Sunny Sweeney

Being independent has given me the freedom to do more of what I want. For Sweeney, doing what she wants has meant crafting smart honky tonk for about two decades. I really do love country music, she says. For me, its the stories and hooks. Her new album Rhinestone Requiem is a delectable testament to that love, brimming with achingly pretty melodies and grown-up storytelling. Its also an expertly assembled grab bag of the traditional song structures that have built country music, one three-quarter whirl at a time. If anyone has the bona fides to be country musics loving, defiant standard-bearer, its Sweeney. In addition to releasing 5 critically acclaimed albums since her 2006 debut Heartbreakers Hall of Fame, she has become a trusted song curator and advocate for other artists as the host of her SiriusXM shows The Sunny Side of Life on Outlaw Country and Sunny Side Up on Willies Roadhouse. Sweeney keeps adding new feathers to her signature hat: She and her longtime guitarist Harley Husbands produced Rhinestone Requiem and are working as producers on additional projects. We both have very strong points and very strong opinions, Sweeney says of Husbands with a laugh. But we work very well together.....