Mary Johnson Rockers has a new record on the horizon, but can their fearless leader handle the five hardest questions in faux business? Find out for yourself after the jump.
1. If your band were a car, what sort would it be?
One of the greatest things about our band is that it spans generations, so it would have to be a classic car with a new sound system in it. Maybe a 65 Ford Fairlane with a chrome dash. We have the best time when we combine our various backgrounds and passion for different music genres–structured and classic, and new and indie–to make our own unique sound. But the chrome represents what I like to think of as fun (not practicality).
2. What can listeners expect to hear on the new record?
I think the listeners will find that the lyrics and vocals are central, with just the right amount of instrumentation, and they might be surprised to hear more of a range of styles than expected. These songs tell stories, some true, some..true with a bit of creative embellishment. But all about journeys, travels through love, solitude, parenthood, freedom, revelation. A good soundtrack for a roadtrip! The project is a collaboration that started with a proposal from Jim Kremidas, who wrote three of the eight songs on the album (and who plays pedal steel, guitar, mandolin and banjo in the band). He wanted to re-record some of his earlier songs with a different feel, with either me or Miriam singing lead. I’d been wanting to record some of my new songs since my 2008 release, so we decided to go for it. With Ken Peterson (on bass) bringing his stellar ear for arranging, Miriam Chicurel’s gorgeous vocals (I still get goosebumps each time I hear a particular bridge she wrote and sings in a love song), James Wallace’s magic on drums and John Plymale bringing it all together in such a collaborative and tasteful way, I couldn’t be happier to share this music.
3. Describe how our family has influenced your love of music.
There was always music in my house growing up. Piano, bassoon, guitar, cello, accordion, bagpipes, flute, you name it. Being a preacher’s daughter, I learned to sing and harmonize in church. Music was a way for us to come together and also a way to retreat into another world when we needed some alone time (there were 7 of us). Now with a family of my own, many a love song has been inspired by my loving husband Jack – even though we sometimes haggle over which playlist to have on at home, the classic country or the indie rock- and more recently my 14-month old son, Ty. He was born in April last year and came 3 months ahead of schedule, so we (along with our families and friends) spent many long nights worrying about the future. Ty weighed under three pounds when he was born, and was at UNC hospital for a couple of months, where Jack and I visited him every day. During that time I couldn’t think beyond the next day, but as the fog has lifted and Ty has grown into an amazingly strong and curious boy, I’ve tried to capture some of the feelings from that crisis and also from this journey of parenthood and family and community in my writing. “Hummingbird Heart” is about Ty, because he had an abnormally fast heartbeat, which I hear is a hummingbird trait, and in the end he made it through.
4. Who/what might be a few inspirations or influences that would really surprise people?
Hair bands. I love the intensity of rock that they bring to a good power ballad. Why were we so accepting of uninhibited, passionate love songs being belted out by some tough-looking guys in the 80s? It’s glorious. I am sentimental and I like to belt it out, so it’s a given, but because of my folky, alt-country style I guess people who don’t know me well could be surprised by this influence. I’m also influenced by some male singer-songwriters, particularly Steve Earle, and I love how people from all walks of life seem to connect with his music. I’m inspired by my bandmates who play music for the sake of music, not for money, obviously! And some close friends of mine who made the decision to pursue music and keep it at the forefront of their life path- Hope Marasco of Down River, my old college friend Scott Pryor, and Jocelyn Arem to name a few. Their full embrace of their passion- songwriting- is really inspiring to me.
5. What did you dream of being when you were a kid? (How did that work out?)
I wanted to be a singer. I learned Raffi songs and then later, Patsy Cline, and recorded my voice on a cassette tape so I could practice. I believe there are several ways to sing “Down by the Bay” and only one way to sing “Crazy.” I also knew I wanted to be a part of social change, either through politics or community organizing. My parents are social activists so I grew up learning about injustices in our society and around the world. As it turns out, I am not running for political office, but I am proud to be part of team of people trying to make a difference in the lives of underserved people here in North Carolina. And as a performing songwriter I hope that my songs mean something that is bigger than me; that maybe somehow they allow listeners to take some alone time when they need it, or to come together and sing along.
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Wander over to the Local 506 on Friday, August 12th to help Mary Johnson Rockers celebrate the release of their new record. And by all means, give Mary a high five when you see her!