performing at age 12 and won your first Grammy at age 14. Do you see a multigenerational crossover with your fans?
A: It’s a bring-that-whole-family kind of thing. It’s nice to be able to span that many generations. I’ve touched so many different people from the time I was a kid. Parents who listened to me as a kid can bring their kids to the shows. They’re still listening to my music. They’ve grown with me. I’m very blessed.
Q: Tell me about your new album coming out in the spring. I hear it’s very personal.
A: The album is titled Spitfire. I feel like I’ve had a piece of tape over my mouth for four years. I was not being forthcoming with my true feelings. I was this child star for so long. Being an adult and going through these emotions, this was a great way for me to truly express myself through my music. I feel like I’m starting over, not just as an artist, but as a woman.
Q: When you’re traveling on the road, do you still manage to find time for songwriting?
A: You know, what I usually do is keep a ton of stuff on my phone and my computer. I write down every thought that comes in at my end. Then I start pitching stuff to my friends. I write during normal day-to-day stuff. You can’t have a conversation with me without writing something down. I could write two records right now. Starting in the middle of last year, I was feeling in that real creative mode. I’ll be slowing down in December. I love getting things out of me in that way. It’s very cathartic.
Q: You’re performing on the same stage where Elvis performed. Does that bring out any nostalgia for you?
A: It’s funny, because I’ve performed there many times as the Hilton. I think it was one of the first places I played as a kid. Who doesn’t want to play where Elvis played? It’s got such a history.
