Quick Q and A with Nerissa Nields
 by Kathy S-B  ·  19 February 2010

Nerissa Nields is one-half of the sister duo, the Nields [she’s on the right in the photo]. She and Katryna have been an official duo since they were invited to perform as part of the Lilith Fair in 1998. That led to several CDs of their own. In addition to writing songs, Nerissa has also written a young adult novel, Plastic Angel, which is based on her song “This Town is Wrong.”

More about the Nields history can be found on their website Here’s a video of one of their most loved and cherished song, “Easy People.”

It’s hard to believe that you’ve been singing professionally for nearly 20 years! It’s very special that your latest CD, Sister Holler, goes back even farther than that — to songs and influences you both had as children. Do you have any favorite songs or moments from this CD?

Sister Holler is my favorite of our CDs to date. Writing the songs was so much fun; such an easy process, since I was given such a large “prompt” each time! It felt right to be a part of the folk process by weaving our own unique thread into the tapestry of the larger work. I’d say my favorite moment was putting the horns on “Ain’t That Good News” and feeling like we’d connected to the music of New Orleans that way. That particular song came out of Hurricane Katrina, and we were so glad to have Primate Fiasco bring it around to that sound again.

Being parents has lent a whole new dimension to your work. Despite the 24/7 fatigue that most parents feels, I’ll bet that the kids have added a whole new energy and a new perspective to your songwriting and singing.

This is true, and as a matter of fact, we are now contracted to write a book called The Musical Family. Just in terms of the songwriting, I now feel a whole different impetus to write songs. The scope has widened considerably; I now have multiple reasons for writing. For example, when Lila (my now 3 year old) was at a certain age, it felt crucial to make up a song about washing her hair. Singing about washing her hair made her more willing to have a shampoo. Singing a song about the donkey at the farm down the street got us through long car rides. And making up new words to “Hush Little Baby” kept me engaged and interested on those nights when the child needs a little extra soothing before bed.

It’s also just really fun to have the kids interact with music. Katryna and I created a parent/child early music program called HooteNanny which is now in its fourth year. All our kids have participated, and they are all musical as a result; it’s a wonderful thing to share.

Do you have any favorite road trip stories: both good and bad?

Putting my half-opened container of Tropicana orange juice on the conveyor belt at the airport security.

Do you ever miss the days of touring as a quintet? It must be a bit easier to tour as a duo though.

Sometimes I miss being in the kind of vocal/musical shape that I was in in the days of the band. I miss playing with other instrumentalists and always love it when others join us onstage. But it is much lighter and easier to travel with and play with my sister. We have a pretty great time together.