How to see two stand out artists in their respective fields of Folk and Americana music in one evening? Simple, just head to The Hook & Ladder this Friday, November 2nd, for Mother Banjo and Vicky Emerson‘s dual album release show. A real treat as both artists are consistently putting out grade A material and these albums–Eyes On The Sky & Steady Heart respectively, are no exception. Mother Banjo and Vicky Emerson are local treasures in the national Americana and Folk scene, and to see such high caliber talent under one roof is the recipe for an outstanding evening. In addition to sharing the stage Friday, the two women share a deep friendship that they were happy to talk about.
RIFT: You are both solo artists, and the albums, especially yours Vicky which you made a point to do on your own–even producing it–that work is often solitary in nature, the writing, the promotion, the gigging…what inclined the two of you to combine the celebration of all that effort instead of basking in the spotlight alone?
MB: Although parts of the job feel solitary, I don’t think any musician does anything completely on their own, especially when it comes to recording. I do write best when I’m alone, but then I bring songs to my songwriting friends like Vicky for feedback. Next I bring it to the band to work on an arrangement and we try it out at live shows. Then, when we’re ready to record, we get to work with a producer or engineer to capture the sounds and vibe we want. I usually like to bring in some special guests (like singer Sarah Morris and fiddler Jake Armerding on this album) to add some parts. And then you get to work on the mixing and mastering which involve even more folks. And then photography and album design and video. In short, making an album is inherently a team effort so it makes total sense that I would want to have some of my dearest musical friends share in the celebration.
VE: Ellen and I shared a sold out CD Release in early 2013 at the Dakota and honestly, it was such a blast we decided to do it again since our albums were coming out at nearly the same time.
RIFT: You mention the friendship that you share and I have to imagine that with travel, recording, and jobs as in the MN Music Coalition (MB) and being a mother (VE), it strikes me that it must be a challenge to nurture a deeper connection. How do you do this in this heyday of social media when so many relationships are screen deep?
MB: Doing joint shows like this gives us a nice excuse to grab lunches, catch up and talk through the joys and stresses of the musical lives we lead. We also make sure to set up periodic happy hour dates to simply have time together outside of music.
VE: I met Ellen several years ago when I was a guest on her radio show, Womenfolk. We became friends and then I moved to New York. Ellen was one of the few Minnesota artists that would come to NYC to play shows. From my point of view, Ellen and I have always had long gaps of time when we didn’t see each other. However, I feel as if Ellen is the kind of friend where when we see each other, we pick right up where we left off. I truly value the friendships we have and I also enjoy keeping up with her on social media when I don’t get to see her in person!
RIFT: Being in the public eye and meeting so many people everyday, how do you know what friendships to work at and which to simply let go of?
MB: Great question! I think when you’ve been doing this awhile (which we both have), you develop a sixth sense about who wants to make genuine connections and who is just trying to make professional connections. Either one is fine but when you make that connection with someone that goes beyond the professional—someone with whom you can laugh and share war stories and doesn’t expect anything back in return—hold on to those relationships because they are likely to be friends who you can rely on and count as true allies in this crazy music business.
VE: In my opinion, friendship has to be a two way street. If you’re the only one contributing and the relationship is a lot of work with very little enrichment, then it’s easy to let those friendships slip away.
RIFT: With time people statistically have more difficulty making friends, and their friendships seem to stem from work and hobbies, do you find most of your strong relationships revolve around your work as a musician?
MB: No. I definitely have many friendships that have grown out of my musical work. But if they’re only rooted in music then it makes conversation pretty boring after awhile. I, like most musicians, have other interests so I like having friends that share some of those other interests—travel, running and reading. My oldest friendships in the Twin Cities in my book club, long before I was playing music professionally.
VE: Not at all! I love my music friends but I have a lot of friends that are mothers in my neighborhood, too! I also have friends that don’t have children and are scattered all over the globe doing amazing things.
RIFT: Does your friendship transcend music?
MB: Yes! Vicky and I met through music, but I became friends with her because she’s funny and generous and is 100% bullshit-free. I wish more musicians were like Vicky!
VE: Of course! I would be Ellen’s friend no matter what the circumstances were!
RIFT: In the age of “Me Too” we are more aware than ever that being a woman in the arts comes with its challenges, how critical is it to have other women around you who “get it” and are in your corner?
MB: Female friendships have always been vital for me, but the current climate has served as a reminder for us not to take our strong female friendships for granted, especially in the music business. The industry can be hard on anyone, but women have to contend with so many obstacles that men don’t—they are statistically less likely to get booked, get paid less, have to regularly deal with safety issues and sexual harassment from venues and audiences, and are more often judged their age, dress and looks than for their music.
VE: I think it’s essential. It’s always been essential but the Me Too and Times Up movements have put a spotlight on women and our challenges in being represented in politics, corporate environments and also in the music business. I do sense an attitude shift that women are realizing that we need to support each other instead of tearing each other down. We have let circumstances divide us which makes our position weaker. Strength comes from solidarity.
RIFT: What makes the two of you click as friends?
MB: We are fans of each other’s music, respect each other’s work ethic and both enjoy wine and a good meal.
VE: I love Ellen’s sense of humor! Plus, she gives GREAT advice! And we may have shared some wine over the years…
RIFT: Your favorite qualities about the other?
MB: Vicky’s loyalty, honesty and wicked sense of humor.
VE: Ellen knows how to connect people. She is the one who introduced me to Sarah Morris and now we have a duo!!Ellen is also one of the kindest people that I know. I’m count myself lucky to have her as a friend. Oh, and I’d say she has pretty stellar taste in music:)
RIFT: If you had to write a quick review of one another’s new album, what would you say?
MB: This is hands down my favorite record Vicky’s ever done, which is especially sweet since she produced it. Each song gets the chance to breathe and stand out on its own. This album hits you right in the gut and the heart. It makes me cry in all the right ways.
VE: This is my favorite Mother Banjo album to date! I love the richness of her voice on every single track! Plus, I adore the catchy choruses of “Eyes on the Sky” and “Sunny.” She paces this album perfectly and then sends the listener on their way with on of my favorite tunes, “Will Your House Be Blessed?” Great work, Ellen!
Mother Banjo’s album Eyes On the Sky is available for pre-order now and will be released January, 2019. Steady Heart, the new album by Vicky Emerson will also be release January of 2019 but is available now for pre-sale at Bandcamp. See, hear & buy the music live this Friday, November 2nd at The Hook and Ladder Theater: info.
~By Rebecca Marx
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