k.d. lang: Rhino approached us about doing the compilation and I was really happy to do it, because I know Rhino really takes care of how they deal with compilations … I really tried to focus more on the up-tempo roots of k.d. lang, which most people are not aware of. So that’s what I really wanted to take a stab at.
KR: In the liner notes, you say you never thought of yourself as a country singer, that it was more about being a performance artist … it was a project … so was this album kind of a way to close the door on that project so you can focus on what comes next?
k.d.: No, that sort of happened with Ingenue (in 1992). This was more of re-opening the door. Ever since I got involved with country music, country’s been a big part of who I am … I took it very seriously. (So this project) reinvigorated it for me.
KR: Do you identify with the alt.country label?
k.d.: Well I am more of a crooner now … but I identify with alt.country. I put a lot of effort into those years. I took it pretty seriously, and did a lot of studying and listening to records … I paid a lot of attention to my elders … so country will always be a part of me.
KR: How was it to go back and hear yourself on tape from all those years ago? A lot of people can’t stand to listen to themselves on their early recordings.
k.d.: Well it wasn’t actually as painful as I had anticipated. It was more fun (than anything). Enough time had passed that any residual embarrassment that may have been there had passed. I was working with Ben Mink again, my old collaborator … so it was really like just getting drunk and looking at your old high school yearbook.
KR: The year you came out of the closet, you won a Grammy for pop vocalist after so much time of not being totally embraced by Nashville … and then you made those changes and won a Grammy. Was that a conscious move to move over to the pop realm? Was it a totally cathartic experience?
k.d.: It was actually a very intentional and deliberate move … and quite validating to get a hit record for the first time and win a Grammy for the pop thing … and now I’m doing the crooner thing … but you know, that too shall pass.
KR: Are you still working with Tony Bennett at all?
k.d.: Yeah I just sang on … he’s having his 80th birthday, and he’s doing another duets album. So I did that with him. That’ll be coming out next year in … August? I really don’t know (but I think) next year.
KR: You’ve gone from punker to country singer to crooner … is there any other type of music you’re looking to explore? Or are you just kind of going with the crooner thing for now?
k.d.: I’m kind of a musical nomad. I really like to change. I’m intrigued by sounds and types of instruments … but I’ve been writing more, so I guess going back into the singer/songwriter thing.
KR: Your big influences were singer/songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Rickie Lee Jones … I was gonna ask if you had thought of going more into that area, similar to what you did with 49th Parallel, but with your own material.
k.d.: Well, I’m not nearly as good of a songwriter as those (people). But yeah … (laughs)
KR: Speaking of 49th Parallel, what is it about Canada that produces these artists like Neil Young, Joni Mitchell … and you, with your own work … it’s a very distinct artistry. What is it that sort of divides that from the sameness of American songwriters?
k.d.: Well it’s very subtle and I think so subtle that it can only really be detected by Canadians. It’s something about being sandwiched between European and American culture. The long winters can create a more introspective viewpoint. … and also the culture has fed into (that). We’re all influenced by Neil and Leonard (Cohen) and Joni … so that feeds into the next generation … that historical lineage.
KR: That’s about all I have for you for now. Is there anything else you want my readers to know? How do you feel about folk music?
k.d.: I think music is music … it’s all basic ingredients and whatever spice you put in with it, determines the genre. I’ve always tried to disallow the genrefying of myself, and just … I just try to sing what I feel.
KR: Well that’s all I have.
k.d.: Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.
KR: Thank you very much. Take care.
