Q&A: Jerrod Niemann talks drinking

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Jerrod Niemann play Joyland on Friday (courtesy photo Darrin Dickerson).

Jerrod Niemann plays Joyland in Bradenton on Friday (courtesy photo Darrin Dickerson).

Country singer-songwriter Jerrod Niemann is pretty much an expert when it comes to drinking songs. His latest album “High Noon” features the big hit “Drink to That All Night” plus the booze-fueled “Buzz Back Girl” and “Day Drinkin.’” There is also Niemann’s previous hit single, “One More Drinking Song.” Yeah, during a recent phone interview with the 35-year-old country star headed to Joyland we did a lot of talking about drinking. Here are the parts we found most buzz worthy.

Q: What’s the key ingredient to a great drinking song?

A: It puts you somewhere you want to be, or need to be.

Q: Is a buzz required to write a great drinking song?

A: (Laughs) I know there are people who have accomplished it. A couple beers relax you. It’s easier to write when you’re relaxed.

Q. Best drinking song of all time?

A: Man, you stumped me. I would say the biggest is “Margaritaville” or “Friends in Low Places.” I don’t know about the best. I really like “Tennessee Whiskey” by George Jones - how it’s comparing a girl to a nice, lovely drink.

Q: Your favorite beverage after a concert?

A: Jack Daniel’s. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I’m not a big fan of gin. Whiskey kind of always has seemed to work for me since the day I turned 21 (laughs).

Q: Do you mix it with anything?

A: Jack and water if I’m trying to get in shape. I have a personal trainer. I’m training my liver personally with Jack and water, or Jack and Coke, just with anything that doesn’t have any nutrients.

Q: Have you ever found yourself busting moves on the dance floor, or in your tour bus, to Pitbull’s remix of your hit “Drink to That All Night”?

A: Maybe I tap my foot a little harder, get my head rocking harder but I’m not much of a dancer - even when I’m drinking.

Jerrod Niemann
7 p.m. (doors) Friday; Joyland, 5520 14th St. W., Bradenton; $20 (advance) $25 (door); 756-6060; joylandcountry.com

Jerrod Niemann
7 p.m. (doors) Friday; Joyland, 5520 14th St. W., Bradenton; $20 (advance) $25 (door); 756-6060; joylandcountry.com

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WADE TATANGELOhas been an entertainment editor, reporter, columnist and reviewer for more than a decade at publications nationwide. He is a Hershey, Pa., native who grew up in Tampa and graduated from the University of South Florida. Wade joined the Herald-Tribune in 2013 as entertainment reporter and writes the weekly Bar Tab column. He can be reached by email or call (941) 361-4955.
Last modified: March 12, 2015
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