ERIN MC KEOWN seems to literally be everywhere now, gaining widespread acclaim for her album 'GRAND.' And's there's little wonder either, as anyone who has heard her sweet folk-pop fusion already will surely testify - because she genuinely is one damn incredible songwriter. And here she chats about the travelling demands that the album has graciously imposed on her, how the idea of what "Americana" is and what it isn't differs between the UK and the US - and a whole lot more...
HI ERIN, HOW ARE THINGS?
Well, thank you. Just traveling and working alot. The usual.
HAVE YOU BEEN TAKEN ABACK BY THE WIDESPREAD FASCINATION AND GENERAL OBSESSION WITH YOUR LATEST ALBUM, 'GRAND'?
I havent been necessarily taken aback by the sucess of "Grand"; I am proud of the record and have high hopes for it... which is not to say that I take any of the current happenings for granted...
YOU'RE A FAN OF MISSY ELLIOT AND RADIOHEAD. ARE YOU TEMPTED TO FUSE YOUR FOLK-ROOTS WITH SUCH HIP-HOP AND ANGST INDIE-ROCK INFLUENCES?
I dont divide my musical tastes that way, nor see any of my influences as disparate or contradictory. These things may or may not seep into my music - I can't control that. I just know that I like what I like and by the same token try to make music that interests me.
WHAT'S THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING ERIN MCKEOWN, ERIN?...
Aaah, the travel. I get to go to alot of great places.
HAVE THE REACTIONS TO YOUR ALBUM DIFFERED AT ALL BETWEEN THE US LP-BUYING PUBLIC AND THE UK?
People in the UK have a different idea about what constitutes pop and roots than the US so in the UK I am considered more "country" and "Americana" than in the US, which is all ok with me since both "country" and "Americana" are generally viewed more positively overseas than here.
HOW LONG DID THE ALBUM TAKE TO WRITE AND RECORD, AND DOES IT GET 'EASIER' TO RECORD THE MORE RECORDS YOU MAKE?
I sure hope it gets easier the more records you make... this is only the second real record I have made, so we'll see. Most of 'Grand' was written between January and October of 2002. Most of it was recorded in a 2 week period in September of 02. The few songs that were written after that were recorded in February 2003.
IS THERE ONE COUNTRY YOU REALLY WANT TO VISIT AND PLAY A GIG IN?
Most definitely Japan: I have always been completely excited by that country.
WHICH LYRIC OF YOURS ARE THE MOST PROUD OF?
On 'Grand', my favorite lyrics are in 'A Better Wife', 'Cinematic', and 'Cosmopolitans'.
WHAT DO YOU HONESTLY THINK OF POP QUEENS SUCH AS BRITNEY AND CHRISTINA WHO HAVE NO GENUINE HEART AND SOUL?
I dont mind that music at all. In fact some of it I like a great deal. Sometimes great energy and a fabulous beat can replace the intensity of heart and soul. I think the great thing about Britney and Christina's music is that it doesnt have to move heaven and earth or change the world... it can just pass by.
HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK REAL PASSION IS IN MUSIC?
Following the previous question, I think real passion is very important. People respond to genuine emotion. Britney and Christina clearly believe ALOT in what they are singing and their delivery is genuinely passionate (or at least Christina's is). The trouble they run into is that they are singing songs that aren't written with genuine emotion or passion.
IS WRITING, RECORDING AND PLAYING YOUR SONGS ANY LESS FUN NOW YOU ARE SIGNED AND THE PRESSURE IS ON, AS SUCH?
It isnt that it's less fun now, it's just that it's harder to find a time when you are truly unfettered by business concerns and can fully be in the moment of making music.
DO YOU HAVE ANY PRO-MCKEOWN PLUGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO MAKE?
No, honestly I would be too embarassed. Just give my record a shot... I think you'll like it.
Alright - if Erin isn't going to mention her website, I certainly will... so please do check out
www.erinmckeown.com