1.0 What’s your favorite moment on your new record The Breakdown of a Breakup? If I had to pick one I’d say the trombone solo on “Mistake” played by J. Walter Hawkes.
2.0 – How did you track the record and who was involved? I tracked the record at my studio Catherine The Great in Brooklyn. I pretty much record / mixed and did basic mastering myself. David Barratt was the executive producer on The Breakdown of a Breakup and I can say without a doubt that had he not come on board and lent his brilliant fresh ears I’d be working on the record for the next ten years.
3.0 – Do you allow yourself to compare your own records and if so, where does this one rank for you now, the week after its Valentine’s Day release? I don’t really compare them as they’re a snapshot in time but this record was a real departure musically and lyrically.
4.0 – How did the concept for the album come about? When my marriage of 20 years ended I wrote a bunch of songs to help me process it all. I didn’t think of putting it all together as a collection until David Barratt stepped in and helped to make sense out of all the tunes. Once we listened to them, it was pretty clear that they were all of a piece.
5.0 – What’s your best advice for getting through the pain and doubt of a failed relationship? I know for me writing the tunes was a way of communicating to myself how I was really feeling & I’d imagine anyone going through it songwriter or not would get some clarity but writing it all down. It helps to keep it from just playing in the background of your mind.
6.0 – On your website, folks are encouraged to share their love stories; how’s that going?It proved to be a great forum for people to share their stories, and to let others know that they aren’t alone in their heartbreak.
7.0 – Which is your first love: playing guitar, singing or writing music? I’d have to say playing that guitar, as that’s where it all started, but the three together are the holy trinity for me.
8.0 – How do you know when you have a good idea for song, or are you never quite sure? Some songs just feel like gifts that you’re being given & your only job as a songwriter is not to get in the way! Then there are the tunes that you go 12 rounds before they show themselves.
9.0 – Was there an artist or a record that propelled you as a kid?“Ode to Billy Jo” by Bobbie Gentry. That song & Ms. Gentry’s singing blew me away. The cover for the sheet music was a picture of her holding a cool parlor guitar. I’d have to say that was it for me. I’m always trying to write that song!
10.0 – What’s the finest compliment you have ever been paid walking off a stage? Hmm … I honestly don’t know that I can pick one. It’s always so moving and incredibly generous to have people come up & thank you for giving voice to something they were feeling. I am in a constant state of gratitude for that.
