Hell-Onis certain of nothing but its commitment to uncertainty, and its refreshing honesty.
It was just a coincidence.
I do write by myself, but I never play alone, because I dont enjoy it.
Credit: Emily Shur
The Calexico gang was there, as always.
But some people I brought on board for specific songs because I thought theyd have a lot to add.
I think collaboratively, what was different and this comes from my work on thecase/lang/viersrecord [released with k.d.
lang and Laura Viers in 2016] is that I had to work on ceding control a bit.
That was a scary and new, interesting way for me to serve the songs I was making.
I feel more comfortable taking risks after that.
I got really into complex and bizarre superstitions that are almost like spells.
Ways to counteract bad luck like throwing salt over your shoulder.
I wanted to make up superstitions there, and it was fun.
But none of them are real.
Still, even if were not into astrology or religion, everybody thinks about luck.
We just do it.
Youre pretty respectful of your privacy in your music, but you balance that with a lyrical openness.
And Im not often writing about myself.
I just want to tell the stories that come to mind without worry.
The last time youve had only your name on an album was 2013.
What was re-entering the album creation space like as a solo artist?
But I also went to a producers conference in Brooklyn after the New Pornographers wrapped their tour.
When we all came together, we immediately exploded into conversation.
To see the representation and be the representation at the same time was incredible.
I cant describe it, but I imagine it is what winning an Oscar feels like.
And I imagine that had a lot to do with where I was when I started making this album.
Im not at the end of it, so Im not yet sure exactly what that means.
But Ive always been a person who fights.
I didnt have any reactions that were planned or strategized.
I just do things, and hope for the best.
Then I read this book by Adrienne Mayor, who was instrumental in proving that Amazons were not myths.
Her research and storytelling and linking of mythology was all so joyous and enlightening to me.
But women have been erased and demoted.
I dont know if I can or will rebuild my home.
I still havent gone through everything that was lost in the fire.
All of my animals are good, which is a comfort.
But I cant think about rebuilding.
I think right now, being in the midst of camaraderie with my bandmates is a comfort.
Were all here to do the same thing, and weve worked so hard on this project.
When youre making a record, it can be an isolating process.
I could go months and months without my bandmates.
