Interview with Lindi Ortega - June 2 2011 06/03/2011
 Lindi Ortega Interview by: Allyson Cooper Fresh off of a showcase at SXSW and supporting the release of her new full-length album, acclaimed southern-Ontario singer-songwriter Lindi Ortega will be playing a show at the Jimmy Jazz in downtown Guelph on June 16th. Genre-bending artists like Lindi Ortega are few and far between these days it seems, but she, with her little red boots in tow, has carved out a sound all her own. Influenced by country, folk, soul, alternative, and rockabilly, and paired with a rich jazz-infused voice, Ortega is a talent that cannot be missed. Lindi took the time to answer a few questions and give a little insight into her creative process, her influences, and her audience. You could easily sing pop, soul, or jazz, what drew you to country and folk music? [I’m] just a really big fan of old school country, it’s always tugged at my heart n soul. There's a lot of sincerity and heart breaking brutal honesty in old country and the darker stuff, like Johnny Cash's Murder album, is especially intriguing for me. Same with folk music, it speaks of something. The songwriting in these genres is unreal. It’s not passive listening. It’s engaging and it moves people. Starting out in Toronto, what kind of reception did you receive from audiences when you introduced your unique sound? Were you met with enthusiasm, were people receptive to your bringing something new to the table? People seem to be really diggin’ what I'm doing with this new record, which is incredibly exciting for me. I've spent a long time paying my dues. Still payin’ them... but it’s nice to finally see I'm making some ripples and maybe I can start making some waves with a little luck. You’ve played to some pretty large audiences, touring with Keane, and Brandon Flowers (The Killers), do you prefer more intimate shows (like the Guelph show is bound to be), or large stages like SXSW? There is something to be said for both settings. But as long as the audience is having fun, then I'm having fun and it wouldn't matter where we were as long as we were all having fun together! You have shared a record labels with some pretty major players Feist, Keane, Sting with Interscope/Cherry Tree, and now Metric, MSTRKRFT, and Death From Above 1979 with Last Gang Records. How much do other musicians or bands contribute into your creative process, if at all? And what kind of opportunities have these connections presented for you? When I was signed to Interscope/Cherrytree I had the opportunity to tour with label mates at the time, I really enjoyed touring with Noah and The Whale, as well as Keane. During SXSW my current record label (LAST GANG) held an awesome showcase and I got to share the bill with Mother Mother, and other fantastic Last Gang acts. Got to witness some great talent and, of course, that's always inspiring. What differed in the creative process from your first album, to recording an EP with a major record label like Interscope/Cherry Tree, and now a full-length album with Last Gang Records? My very first indie record was me just experimenting, seeing what I could do. I was a bit naive to the art of writing a song at the time. Then when I signed to a major label things were much more structured, and now with this new record it’s a healthy balance. I'm aware of what I'm doing, but I don't over think it. It's important for me to write from the heart and always mean what I sing sincerely. You have had really positive critical success, specifically for your EP ‘The Drifter’, has it made it easier or harder to produce new material knowing that the press is behind you? I'm not sure I even really think about that when I'm writing. I appreciate a great review and I am elated when people say nice things about my music. But I just have an innate need to express myself through song; it's what I do. It’s like I'm a boat on the water, I'll be sailing the seas no matter what… but good press is like the wind in my sails, it helps my little boat go places. If that makes sense! [It does!] Your video for ‘Angels’ was shot entirely on the iPhone, whereas ‘Little Lie’ was shot in a studio, with all the glitz and glam, and fancy cameras. What inspired you to take the DIY approach instead of a more conventional approach? And which was more fun? I enjoyed making both videos. I was inspired to do the DIY video because I like to indulge myself with creative projects, I like to take on new things and crazy ideas and not be afraid to fail miserably. I thought I had nothing to lose by trying it out. I figured if it turned out horrible then I just wouldn't show anyone, but I kinda dug the end result and I think a few other people thought it was alright too. Does your personal music tastes stay within the country and folk-alternative genres or do you listen to all different kind of music? What are your top 5 songs right now? My main love is old country, but I listen to a lot of soul, blues, gospel, and rock music. Top 5 1. Timber Timbre "Lonesome Hunter" 2. Alexander "Truth" 3. Otis Redding "I've Been Loving You Too Long" 4. Band of Skulls "Fires" 5. Plant Krauss "Polly Come Home" Connect: MySpace, Facebook, Twitter CommentsLeave a Reply |
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