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Quick Q and A with Cindy Bullens, October 2011
 by Kathy S-B  ·  21 October 2011

Cindy Bullens is a me&thee favorite. Her songs range from the most tender and heartfelt tunes you’ll ever hear to some of the rocking-est. Cindy’s personal touch shines through in everything she does. Cindy’s contributions to music have been memorable, as has her important work with parents who have lost children. Read below and also check out her website, which is full of great information.

Here’s a video of Cindy playing “In a Perfect World” from her latest album. And here’s a more rockin’ number (piano courtesy of Sir Elton John).

Cindy Bullens
I just spent some time reading comments about all your albums and it’s so wonderful to see such wonderful accolades about your body of work. You’ve done more than just supply some great music for the world-at-large but you have provided incredible solace and comfort for others who have lost children. I’m assuming that your work with grieving parents has meant a whole lot to you and your family and has proven to be Jessie’s legacy.
Absolutely! I really can say that my music saved my life. And while it was saving mine, the songs from my album Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth continue to touch people. I have been blessed with the opportunity to perform those songs around the world, meeting the most courageous and wonderful people. That album is truly a huge part of my own legacy, while keeping Jessie’s incredible spirit and memory alive.
Howling Trains and Barking Dogs has recently been released . . . yet it was written and recorded many years ago. What’s the story behind the story of this CD?
That title came from living in East Nashville years ago. I loved it there. It was funky and hip and that’s what you heard: howling trains and barking dogs. I had in the back of my mind that someday I would record some of the Nashville co-writes I had done in the early 90’s and give the album that title. So finally, that’s what I did! Ironically, I usually record my CDs in Nashville — this one I recorded in Maine with the awesome musicians here who I have used for years as my local back-up band. They are as good as anybody in Nashville.
Your career has taken you into various musical milieus — pop, rock, country, folk / singer-songwriter which shows your versatile talents and appeal. You’ve played in huge stadiums and in intimate coffeehouses, do you take all of this in stride because you’re still able to do what you want to be doing — and that is playing music and interacting with an audience?
It is amazing to me that I have had that breadth of experience! I love performing in all types of venues and seem to adjust one night to the other no matter how big or small. Yes, it’s playing the music for PEOPLE! Of course, you interact with the audience in different ways depending on the size of the venue. But I always want to keep it “personal” no matter what.
Tell us about your life up in Maine. How are you able to make your music career mesh with the low-key homebody atmosphere up in your Maine digs?
Though I grew up on the North Shore of Massachusetts, we summered in Maine. I knew I always wanted to live here.
It’s a great balance for me. First of all, my family is in Maine. My daughter and grandkids live literally across the street from me. A two and a four year old will keep you busy, vibrant and laughing!
Plus, when I am home for long stretches, usually in the winter time I work part-time as a fitness trainer at the local Y. That helps me stay connected to my community and to give back a little. My soul seems to thrive and always has in Maine-saltwater in my veins.
What have the Refugees been up to? Still having fun on the road with Wendy and Deborah? Never mind the “Senior Barbies” — how about some Refugees action figures?
Ah, we already thought of that! We are releasing our new CD THREE in January. (Though it’s already available on our website www.therefugeesmusic.com). We are REALLY excited about this CD. We added drums to our signature sound and the incredible Sam Bush adds fiddle to several of the tracks. We toured a bunch in June and July, just got back from Calgary and Alaska and are on our way to Colorado this month before I see you. Then we meet up again back east in early November. We’d love to come back to Me & Thee next year!

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