Songwriter Interview – Christie Cook – Last Bite Of Bacon

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, songwriter and musician Christie Cook shares the creative work that went into her new single, Last Bite Of Bacon, inspired by her beloved pet dog Blanca.

 

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Christie Cook about her life and career, the inspiration behind her new song, Last Bite Of Bacon, and what she loves about writing music.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

I’m a cheerful and outgoing person who loves sharing stories through music, hoping to lift, enlighten, and comfort others. Writing songs and spreading light and joy through music is my passion. I have a strong will, and when faced with hardships, I strive to grow, learn, and overcome them with God’s help. As the years go by, I see each challenge as an opportunity for growth and trust that God will work things out once I’ve done all I can. I’m deeply devoted to Him, my husband, and my family, and I find joy in everyday moments, knowing that what we seek, we usually find. I love being outdoors—whether kayaking, hiking, doing yoga, swimming, or biking—and I’ve recently taken up watercolor painting as a favorite hobby. Oh… and I love to laugh.

When did you first WANT to write music?

I was about 8 years old, and I wrote a song about a mountain man. I sang it for my Dad, and he applauded.

When did you take a step to start writing music?

It wasn’t until college that I started writing songs, but I kept it mostly to myself. At the time, I was studying classical piano performance and felt a bit embarrassed to share my songwriting with anyone. In my late 20s, I started listening to and studying more the type music I have always truly loved—indie folk—and that’s when the floodgates opened, and I couldn’t stop writing. Stories became my greatest inspiration. I also took up fingerstyle guitar with a fantastic teacher, and over time, I refined my guitar skills to a higher level.

What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

My first published piece of music was the album Their Stories Do Linger. I’m currently remixing it and plan to re-release it as singles throughout the coming year. The album’s title song was inspired by several stories, but primarily by my elderly neighbor, who was in his 90s, still living on the farm he had started with his late wife and love of his life, Annie. I often saw him wandering the farm, perhaps searching for her, which touched me deeply. Not long after, his sons shared stories about him, including one where he raced horses down the main street of Lufkin and ended up in jail for it. That story became the foundation for the song. Other tracks from the album will also be re-released with a fresh mix.

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

I’m excited to tell you about this release because it’s just such a light hearted song with a happy vibe. The song is inspired from a personal experience that I hope resonates with other, especially those who love their pets. The song is called ‘Last Bite of Bacon’, while the song could easily be about a best friend, a spouse, or significant other, it’s actually about my beloved companion, Blanca, my dog. I remember so vividly writing this song just one year ago last October. Blanca, and I were sitting on the front porch when a gust of autumn wind sent tiny yellow leaves swirling around us creating this surreal magical moment. I think Blanca must have noticed too because she nudged my knee, and in that instant, I felt this surge of gratitude followed by a spark of inspiration. I went inside, sat down at the piano, and began to write ‘Last Bite of Bacon’.

As I was writing, I reflected on how comforting it is to have a dog in your life. They don’t hold grudges, nor do they judge; they are always thrilled to see you and consistently are in a cheerful mood. It doesn’t matter to them what you look like; all that matters is kindness. Their love is constant, unconditional, unwavering, and ever so faithful. I think we all innately crave that kind of love. I find it ironic that all the qualities we sometimes wish for in people, we actually often find in our pets.
‘Last Bite of Bacon’ has a folk like feel with a hint of Texas charm, featuring fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass and piano.

Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with Last Bite Of Bacon?

When it comes to recording, some songs can be challenging in the studio, but thankfully “Last Bite of Bacon” wasn’t one of them. I had a clear vision of the guitar rhythm and knew exactly which players I wanted to work with. I was fortunate to collaborate with a talented fiddle player who also played mandolin, and he brought a special touch that really brought the song to life.

I kept the arrangement simple and acoustic, adding bass and a bit of right-hand piano to round it out. My goal was for the lyrics to land softly in the mix, allowing the instruments to complement them without overpowering the message.

The only challenge came when I was layering the piano. I had to be mindful of the fiddle and mandolin parts, making sure I didn’t step on top of them while also trying to add a lighter and more sparse touch on the keys—something I’m not entirely used to. But in the end, it all came together, and I’m really happy with how the song turned out. The beauty of studio work is you can listen and find out if it worked. If it doesn’t, you just adjust and try again. I usually feel when it’s finally right.

