Brent Cobb Reveals the Classic Metal Bands That Shaped Him as a Songwriter

Last month, Brent Cobb announced his first full-length record with his band the Fixin’s. Ain’t Rocked in a While will be out July 11 and will showcase a heavier side of Cobb’s sound. While many listeners are accustomed to what he calls his “Southern songwriter” material, he showcases his love of rock and roll during his concerts. The new record will resemble his rocking live shows more than his six previous albums.

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Recently, Cobb sat down with Loudwire Nights to talk about the new album. During the conversation, he discussed the new record’s sound, working with Shooter Jennings, and the bands that changed everything for him at a young age.

[RELATED: Watch Brent Cobb Perform ‘Keep ‘Em On They Toes’ On Taylor Guitars Acoustic Sessions]

The Music That Changed Everything for Brent Cobb

Brent Cobb grew up around a variety of music. His mom listened to rock and roll, his dad was into classic country, and he loved it all. During the conversation, he recalled his uncle playing Led Zeppelin’s “Good Times Bad Times” and how it impacted him. “It f**ked me up as a child. I was like, whoa, man,” he said. Then, he revealed the band that inspired his songwriting.

“If you’re listening to a Sabbath album… I always liked how you’d have ‘Orchid’ or ‘Laguna Sunrise’ mixed in right behind ‘Sweet Leaf.’ All of that has always morphed into one thing for me. It’s always been part of my DNA. Both sides of it,” he explained.

Cobb on His Deep Rock Roots

“The whole idea was it ain’t that I never before it’s just that I ain’t rocked in a while,” Brent Cobb explained about the inspiration for his new album. He went on to point out many of the rock influences that worked their way into his previous recordings including “Black Bottle” and “Bar, Guitar, and a Honky Tonk Crowd.” Then, he talked about his long history with rock and roll.

“Growing up with those great Metallica albums, Highway to Hell, Black Sabbath’s 4 was probably my favorite. Then, learning a lot of the Tejas ZZ Top Stuff. You can hear that all over the first album,” he explained. “I grew up with it and I haven’t made a whole focused album on it,” he said when asked why he chose to cut a rock album.

“A lot of people show up to my shows over the last 20 years and they expect to hear more of the Southern dude songwriter, kind of chill and laid back,” Cobb said. “They get that and I am that, but a lot of times, our live show is a little heavier. I see people kind of glaze over a little bit,” he added. “I don’t think it’s that they don’t enjoy it, I just don’t think that they expect it.”

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