It’s got to be encouraging.
Very encouraging. He gave me a lot of confidence. When I started working with Herbie was when I went into the studio [for This Storm]. And even though I made a rock ‘n’ roll record, I was getting from the jazz end of things that if it was good music and you’re true to it and you’re passionate about it and you’re honest with yourself and not afraid, then [the album] will be good. That was really huge for me.
What’s the sentiment behind “Soldier’s Lament?” It’s certainly sympathetic to the soldier.
It’s about the idea that we don’t want to see something that we believe to be glorious fail. We only want to think about the accolades and wonder that goes with winning battles and fighting wars. When someone falls, we look the other way because it’s a reality we don’t want to accept.
In “Borderline,” you seem to be dissuading against apathy. Is that a fair analysis?
Sure, yeah.
Do you think that that mood is changing – in the context of the election?
I hope it’s changing; it’s hard to say. Elsewhere in the world, I think people are almost more excited for Obama to be president than they are here. I hope that’s not true, but you do get the feeling.
Is there a particular story behind “Fire?”
I was on a really terrible tour and I was really mad (laughs).
It comes across…
It’s about a few people rolled up into one, really. I wrote that song about those kinds of guy musicians who go around breaking hearts. And I always like to warn my friends who aren’t musicians and don’t know them and don’t know what they’re in for: Watch out!
Dates and venues for Sonya Kitchell’s current tour can be found at the artist’s official website. This Storm is available at all retail and online outlets.
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Well thought out questions that went beyond the norm. They gave the artist a chance to do the same.
Way to go!