Interview with Singer-Songwriter Lynn Miles

The music of Lynn Miles is truly one of a kind. Not only is she one of Canada's best singer-songwriters, she's one of the best, period. Folk music has many voices but hers is a voice that stands out, it's a voice that knows the ways and long twisting back roads of the world, a voice that has lived and conveys that living through every song. It's a voice we all know. It sings of love, loss, coping, travel, sense of place and purpose, broken promises, what get's us through, what doesn't, how we defy the odds, making a perfectly beautiful human mess of things along the way. As she sings in one of her songs, "It's not the hurt, it's what you've built around it, it's bitter and it's tall, you practice being cool and confident for so long now, you got yourself a wall, not everybodys gonna understand, so that's why they might say, try not to be so sad." Lynn's is a music that understands, that breaks through the wall around our hearts and speaks truth to our lives. New York Times music critic, John Pareles wrote that Miles' music "makes forlorn feel like a state of grace." I couldn't agree more. Recently Lynn talked with AHC about her life in music, and we are honored to share that interview with you now:


AHC: You've been making music for over three decades now, what has this journey been like for you? 
       
Lynn: It's been a great journey. Many life lessons have been learned. I've traveled to places I never thought I would be able to go to. I've met some of my music / literary/ life hero's. I feel very fortunate to have been able to make a life while doing what I love. Made some life long friends. 

AHC: Folk music seemed to really rise back up into popular culture in the late 80's and throughout half of the 90's, what was it like to be part of a time when folk was getting a broader platform and appreciation culturally?  

Lynn: The energy was really good, there were lots venues, promoters, so touring was easier.  It was before the internet changed the CD sales structure, so it was much easier to make a living. I always just want to play, so it was a good time. 

AHC: Do you have a favorite album of all the ones you've recorded throughout your career?
   
Lynn: I think Unravel is still my favorite. Ian Lefeuvre and I managed to capture the energy that was swirling around in both our lives at that time. 

AHC: Who are some of your favorite songwriters and musical influences? Is there a particular album or song that you can't live without?

Lynn: Leonard Cohen/Bob Dylan/Joni Mitchell/ Warren Zevon/Tom Waits/Patty Griffin/Emmylou Harris/Tom Petty/Annie Lennox/Paul Simon/ Hank Williams/Merle Haggard/Richard Thompson/ CCR /Del McCoury/Louvin Bros./Rolling Stones/Beatles/ Cole Porter/ Ry Cooder/Keith Jarrett/Bach/ Prince/ the Jackson Five Carol King/ Fleetwood Mac....there are so many more. A song I definitely  can't live without is: Song of Bernadette...Jennifer Warnes version she co-wrote with Leonard Cohen...also Judy Garland singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow...that's the song that made me want to sing.

AHC: Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?
 
Lynn: Yes it was not so good...it was about mountains and trees. 

AHC: What were your early musical surroundings like growing up? What were your parents listening to and did any of it have a lasting impact on you? 

Lynn: My parents were/are music lovers. My father is gone now, but he listened to jazz, and was a great drummer, unfortunately he never applied himself. My mom listened to country music...Tammy Wynett/Loretta Lynn/Charlie Pride and most importantly, Willie Nelson (all these people are on my favorites list). She also loves opera. At the same time as all this music was playing, my brother was in his room learning electric guitar and listening to Led Zeppelin/Deep Purple/Yes/Genesis (again, all on the list) 

AHC: What is your fondest on-tour, on-the-road memory?

Lynn: Did three tours with Richard Thompson, they were awesome! Also I sang music from the Lord of The Rings with the Montreal symphony orchestra and Howard Shore conducting. The weekend following that concert, Howard Shore was on stage at the Academy awards winning an Oscar for his score. Also got to sing harmony with Emmylou at  Mariposa folk fest, and I sang harmony with Warren Zevon at the Edmonton Folk Fest on the song "Carmelita" one of my favs.  I lived a long life so I can't possibly pick just one moment, or song. 

AHC: Do you have any words of advice for young singer-songwriters who are starting out and struggling to find their voice and their way in the world?

Lynn: Be your unique, quirky, beautiful self. Go towards the light, go towards good people, ask for help when you need it. Don't be afraid to make mistakes,  stay strong and happy and committed . Be honest. Be kind. Look after your voice and your body. If you're in it for the long haul, you're going to need to be emotionally and physically healthy.
Honour the gift you've been given by working hard. And most importantly stay curious and always keep learning. 

AHC: Do you have any new projects that are in the works?

Lynn: Just released my 14th CD,  "ROAD"   15 songs recorded live over the years with my amazing friend and guitar player Keith Glass.




For more information please visit www.lynnmilesmusic.com/



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