I was so excited when the WILDWOOD curated stage announcement rolled out for Newport Folk this summer. So many folks I already love will grace the Museum Stage for this set and a couple names I had been hearing fantastic things about but had not yet properly acquainted myself with. Margo Price fell into that latter camp, but upon bringing myself up to speed with this songwriter, I have become a quick fan. I got a chance to catch up with her to talk about her own music and of course being a part of Newport this summer. 9 Questions to Newport and 77 days until the Fort folks…
(photo courtesy of artist’s website)
1) For the fine folks who may not be as familiar with your work, how would you sum up your sound in a short phrase (10-15 words)?
MP: “Modern traditional country”
2) What projects are you currently working on or have you recently released?
MP: I’m currently working on my debut album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” which was recorded at Sun Studio and mixed at Ardent (both in Memphis). I’m excited to get it out there. I’ve released a live album on Noisetrade from our show with Rolling Stone Country at Exit/In.
3) Newport Folk is celebrated for its collaborations, community and bringing folks together for a weekend where they may not see each other otherwise. How do you feel about that preservation of unity and family sentiment in the folk music community? How does it play into your own music and where you come from? Is there a “scene” or community that you feel especially attached to?
MP: Definitely. Music brings people together. It helps people persevere through hard times. When I’ve been at my lowest lows, it keeps me going. I love the music scene in Nashville. It can be dog eat dog sometimes, but for the most part, I’ve got a good group of people that I support and vice versa. I grew up singing in church and in the school choir. I always felt at home when I was there.
4) Do you have a favorite moment on stage from your career? Something that just stands out as special and has given you the urge to keep on going.
MP: Anytime people are actually listening, and the crowd is giving back to me. I love when I can completely silence a crowd.
5) If you could collaborate with anyone (dead or alive) musically, who would it be?
MP: Oh, just one is hard to say. Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Emmylou Harris.
6) 1 record that shaped you when you first started playing and 1 ‘lesser known’/independent record or artist that you are now/are listening to now that you think folks really need to hear about?
DP: One of the first songs that hit me when I was young was the Statler Brothers song, “Flowers on the Wall”. I remember hearing it on the radio and thinking that it was a perfect mix of melancholy. As far as lesser known artists go, I’m a big fan of this guy Darrin Bradbury. Check him out!
7) So, why is creating music important to you? Why do you hit the stage night after night, pull out the old song notebook every day, or whatever else you do to let loose your creativity?
MP: It’s something I’ve always been pulled towards. I feel happy when I’m singing. As I said before, I think music has healing qualities to it. I certainly use it as a form of therapy.
8) Aside from music, do you have any other pastimes? What would you want people to know about you aside from your musical endeavors?
MP: I am also a wife and a mother. I love to be outdoors, traveling, hiking, fishing and reading are my favorite things to do when I have the time.
9) Anything else you want to plug or we should know?
MP: Be kind to one another.