In a few sentences, tell us about your journey as a performing artist and how you found yourself playing at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge this year.
I was invited by Paste to do a live performance at Dee’s and was happy for the opportunity to share some new songs and meet some great people!
In this present moment, what does the term ‘Americana’ mean to you? Do you see it as a limiting or expansive term? Is the work of playing Americana music an act of mythologizing this nation and its people or demystifying them? Or both?
I’m still not sure I understand the term!
I see a lot of wonderful people trying to put their music out into the world and it seems that ‘Americana’ is continuing to evolve as a place to let people do that, and that seems a very positive and encouraging place to be.
I think terms and descriptions of art are limiting in their very nature! Sometimes hearing a song without any concept or frame of reference will let it have a deeper impact. But of course that’s an idyllic concept and not really a possibility in the modern world!
Ultimately I believe in artists and building community, and I do think there are a lot of wonderful people working in the world of ‘Americana’ that are aiming to do just that.
As a literary publication, Nashville Review is focused on publishing the best poetry & prose that lands in our submission piles. How has written literature played a role in evolving your work as a songwriter? As a performer? Do you have a special relationship with any author or their work?
I think that absorbing other writers’ cadences, words, and storytelling is so vitally important to our own songwriting. I Love Anne Lamott and have just finished a book of poetry by Maya Angelou.
What’s an influence on your music that even a die-hard fan might find surprising? This could be another musical artist or genre, a hobby of yours, a unique experience, etc.
I love waking up a couple hours before anyone else in the house and having a long luxurious cup of coffee. I accomplish nothing except daydreaming, hanging out with my dog and maybe watering the plants if they need a little drink.
What’s one question you always hope an interviewer will ask you about your artistry? What’s your answer?
A question I love is about who has inspired me! My answer is:
All the incredible young artists I get to meet and work with along the way! I love listening to young peoples’ first songs written, first performances, the first tender times that we take the stage: pen to paper, fingers to strings, the microphone in our hands. It’s always so inspiring and reminds me where I want to stay grounded.
Can you share a Spotify link to your favorite song played during your set at Dee’s?