Catie Curtis grew up embracing all-things-music, playing various instruments in the school band, playing drums in a rock band. She was heavily into the singer/songwriters that monopolized the radio in the 1970s.
Because of her musical dexterity, a family acquaintance gave Curtis her first guitar when she turned 15, thinking she would appreciate learning how to play the instrument.
Call it a “life-changing moment.” More than 25 years later, Curtis has released her ninth album, Sweet Life; has had her songs featured on shows such as Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Dawson’s Creek; and has been called a “folk-rock goddess” by The New Yorker.
Curtis will perform at the Columbus Performing Arts Center (CPAC) on Friday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m., as part of the Six String Concert series.
CityScene had the opportunity to talk with Curtis over the phone about the secret of her longevity, musical influences and staying in the moment.
CityScene: This is your ninth album in 12 years. What is the secret to your longevity?
Catie Curtis: All of my recordings change as I change. I write what I need to hear and I’m telling stories that are healing and helpful to me, and inspiring to me. I really love to play guitar and write songs and I’ve been able to meet some amazing people who have been very supportive.
CS: How do you keep finding relevant subject matter for your songs?
CC: I wrote Fools (on the new album) after reading some poetry. Sometimes I write stories about young people, like I did with Are You Ready to Fly, which is about any of us being in a transitional place. What You Can Believe is a tune inspired by a lot of people who are down about what’s going on and negativity in the news.
Basically there is a lot of reflection. When I first started writing, it was all about romantic relationships and politics. Now it’s about romantic relationships, politics and life transitions; and recognizing how poignant it is that I have to take care of children now.
CS: How does this album differ from your previous albums? Has there been a maturation process?
CC: I now find it important to remember what is meaningful more than I used to. It’s important to pay attention to the big picture, but let’s also pay attention to the tiny, little moments that are beautiful and sweet. I think that has especially changed now that I’m a parent.
But my kids teach me so much. Just the other day there was an ice cream truck coming and they heard it and they got so excited, and I told them it might not even come down our street and both of them were like "who cares." They were just excited to see an ice cream truck. As adults, we tend to get scared to notice the happy moments because we know they'll pass.
CS: Tell us about your Inspire to Aspire program?
CC: Well the idea came to me because when I was 15, an acquaintance gave me a guitar. It was a really important part of my life. She just knew I might want to play. I haven't been able to find her to thank her and I really want to and have even Googled her and put her name in the CD notes.
Anyway, with this sort of inspiration, I started Inspire to Aspire, which is an initiative to give guitars to young kids who may be economically disadvantaged. When we had the Sweet Life release party, I got to hand 15 kids their guitars and it was such a thrill for me. There is a lot of meaning in doing something small for someone. I think we tend to get cynical because we can’t save the world, but doing little “pay it forward” acts are just as important because it means the world to someone.
CS: In the 1990s, you were part of the Lilith Fair tour, which really put female singer/songwriters in the spotlight. Is it harder now that the Lilith Fair entity is no longer touring, or is it easier because it existed in the first place?
CC: I hear from all singer/songwriters as time has passed that the music business is harder and harder. But it isn’t for me, because I think the Internet has helped so much. The fact is that women singer/songwriters are not getting the mainstream support/radio play they were in the ‘90s, but the upside is their music can spread generously because of the Internet. I feel like I have had so many opportunities with this sort of grassroots to grow what I do, with my Web site and MySpace. But I would love to see Lilith Fair come back. It was a very cool thing to do.
CS: Who are some of your musical influences and what is in your iPod now?
CC: These days I am into The Weepies. As far as writing, Lucinda Williams and Emmy Lou Harris are two of my biggest heroes. When I first started writing, I was listening to Chaka Khan, Ricki Lee Jones, The Cure. It’s a pretty big range of music.
CS: Are you comfortable with the “folk music” label?
CC: I am if the person hearing it understands that folk music is a wonderful thing, but some might associate it with the more traditional folk music. I prefer folk rock or singer/songwriter. My stuff is definitely rock-influenced and ‘70s singer/songwriter influenced.
CS: If you could give Catie Curtis of the 1990s some advice, what would it be?
CC: To be in the moment with your music and not be too focused on the future. For a young musician recently signed, you start thinking about what’s to come. But with music you need to be present. The audience will feel it if you’re distracted.
CS: If you could look into a crystal ball and see Catie Curtis 10 or so years down the road, what would you hope to see?
CC: I would like myself continuing to play music and being really satisfied by it. I would like to continue growing in my songwriting or I don’t see the point in doing it. I wouldn’t mind having more of my music featured in film and TV. And I’d like to get a chance to play shows with some of my heroes, like Emmy Lou Harris or Lucinda Williams.
CS: Have you played Columbus before and what are you looking forward to upon your return?
CC: Years ago I played a concert for Six String at Little Brothers. Columbus has very cool coffee shops and I’ll also probably be hitting up some of the art galleries!
Opening for Curtis is former Worthington resident and folk musician Randall Williams.
Tickets are $20 in advance or $23 at the door. More information about the show is available at www.sixstring.org. More information about Curtis is available at www.CatieCurtis.com.
Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.