Chrissi Poland chats the legendary FAME Studios, new album and a special musical dedication [Interview]

Chrissi Poland’s recent musical journey culminates in the album Forever Muscle Shoals, a homage to the rich heritage of Muscle Shoals, Alabama’s legendary music scene. Her connection to this iconic location was solidified during a 2022 tour stop when she visited FAME Studios, the birthplace of numerous seminal American records. It was there, enveloped by the echoes of Aretha Franklin’s classic "I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)," that Poland experienced a profound creative awakening.

The emotional weight of standing in the same space where countless influential artists recorded ignited a determination in Poland to return and craft her own record at FAME Studios. This resolve was symbolically captured by taking a photograph beneath a sign proclaiming the studio’s legacy as a gateway for the finest musicians and producers, a place she aspired to join. Three years later, she fulfilled this ambition, completing recording in the very rooms that shaped the Muscle Shoals sound.

Forever Muscle Shoals stands as both a tribute and a personal statement. Poland interprets songs made famous by a diverse group of artists including Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Cher, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. By recording live with musicians in the traditional style that defined the era, she sought to preserve the authenticity and spirit of the original sessions. The live tracking approach, reminiscent of the late 1960s, fostered an atmosphere of spontaneity and emotional depth rarely captured in modern studio work.

The selection of songs was a deliberate process, blending Poland’s admiration for the artists who recorded in Muscle Shoals with her own artistic influences and experiences. Some tracks, like Cher’s "Cry Like A Baby," were inspired by personal encounters and performances, while others were chosen for their intrinsic connection to the Muscle Shoals narrative. Poland’s background includes collaborations and shared stages with musicians such as Ronnie Wood, Mavis Staples, and Sam Moore, all linked to the area’s musical lineage.

Navigating the balance between reverence for classic arrangements and the desire to imprint her own artistic voice, Poland made nuanced decisions about where to maintain tradition and where to innovate. For instance, her rendition of "Respect Yourself" closely mirrors the original groove and structure, featuring a duet with Ryan Shaw that introduces subtle vocal variations. In contrast, her interpretation of The Rolling Stones’ "Wild Horses" incorporates new elements, including a gospel-inspired vocal outro and string arrangements, reflecting both homage and creative expansion.

Soul music’s profound influence on Poland resonates throughout the album. She regards soul not merely as a genre but as an emotional expression rooted in authentic human experience. This perspective aligns with the historical context of Muscle Shoals, where artists from various genres sought out the distinctive sound crafted by local musicians known as The Swampers and The Fame Gang. The fusion of gospel, rock, folk, and country elements within the Muscle Shoals sound embodies a cultural tapestry that Poland both honors and extends.

Beyond its musical significance, Forever Muscle Shoals carries personal meaning for Poland, who dedicates the album to her daughter, Nova. Motherhood has intensified her commitment to pursuing artistic truth and perseverance. The album reflects a transformative year of intense creative labor and emotional exploration, during which Poland confronted both triumphs and challenges, ultimately emerging with a record she describes as her most authentic work to date.

Looking ahead, Poland envisions returning to Muscle Shoals to develop an album composed of original material that continues to capture the essence of the region’s unique sound. Inspired by the legacy of FAME Studios, founded by Rick Hall and known as the “hit capital of the world,” she aims to contribute her own chapter to the ongoing story of this influential musical hub.

Listeners of Forever Muscle Shoals are invited to experience the album as a cohesive journey, appreciating not only the historical importance of Muscle Shoals but also the genuine emotional investment infused into each track. Poland’s project stands as a testament to the enduring power of these songs and the creative spirit that keeps the Muscle Shoals sound alive for new generations.