Have you ever found yourself revisiting a particular dream more than once?
Yes, there are specific locations that will come up again and again in my dreams. I can’t seem to control when this happens, so I interpret them as little visits, and I am always thankful for them. On my latest album, AMPHORA, I have a song about a dream I had. A giant seal came to visit me in the dream. It snarled at me and could shape shift from one pool of water to another. I decided to write the song because the imagery stayed with me long after I had woken up, and I felt I should do something with these feelings. I decided that the seal represented fear, and that if I could face this fear by re-interpreting it into song, I could release it, into the wild, as it were.
In your opinion, what is an essential life experience that every individual should undergo at least once?
Absolutely every single person in the modern world should have at least three months experience in a service job of some kind. This would change the understanding of class-dynamics in our country, and make for a much more empathetic public, in my opinion. I have long pondered a work-program like this for teens, especially those who have been raised in class-bubbles like private schools.
What’s currently playing in your ears?
Andre´ 3000’s flute.
What is one book that changed your life?
A People’s History of the United States by Howard Zinn
If we’re treating, what beverage would you choose?
Club soda with lime.
Share with us a significant dinner memory that stands out for you.
I recently had the opportunity to break bread with dear friends whom I do not get to see very often. We all brought something to the table, including jokes and stories, and it’s moments like that, that I cherish. Musician Karina Denike makes sure there is something yummy to eat after every rehearsal, and truly, the most magical moments happen when the band can come together like that. I think it translates into the music.
Can you recount a challenging work experience that you consider to be the least
enjoyable?
I detest working for idiots. Being told what to do by someone who doesn’t understand what they are talking about, and in turn making things difficult or unsafe for those working for them, is infuriating. I try to avoid this line of work at all costs, but sometimes it can not be avoided.
Reflect on the day that brought you the most joy in your life.
I try to find joy in the every day. This is a new practice for me since the pandemic. Feeling joyful is about understanding self-love and acceptance. I used to have a difficult time with this, as I was told by someone I love very much that I was an embarrassment to them, simply for being me. I didn’t feel I was deserving of feeling joy. I now understand that was a problem of my own making, and there is no time like the present.
If you had the chance to jet off anywhere right now, where would your destination
be?
I am always trying to get back to Santa Fe, NM. I lived for seven years, and I often wonder if I’ll ever be able to move back. You can hike to see petroglyphs and the sunsets are in comparable, plus green chile.
Who holds the title of your favorite fictional hero?
Foxy Brown comes to mind, so does Dana Scully.
How would you like people to remember you?
I hope people remember me for my music!