Singer Gibson branches out with a new sound

 Folk-rocker hopes to broaden base with 'OuterSpace'

 By Cassandra Hinojosa Caller-Times

August 18, 2005

Americana folk-rocker Susan Gibson likes to say she has "cast a broader net" when it comes to her latest album "OuterSpace," released last month.

On Saturday, her lines will reach Port Aransas as she performs at the Third Coast Theatre.

The tracks on "OuterSpace" sound much different than 2002's "Chin Up," her previous and first solo independent album. She's reached the next level booking record store appearances and hitting radio stations. Next, she hopes to tap a broader fan base at music festivals.

"The writing and the promotion of the record is different than anything I had ever done before. I'm on a very high learning curve right now," said Gibson, a Minnesota native who calls Wimberley home.

"We took a lot longer on ('OuterSpace'), kind of fleshing out the songs and using things like electric guitar and pedal steel guitar and stuff I don't always get to play with on stage," said Gibson, 33. "I had co-writes on this record with Jim Lauderdale, Randy Scruggs and Billy Burnette and Jack Saunders."

If you aren't familiar with Gibson, here's a refresher:

Gibson played and released four albums with the Amarillo-based pop-rock band The Groobees until 2001.

In 2000, she was named Country Songwriter of the Year by American Songwriter and penned the single "Wide Open Spaces" recorded by the Dixie Chicks, which went on to become the CMA Single of the Year. A live acoustic version of "Wide Open Spaces" is included on "OuterSpace," recorded at Houston's White Cat Studio. "Happiest When I'm Moving," "Cactus," "Together Strong" and "Company Man" are other moving melodies not to miss.

Many of Gibson's lyrics come from a "Do you know what I mean?" point of view. One of the best aspects of her job, besides writing music, is connecting with listeners. But the reason why might seem ironic.

"It's those quirky details (of my songs) that make the listeners think you are talking to them, not to everybody, and sometimes that speaks to everybody," she said.

And Gibson has nothing to hide - even her vulnerability - when it comes to her songwriting.

"I like to make fun of myself," she said. "I think that puts people at ease. So much of my bravado and my confidence is directly tied to my insecurity and self consciousness."