Why do you collaborate when you have a successful solo career?
A: The collaborations weren’t planned, you see. They sort of came up as happy accidents. When I’ve collaborated with other artists, it hasn’t been strategic in any way. It’s just a good distraction from what you always do – a welcome break. And it’s good to do something completely fresh, to work with others.
You’ve been associated with garage rock but now you seem to be leaning in more of a soulful or folk genre. Do you think you’ll eventually go back to lo-fi?
A: It’s not as big a change as it seems. I was part of a four girl band and my songs – the ones I actually sang – were always the slower, quieter ones. And what I’m singing now isn’t so different. As far as that lo-fi sound, I wouldn’t rule anything out in the future. I just do whatever is required for particular tracks.
So when you’re creating new songs, what influences your music?
A: I usually have a really firm notion to start with… of the plot, if you will. There’s not one thing in particular that influences my music, but I write about what I know. It’s based in personal experience. That’s not to say all the songs are biographical, because sometimes it’s what I’ve seen in others’ lives.
What will your next solo album will be like?
A: Well, we’re planning to record in December. I’d like to have a four piece band, but maybe incorporate piano on some songs. My last album had some organ tracks on it that I really liked. Everyone in the band knows all the parts. So for instance, the organ player can play the guitar parts, and the stand-up bass player can play the drums. We like to switch it around sometimes for fun, especially live.
Article comments
1 - Hanna Leander
i wish you would run stuff like this more often. good article and good writing. i never heaed of holly golightley before but im going to get one of their cds now.