Jackson Cannery

Genre: Singer/Songwriter, Rock

It has taken singer-songwriter Kary Brown 10 years to decide to start a solo music project. During that time, he crafted a variety of songs that would become his debut album "SouthBound." Brown plays every instrument on the album, showcasing a combination of blues guitar with accessible rock instrumentation and gospel-inspired soul. And if Brown's versatility is not enough, his modesty and determination has made him one of the most promising musicians in the area.

Kary Brown will perform tonight at Old Athens Grill and Friday at MacGregor's Pub. His debut album "SouthBound" will be released May 17.


Did you ever have a musical awakening?
-Yeah. I was about 15 years old, and my dad bought me a guitar. He taught me gospel songs and I would play them in church. That was my first taste of wanting to play music in front of people. I never got very serious about music until I bought "Room For Squares" by John Mayer. That album made me want to write music.


So gospel music was important to your childhood?
-Yeah. My father played in a Christian group called the Christianaires. They signed with Malaco records and played all over the country, and he would take me with them.

After I graduated high school in 2002, I had written a lot of music but I had never played it to anybody. When I moved to Hattiesburg, I started playing guitar much more and learning more songs, and that continued through 2008. I eventually became the lead singer for Villains of Groove and I now currently play bass with Roundhouse Groove.

Last year, I started playing solo acoustic shows, and I only recently started playing more.


How does your songwriting process work?
-I guess some people can sit down and just write a song, but it has never happened like that for me. Normally, I get a melody in my head and I will write various lyrics. But I will play around with something for a while, and eventually fit melodies to lyrics. Most of my songs are experiences, changes, or big events in my life.


What was the first song you learned to play on guitar?
-You remember the movie "The Preacher's Wife?" There was a song on the movie called "Hold On, Help is on the Way." That was the first song that my dad had taught me to play.


If you were stranded on the moon and could have one album...?
-It would be Ram by Paul McCartney. I was never a huge Beatles fan, but the music he wrote for Ram and Wings just flowed so well. Especially the song "Jet" on the Band on the Run album. That song has really inspired me.


Where would you like to see your music in five years?
-I don't have to be signed, but I would like to tour nationally, and anything after that would just be icing on the cake.


Either dead or living, who would you like to ride the river with?
-Believe it or not, it would be Rory Gallagher. I don't think he ever received the credit he deserved for his work.
- The Hattiesburg American