Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush Share How They’ve Kept Their Duo Strong for More Than Two Decades
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Nettles and Bush recently appeared on Today to discuss what has kept their creative partnership strong for more than two decades as they get ready to hit the road for a tour marking the 20th anniversary of Enjoy the Ride.
What has allowed Sugarland to remain a successful musical duo for more than two decades? According to Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, the answer comes down to communication, keeping things fresh and giving each other room to pursue individual creative projects.
The pair appeared on Today on Thursday, Aug. 11, where they discussed their upcoming Ride or Die Tour and reflected on the creative relationship that has kept them working together for so many years.
Nettles, 51, said maintaining any successful relationship requires ongoing communication and a willingness to keep things interesting. She explained that the same principle applies whether the relationship is personal, family-based or creative.
Both artists have also developed projects outside Sugarland. Bush, 56, has worked with country singer Megan Moroney, while Nettles recently took on the lead role in the off-Broadway production Giulia: The Poison Queen of Palermo.
Bush described their songwriting partnership as somewhat unusual, noting that they frequently come up with ideas spontaneously. Whether they’re working together in a studio or simply preparing backstage, he said their creative instincts often produce ideas that work almost immediately.
The duo first came together in Atlanta in 2002. At the time, both musicians had already established independent careers, while Bush had also previously worked with a major record label. Their collaboration began while they were writing and pursuing their own projects, eventually developing into what Nettles described as an Atlanta supergroup.
Bush recalled that some people initially doubted their decision to make country music. In an effort to convince his friends that they were serious about the genre, he even bought a cowboy hat on eBay.
Over the years, Sugarland went on to score numerous successful country songs, including “Want To,” “Settlin,” “All I Want to Do,” “Already Gone” and “It Happens,” establishing Nettles and Bush as one of country music’s enduring duos.