Singer Natalie Maines Talks Debut Solo Album

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As the lead vocalist of the Dixie Chicks, Natalie Maines made a name for herself in country music, but the singer always had a heavy rock influence. That influence is more defined than ever on her first solo album, Mother, out today.

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"I think it's the elements of me that I added to the Dixie Chicks," said Maines. "I think the Dixie Chicks went beyond country music because we sort of melded two worlds together."

According to Maines, the creation of the album was so organic that she didn't even know she was making one until it was more than halfway completed.

"[Producer Ben Harper] got a studio on the Westside of L.A. and asked if I wanted to come play around and have some fun with his band," said Maines, who felt too busy with raising children to make a serious commitment to music. "We just did it one song at a time, and it was seven songs into it before we ever called it an album."

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The album comprises the type of songs that Maines connects to on a personal level, perhaps most notably the title track and Pink Floyd cover, Mother.

Maines explained the title of the project, saying, "I think it answers to where I've been for seven years. I also think it's a word that resonates with everyone."

The Grammy winner has two boys with her actor husband Adrian Pasdar and she says that they have given the new album their seal of approval.

"Slade said, 'Mom, you finally have an album I like!'" Maines said before laughingly adding, "I don't know if that's a compliment or not."

Mother is available now.