A Q & A with Catie Curtis
by Kelly McCartney(@theKELword) for FolkAlley.com
For her 14th album, ‘While We’re Here,’ singer/songwriter Catie Curtis does a whole bunch of beautiful processing, tilling the soil of life into song. In the 25 years of doing just that, Curtis has planted her musical seeds across the land through fairly persistent touring. She’ll do so again this year, but that may well be it for “Catie Curtis Coming Soon to a Town Near You.” Post-2017, she has her sights set on staying put and pursuing other creative explorations. So, if you’ve never seen her live, get thee to a show this year! You won’t regret it. (You also won’t regret diving deep into her lovely new album.)
Kelly McCartney: What have you learned over the past 25 years? And what have you had to re-learn or re-commit to as things have shifted and evolved?
Catie Curtis: I’ve learned that songs always get written, if I show up with my instrument (I write on guitar and piano). I believe that what we call being “creative” is actually being receptive. And if I want to receive, I have to invite, and then sit there and welcome the muse. It takes time and patience, and a discerning ear.
I always have to remember (re-learn, perhaps) that, with every song, I’m a beginner with that song. While I have lots of tools to use, I have to let each song be what it will, and not impose my past writing experience on the new song.
A lot has even shifted since you made the record. How do the songs resonate for you now, post-election?
My song “Please Explain,” about tumultuous changes, seems now related to things going on politically. But mostly this recording is personal/universal, not so much political.
What person, experience, or other something has been the greatest teacher for you as you learn to live in the present and not in fear, as these songs describe?
One person who has had a huge impact on me is Jimmy Ryan, the mandolin player I refer to in ‘While We’re Here.’ (He plays on the track, as well.) We toured as a duo for seven years straight at the beginning of my career. His subversive humor and passionate playing style helped transform me from a shy girl to one taking up space without as much concern for how people react. In terms of experiences, I’ve known a few people who died before their time, unexpectedly. Getting a close-up view of mortality is always a wake-up call. We never know how much time we’ll have here.
You’re pairing this release with what you’re calling your Final Outing tour, after which you won’t be out on the road. How’d you make that decision? And what was your first emotional response after making it?
My first emotional response was relief. I’ve been orienting my life around travel, around touring for 25 years, and I’m really ready for another way to focus my priorities. I’ll still be working as a musician, just not on the road. I’ll probably be somewhat heart-achey and nostalgic after this bit of touring in 2017 is over.
That being said… How dug in are you on this no more touring stance? Because Barbra Streisand has had quite a few farewell performances.
Never say never… but my intention is to dive into other creative commitments that will take touring off the table for quite a while, if not for good!
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While We’re Here is out now and available at iTunes or HERE.
