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Paul Overstreet's Interview
(Country Music Songwriter)

He's one of the most respected and successful songwriters in Nashville today. He's Paul Overstreet.
Paul has taken home Songwriter of the Year awards, four years in a row. His song "On The Other Hand" was voted Song of the Year by both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. And, in 1988, Paul Overstreet accomplished the same feat again with "Forever and Ever, Amen," which was additionally honored with a Grammy.
Paul Overstreet's latest I.P.I C.D.I Cassette is titled "Heroes" (R.C.A./B.M.G.).

Q. Paul, a new poll has it that country music is fast becoming more popular than rock'n'roll. Why do you suppose that is? What do you think is happening?
A. Well, I think there's several reasons. I think that different types of music are being accepted in the country field. Also, the new artists being released by the record companies — there's more new artists in country music than there's ever been before. It's getting to the point where I can't remember who they are. I like songs, but I can't remember the artist's name. There's so many that come up with new songs that I like. That I think has a lot to do with it. Also, I just think there's just room for other kinds of songs than cheatin', drinkin' songs now. So, it really has a wider appeal. There's more people that can enjoy country music because it is embracing other styles of music.

Q. Does songwriting come easy to you?
A. No, it didn't come easy. I had to work hard at it. I worked for a long time at it.

Q. Can you teach someone how to write a hit song as ads in back of certain music publications suggest?
A. No, you don't ever know when you're writing a hit song, I think.

Q. How did you get Randy Travis to record "Forever and Ever, Amen?"
A. We were working pretty close with Randy and the record company at the time. And there was a pitch person at our publishing company and Don Schlitz and I who wrote the song, just really felt we should have them play. it for him, and so the publishing company took it over there, at our suggestion I think, or kind of a group suggestion. Everybody just felt it would be a good idea, and they liked it. But Robin Palmer was the pitch person. I may be wrong, it could've been from Don's company, but I'm not sure actually who took the song over to him.

Q. When you have a Grammy, and you're named Songwriter of the Year, four years in a row, what does that do for your career? Are you under more pressure each time you write, to write a hit song?
A. Not really, I think it brings on a certain amount of professional difficulty for you. I think people start going well, he thinks that every song has a message let's hear what his songs are having to say. People judge the songs a little more. It's kind of a double-edged sword. It's something that a lot of people want to have happen to them, and at the same time it draws attention to you, and it costs you a little bit. But, it's alright.

Official Website: www.pauloverstreet.com