Lady A returns to Western New York Friday, Aug. 28, for a performance at the Seneca Niagara Events Center. The award-winning country music trio is known for their beautiful harmonies and has scored numerous hits on country radio, dating back to their formation in 2006. The group’s members include Hillary Scott on lead and background vocals, Charles Kelley on lead and background vocals, and multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Dave Haywood.
This year marks the group’s 20th anniversary, and I had the opportunity to ask Dave Haywood what that anniversary means to the group, and what “era” the band finds itself in.
“Oh, I love that question. That’s a great way to phrase it. We’ve been working in the studio on a new record, and we often talk about the joy we have in the relationships we’re having together. We’ve been a band for 20 years, which is wild. It feels crazy to say because we still feel young in our heads,” Haywood said.
“It was a whirlwind for a good 10 to 15 years. Then we all started having families. The last year or so, where we are with the shows and making new music, I feel so grateful to be at a place where we’re working hard on the balance of family and touring and personal life and professional life.”
“When we go out and play shows, we’re not burned out — we’re fired up and ready to go. It is such a joy to be out there. Our relationship is in such a healthy place.
“So maybe it’s our gratitude era. To be a band for 20 years, it’s been a lot of work on our relationship, compromising, making things manageable for everybody, balancing three people, three personalities, three families, three visions.”
Haywood’s answer seems contradictory to the stereotype of successful bands that grow apart, with some relationships devolving into acrimony and legal battles.
“Yeah, I mean, the last thing we want is only to see each other on stage and just cash a check. We spend all day together on the road. Breakfast together, working out, catching up, talking about our kids, sharing photos, enjoying the day.”
“Some bands have done it well, but a lot have struggled. I grew up obsessed with Eagles and Fleetwood Mac, and everyone knows the challenges they faced.”
Ironically, bands known for creating some of the greatest musical harmonies are known for personal strife. And while Lady A has managed to find a good balance, it took some time.
We’ve had our seasons, but to be at a place where it’s really fun is pretty amazing, and I’m not blowing smoke. Every time we head out to play, we get giddy again,” Haywood said.
They are also working on a new record, a process the band enjoys.
“We’re recording with (producer) Jay Joyce; he does a lot of country and rock stuff. I felt like we had to be well rested and healthy to make the music great again. Our best music comes when we’re excited personally. When we’re burned out, we don’t make our best music. Our first couple records were incredible because we were living on cloud nine.”
The band has also found a balance when it comes to touring, so while there may be fewer shows on the calendar, they are more enjoyable. “We’re at a place where we can route and pick out the things that work well for us touring‑wise. And then the next thing you know, I’m dropping off my kids to tennis and golf and swimming, able to be home with family.”
“So yeah, an era of gratitude for sure. And really thankful to be able to do it 20 years in. A lot of my favorite bands had rocky roads. It’s hard to stay healthy in it. We’ve worked hard at that and feel grateful we are where we are.”