Quick Q and A with David Mallett
 by Kathy S-B  ·  5 November 2011

David Mallett is a treasured favorite singer-songwriter and has several decades worth of marvelous material to share with music fans of all ages. David recently completed work on a new song to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama. Check it out on his MySpace page. You can see David being interviewed and singing a bit on this video.

Congratulations on the anniversary of “The Garden Song.” It is quite an honor to have it called one of the “most famous folk songs of all time.” Did you have any idea when you wrote that song that it would become such an iconic song that would be sung all over the world?

I had no idea. . . . I thought it was a nice little singable tune kind of like "moonshadow" but it now spans generations.

What was it like to appear with the Prairie Home Companion crew in Maine?

Now and then it’s nice to rub elbows with the big time and experience a large event like this from the inside. It’s a lesson in efficiency and teamwork.

How did your CD The Fable True come about? Have you always had a love for the writing of Henry David Thoreau or did a Thoreau scholar match you up as a good musical interpreter of his words?

I did it as a tribute to the 150th anniversary year of his visits to Maine. I was not into writing words for a few years after 2003 and thought this would be a great spoken word project . . . which it was and the score was kind of garage band fun.

You described your music as a combination of European and New England maritime music." Can you explain that a little bit for us?

I think it’s the lack of blue notes that makes it more northern. I’m always much more drawn easterly in a musical sense ........also the harp is very woodscampish. I think I’m actually closer to the Irish than the cowboys.

Your meeting with Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul & Mary) was a pivotal point in your musical career. Have you ever thought what your life would be like if you had never had the opportunity to meet him when he opened his recording studio in Maine in 1975?

Probably would have figured out another way to record. He was a real friend to me in those days and he gave me confidence and objectivity. It remains one of the highlights of my life, those first records in blue hill.

Quick Q and A with Laura Bullock
 by Kathy S-B  ·  3 November 2011

Laura Bullock has been described as a “literate and modern, reflective and relevant.” I can’t think of any better adjectives. Laura is currently working on her third recording. We expect to hear great things from her. To learn more about Laura, visit her website. Here’s a video of Laura singing a lovely version of “I Will” at the UUCM annual Beatles’ benefit.

You’ve been pretty much a regular on the Boston music scene for a half dozen year or so. Is there any other place quite like this in the world?

Well, in my humble and entirely unbiased opinion, no, there really isn’t. Upon further reflection, maybe there is an element of bias in my answer, what with being a native New Englander and all, but I say my bias is well-founded. Growing up in this area, I was raised going to some of the wonderful greater Boston-area folk venues: Circle of Friends (located in the town next door to my hometown of Medway), the Old Vienna, Club Passim, and the like. In other words, I grew up listening in Listening Rooms — places where the music really takes center stage, over the hype and hysteria of merchan­dising and cross-promotion and all the other main­stream craziness that so often serves to distract in larger venues and arenas. And it was small, community-based venues — not unlike the me & thee — that shaped my music: how I write, how I perform, and what I value. And that is . . . well, invaluable.

And yes, that’s totally a kiss up answer :)

I understand that a couple of major influences of yours are Ellis Paul and Shawn Colvin. What have you taken away from each of them that shows up in your music today?

I stole Shawn Colvin’s wallet. Does that count?

Perhaps you mean figuratively, though. Well, I spent my high school and college years catching pretty much every Ellis Paul show I could. I loved his songwriting, but even more so, it was his performances and stage presence that drew me in. I would go see him or Vance Gilbert or Susan Werner and just marvel how at the same time they could command everyone’s attention and own the stage but also make you feel part of an intimate one on one conversation. And Shawn Colvin I have always admired for her lyrics. You can go song by song through “Steady On” and that would be a songwriting class unto itself.

Do you have a favorite topic or theme to write about?

Well, the unofficial answer is that I like to write parodies of pop songs. I’m so grateful for Lady Gaga.

Besides those, I find that some recurring themes in my songwriting are brokenness and redemption. I’m drawn to stories of heartbreak and hardship because, almost like trading old war stories, it’s these themes that often bring people together, allowing people to see themselves in each other. Hard times and painful situations can be so isolating, but when you hear someone else give voice to the things you feel or have felt, it can be very unifying — almost communal. At the same time, I find it so interesting and significant that after what is commonly referred to as a “fall from grace”, that’s often what people find: grace.

Tell us about the new CD that you’re working on. When can we expect to see it?

I’m very excited about this new album. Each song is essentially a character study. With that in mind, I’ve written many of the songs in first person, which is always fun as a writer because you really get to take on the character in your story — to think as he or she thinks, to act as they would act. I’m excited to see how these stories take on a new life in the recording studio.

I’ll be heading into said studio this winter, so I would say the album will be out in early 2012.

Quick Q and A with Greg Trooper
 by Kathy S-B  ·  21 October 2011

Greg Trooper is a real trooper. He’s been writing, singing, and playing for a couple of decades now and although he may not be a household name, he is highly revered and respected by professionals in the music business. He recently did an hour-long interview special with Dave Marsh on Sirius-XM Radio. It was fascinating to hear him talk about his life, his influences, and the creative process.

To learn more about Greg Trooper, go to his website. Here’s a video that captures the essence of Greg’s exceptional songwriter.

Your bio talks about the fact that you played in cover bands in early days — doing songs by diverse artists like Van Morrison and Hank Williams. Looking back, do you feel that immersing yourself into the songs of others was a good training ground in finding your own voice as a songwriter?

Absolutely. Without the influence of the artists I listened to I wouldn’t be able to write myself out of a paper bag.

Your first album was in 1986. Do you have any vivid memories about what it felt like to be recording your own songs?

I was young and hungry and felt like I was walking on a cloud.

You’ve lived in Nashville, Austin, and New York — all different music scenes. Is it possible to compare and contrast each of them?

Each place has its own energy which played a role in what I absorbed as a writer. But also, I was in these places at different stages of my own artistic development and I believe that played just as significant a role. At certain ages in life you respond to experiences differently.

Several notable musicians have covered your songs. Do you have a favorite?

Not really. For the most part the artists who have covered my songs are great writers in their own right who I have looked up to and really don’t need my songs to boost their careers. It is by far the most flattering experience I’ve had as a writer.

Has your musical style changed a lot over the years?

I think it has evolved and quite often reflects what music I am listening to at the time I’m writing.

You’ve worked with several high profile producers. Did each of them bring something new to the table and tap into new sides of your musical self?

Most definitely. I’ve been extremely lucky to get to work with these producers and musicians over the years.

Tell us about your latest, Upside-Down World. One song in particular, “They Call Me Hank” has received a lot of praise. I understand that the character in the song was inspired in part by a character in a Cormac McCarthy novel. When you read novels or even the newspaper, do you monitor what you’re reading in terms of how it could affect your art or does that only come about in random situations?

As a songwriter, I’m always on the lookout for a phrase, line, idea, or story. It’s become almost second nature to think as I’m reading or watching or listening to something to say to myself “now that would make a good song.” The trick is to make it happen. It quite often doesn’t work.

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