What are you working on right now?

Right now, I’m finishing up mixing a cover tune called “Roseville Fair” by Bill Staines, which I plan to release in just two weeks. I first heard this song years ago by a singer/songwriter named Nanci Griffith, and I just fell in love with it. With fairs happening all over the country this time of year, I thought it would be the perfect song to release in October.

I’m also working on another cover tune called “Who Comes This Night” by Dave Grusin. This project is extra special because I’ve teamed up with my alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University. Jimmy Taylor is the sound and recording engineer, and I am incredibly fortunate to have Jen Dalmas on violin and viola, Brad Meyer on percussion, and even some SFA students contributing vocals and clarinet. The arrangement is by Ben Morris, another professor of music. I feel so grateful, and honored to have their collaboration on this Christmas song, and I hope to release it around the Thanksgiving.

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

I definitely go where the mood strikes. I’ve written songs that range from deep spiritual reflections on God to playful tunes about road rage, my cat, my dog, and even needing a lazy day. And of course, there are plenty of storytelling songs in the mix. I love having the freedom to explore different themes and just let inspiration guide me wherever it leads.

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

I think that changes from year to year. I absolutely had to pick one…I might say ‘Fair Breeze’. I just can feel the ocean in this song. What I love most about it is that it was inspired by a dream. I also like the song ‘Capture Me’ because I can so quickly get caught up in the ‘doing’ that I tend to run right past God. The song is a gentle reminder to slow down and notice.

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

Yes, I love to listen to other artists’ music. Sara Groves, JJ Heller, Jill Phillips, Jackie Minton, Taylor Leonhardt, Bethany Dillon, Cathy Ryan, The Wailin Jenny’s, Fernando Ortega, Claire Holley, Lou Fellingham, Good Lovelies, Amanda Vernon, Kelly Minter, and the list goes on and on

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

I usually record my own piano and guitar, but I also hire someone else if I need a different style. I either produce, or co-produce. I pay musicians to come and play.

What instruments do you play?

Piano and guitar.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

I love to perform live. I like intimate settings the best. Right now I am just concentrating on recording and releasing music. I hope to be performing more in the near future.

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

All streaming services.

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have day job?

Full time. But I also operate a Bed and Breakfast on the side which helps bring in a little income.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

My husband is incredibly supportive, as are my daughter Chloe and her husband Jaden. I have a friend or two who are also really supportive. However, over time I’ve come to realize that everyone is busy with their own lives, so I try not to rely too much on outside support. Instead, I focus on fulfilling the calling that God has placed on my heart and concentrate on fulfilling His purpose for me. This approach keeps me grounded and motivated to keep creating, regardless of others’ approval.

What’s something you never expected about writing music ? What have you learned that surprised you?

Sometimes I’ll sit down to write a song and it wants to go in an entirely different direction. I’ve learned to just let go of my own expectations, and let it unfold. It’s fun seeing where God takes it.

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?

Singing in a prison. I went there to bless them, and the reverse happened.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

Just the next release of my new single “Roseville Fair”, and then Christmas release “Who Comes This Night”.

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Picasso said, Inspiration is always there, but it must find you working. Even if you don’t feel that you have nothing to write, sit down at the piano, guitar or with your instrument, and try. Even if you write only a line or two, that’s enough. Come back to it the next day and you might write two verses. The second piece of advice would be to ‘notice’ things. Nature, movies, other people’s lyrics, rhthyms, etc. Just notice. For example, I might read a phrase in a book that just taps me on the shoulder so to speak and I know I am to write a song about that. Or a line in a movie might touch me. Inspiration is all around us. You just have to stop and take notice.

And, finally, are your proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

I don’t know if I ever take the time to sit and ponder being proud of my accomplishments. I think I’m always thinking ‘what’s next’. But maybe I should work on that. It’s good to take a little time and be grateful for what God has helped me bring together. I know deep down it’s not what I accomplish – it’s what God and I accomplish together.

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Website:
www.christiecookmusic.com

Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vI7H5ziNypUnxkAswPQ5Z?si=cp2USsKVT9eaJnkpfHK3TA

Pandora:
https://pandora.app.link/xEU03bjFxNb

Apple Music:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/last-bite-of-bacon/1770189019?i=1770189020

Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@christiecookmusic

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/christiecookmusic/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/christiecooksongs

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