Cory Branan

slideshow

BY SHEENA BARNETT

Daily Journal

OXFORD – It’s easy to hear why Cory Branan named his new album “Mutt.”

“Mutt” includes Mellencamp-style country rock, earnest singer-songwriter tracks and folky tunes.

But Branan’s life has been a bit of here and there: he was born in Southaven and has lived in Memphis, L.A., Brooklyn, Austin, Texas and, now, Nashville, and each town’s style has seeped into his music a bit. He doesn’t mean for it to happen, but it kind of does.

“I don’t write a sound in mind,” Branan said in a phone interview from a tour stop in Georgia. “I try make the song sound like what the song’s saying.”

“Mutt” says plenty.

It’s Branan’s first record in six years, following his two successful first records, “The Hell You Say” and “12 Songs.”

“I had quite a few songs to choose from – I had 100 to 110 to choose from. I chose those with similar themes,” he said. It’s those themes and Branan’s storytelling that tie the diverse sounds together.

Branan’s playing solo on this tour to promote the “Mutt,” so fans can get a taste of the new tunes and hear a few old favorites, too.

“I don’t really make set lists,” he said. “Right before I walk up on stage I can usually tell where to go. The good thing about playing acoustic is you can turn on a dime.”

He’s as ready for the studio as he’s ready for the stage.

“Oh, I’ve got the next three records written,” he said.

Shortly after his Oxford gig, he’ll take off for a European and UK tour. Then he’ll hit the studio, and fans can expect new music soon after.

“None of this 5, 6 years stuff,” he said, laughing.

• On stage

Who: Cory Branan, The Pollies, Chris Milam

When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Proud Larry’s, Oxford

Cost: $10

Info: proudlarrys.com

Extra: 18 and up