April 24, 2008

Finding the music in a wider world
Singer/songwriter Willy Porter plays Stone Church
By Brian Early bearly@hippopress.com

Willy Porter plays at the Stone Church on Friday, May 2. Now married with young children, Porter plays shows here and there, but this is the first tour he has undertaken in a couple of years. His last album, available light, was released in 2006, the first one under his own label. Although he recorded the album with a band, it will be a solo, three-week tour. His first album, The Trees Have Soul, was self-released in 1990.

Has making a living with music become easier over the years?
It’s been a great ride. I wouldn’t trade any of it. There’s been peaks and valleys. My sense of humility is still intact. I feel like I know less than what I thought I did. Music seems much more vast. There’s … much more to write about, much more to think about, and that’s exciting. The guitar continues to be a great love affair with me. I’ve learned how to enjoy the music side of the industry by taking the reins of my own horse, and that’s been healthy. Now I have my own label, it’s sort of come full circle. I was living for the sake of the music without the delusions of commercial success, and I feel like I’m in the same place. I think some people might be disappointed by the overall lack of progress. [Laughs] I have a family now and I’m able to support them doing what I’m doing, and I’m always amazed at that and grateful.

Why does music seem more vast to you now?
I’ve lived a little more. I’ve had bigger life experiences. When I put out The Trees Have Soul, in 1990, I didn’t have much to say. The lexicon was pretty limited. When you walk through the world for a while, it’s easier to put the pen to the page and take ownership of it. Loss or stupidity of your own actions — those can be all pushed down in a particular way. For me it’s been a longer process.

Where’s your head space now?
Right now it’s been difficult. I’ve been so into raising kids. Trying to do the right thing for my family, the music has sort of taken a back seat — to write a record and get things out quickly. There’s still something to say, there’s still something to do. I’m excited about touring again. The morning in the hotel in room is very exciting. As far as writing goes, we live in a fascinating time and a challenging time. We are truly in a transitional time on the planet. It’s compelling and daunting to write about. In a way, we’re all focusing on the negative side. There are small miracles happening every day. I’m into exploring those.

What do you like about the morning after a gig in a hotel room?
There’s nothing there. You’re off the hook for thing you need to do. When I’m at home, it’s making pancakes, getting the kids fed, riding bikes to school, all wonderful things. But it’s nice not having anything in the morning.

How do you like New Hampshire?
I’ve toured here a lot. Tom Pirozzoli lives out near Lake Sunapee. I love coming out there and writing songs with him. I’ve been coming up to the Sunapee area since 1993. Tom has had an incredible impact on my life. He’s an amazing poet and antique dealer. He was my introduction to New Hampshire. The people there seem pretty open for East Coasters. It’s almost like Wisconsin. The people are friendly. I love the Stone Church. It’s got the right combination. It’s not too nice where people feel uncomfortable. You can still track in mud and nobody’s going to give you the hairy eyeball.

What’s your transportation for the tour?
I’m driving the whole tour. I prefer it. I’d rather drive than fly. I can bring more gear and have more fun with electronics. You get to meet more people and see people. Gas prices are high, but we’ll get through it. I have an incredible sexy Dodge Caravan. I started with a Volkswagen GTI. It was a 1989. That went for 300,000 miles. It was a tremendous vehicle. Between that, I’ve been though a VW Passat, Mazda. Now I have the hand-me-down from my wife. Plus it has flex fuel so I can run ethanol.

How is it having your own label?
I just signed an artist, Natalia Zukerman, on my label, Weasel Records. I’ve been doing my own production. I have a studio in Milwaukee called the Engine Room, and that’s been really gratifying. I act as an empowering advocate to a song. That’s helped me to see about how to go out and making my own record. As you get older, you have more to say, but you have to dig harder. As you’ve grown up, so have the people who have listened to you. I’m really fascinated by that process. Bob Dylan has done amazing things as he’s grown older with his audience.

Willy Porter Live
Where: The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket
When: Friday, May 2, at 8 p.m.
Cost: $20 advance, $25 at the door.
Music: www.willyporter.com”