Alberta

How would you classify your music?

hmmmm, you know, someone once said gothic blues. I like that. No idea what it really means—i think i know what it DOESNT mean….so, Ill go with it.

Who are some of your top musical influences?

All over the map. Billie holiday, Al Green, Dylan, Prine, The Stooges. The list goes on and on

What do you want fans to take from your music?

Groove. all about the groove. i think there’s this new idea that you cant dance to rock n roll. but you can. you should. movement. motion in the music, and in the words.

We’re told you live in your own tricked out van. How did that come about? Did you reconfigure the van yourself? Or did you have someone do it for you?

Yes yes. after i finished mmmmm, I just figured it was time to go. For better or worse, working the same local circuit for years and years has never appealed to me. I figured it was just time to just get out of town. I’m a carpenter by day ad musician by night, and sometimes the opposite and almost always both at the exact same time, except when I’m not–hah. So i figured id give the build out a whirl. The van, (matilda is her name, by the by), is still truckn along.

Do you think your life in a van and on the road influenced the style of the songs on mmmmm?

I think its influenced how perform them now. I took to the road with out ever saying these tunes live, so its been interesting. My whole attitude on stage has been influenced by the amount ive been playing and driving and driving and playing.

We love the entire LP, but are quite particularly fond of “Quitters & Thieves.” It sounds like a lost Tom Waits classic. What’s your favorite Waits album?

Aw thanks. I’m so glad you like that one. I think picking my favorite waits album might be impossible . first ones that come to mind are Real Gone and Mule Variations….and small change.

Is there a song on mmmmm that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?

I go back and forth a lot. Ive really enjoyed doing Baby, Dont Blow Your Head off, live. But lately, Quitters & Thieves and soft lights have been up there. Again, its the movement of those tunes.

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?

Larry David or David Letterman or Nelson Algren. I’d like to just sit there and listen to any of em. As far as musician–Billie. Not even write with her. Just sit in some old club and watch her. agh. Perfect.

What’s next for Alberta?

I’m in the process of booking out till June. So ill be back on the road for another 6 months or so. And I think I will take June/July off—depending, and get back into the studio. But, as with anything, we shall see. I’m in the process of booking out till June. So ill be back on the road for another 6 months or so. And I think I will take June/July off—depending, and get back into the studio. But, as with anything, we shall see.

End of Interview