22 Questions With Leeann Atherton
1- at what age did the music bug bite you,and who most influenced you at that young age?
I sang harmony with my older sister when I was 5... I remember singing "Roses Are Red" to my grandmother as my sister and I rode in the backseat of her baby blue Belvedere. I remember washing dishes and singing James Taylor lonesome songs "Close Your Eyes" and "Sweet Baby James" when my mother came in and questioned me why I thought I could sing... I remember answering that I didn't "think" i could sing, I just "loved" to sing.
2- what was your first guitar,what age did you get it?
I was 15-16, it was a Yamaha. The owner delivered it, I remember when he came to my front door with the guitar, I was sitting at the piano... spacing out playing, and he and his friend knocked. I had seen him around. A couple of years later I ran into him at the poolhall, and he became my first love. We still see each other when I go back home. His name is Austin.That guitar stayed with me until it got ripped off in Nashville, that was the beginning of the end for me and Nashville. I have a song started about that guitar... I hope whoever is holding it now loves it as much as I did!
3- where was your first gig, and how old were you?
I was 17, I guess the drunken party and my first experience with beer and scotch have blurred out how we sounded, but I'm sure we had soul! Then a road house gig, we were loud and really rocked. My first experience with a charismatic guitar player... Jones Purcell.Then I joined a college band that played weddings and officer's clubs, I played flute to Chicago songs and sang Girl from Ipanema... but got swooped up by a local gigging cover band- older seasoned players with a 3-5 night house gig. B3, Wurlitzer, elec.piano, slide & guitar, bass, drums, and a conga player frontman who sang like Stevie Wonder and danced like James Brown. Serious schooling for me, college took back seat was just a side project then. I stayed with that band all through college, majored in music, then joined another 5 night a week house band for more. Since then, it's been one band seguing into another musical scene until I wind up here at the present.
4- when you write music, what comes first, music or lyrics, or both at about same time?
I often wake up with a melody and it plays thru my head as long as I allow it, when I focus on something else, it usually will leave, but it is in recall if I sat with it awhile. If I do sit with it, usually a phrase will develop. If I sit with it longer, I might get a verse and chorus fleshed out.
When I practiced the Writer's Way morning pages (3 pages before ou talk or read) I got alot of material for songs.
When I drive long distances, with no radio, I love to compose in my head. I wrote "Just Like Us" on my moving drive here from Nashville, I wrote "Alabama" on my drive to Waco to take a teacher exam.
5- name your top musical influences, and feel free to elaborate.
Hendrix, Grand Funk, Allman Bros., Bonnie Raitt, Billy Holliday, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Otis Redding, George Jones.. +++++++++
6- what astrological sign are you?
Scorpio
7- in a relationship now or winging it solo?
My broken heart gets in the way of serious relationships, but not casual ones.
8- how many bands do you play with locally?
My Friday night Taco Xpress band, my blues band, my acoustic trio, the trio with Jeff Hogan where I front and play bass, my solo/duo Unity Church gospel singing. Gypzee Heart hasn't played since May '09, so it doesn't count.
9- and name 5 venues you love to play at the most in Austin, and outside of Austin.
Maria's Taco Xpress; funky, family, intimate (you used to be able to just about touch the audience physically...) and have played there every Friday I am in town for the last 12 years.
Saxon Pub because I love the sound, and I can always count on consistency in Austin with Richard.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10- who is your favorite all-time guitarist?
Richard Thompson
male singer?
Paul Rodgers
female singer?
+++++++++++++++++++++
11- you were recently in Japan? Tell us about it.
Japan is clean and quiet, even the busy streets are starngely peaceful. Nobody speaks on the trains or buses. Maybe one reason they love Texas singer/songwriters is because of the rawness and big spirit that often comes thru Texans. The "promoter" Shuichi Iwami, is really just an avid Texas music fan. His mentor hosted us a few nights, he has a wall of TX. cd's at least 10X10 (maybe 8X8, things are smaller there) The first song I heard was one from David Halley. We drove around listening to Loose Diamonds alot, too. The fans at the shows are open and hungry, passionate for live music in the Americana/Texas/heartfelt kind of way. I was following in the path of Scrappy Judd, Troy Campbell, Michael Fracasso, The Resentments, Andy Van Dyke, Kevin Carroll,Walter Traggert and more. The clubs all had good PA's, great listening audiences (who would applaud when I would walk into the room), saki, and a dinner party after the show. The hospitality felt like the prodigal son who returns home and is treated to the finest the family has to offer. The musicians I had the pleaure of working with were consumate musicians, and they played with soul. Though we had a language barrier, the music transcended and we connected. I really did feel like I had found more of my family.
The opening acts were all really interesting, too. You can see one performer, Chihana is her name, a good dobro player who has listened to alot of Ry Cooder. Here's a story; on the first day off, my host Shuichi asked what I would like to do, which was go to Muyajima, the Island of the Gods. You may have seen photos of the famous floating arches of Miyajima. On the island, the Gods are worshipped thru dance!
As we approached the ferry, we heard someone calling to us, waving their arms, hurrying us to get on the ferry. My host was surprised at the unusual behavior (remember, it's QUIET over there), but we hurried an ran to meet the ferry. He urged us on , following him into the Captain's steering room. When we arrived at the top, he pulled his cell phone out to play my song he had downloaded. He had been at the show. He let me drive the ferry to Miyajima. I cried. Actually, every day I felt overwhelmed with emotion and had the urge to cry. Especially after one of our almost daily trips to the Onsen, or Japanese Bath House. I called this the Onsen Tour. I was treated like a princess, empowered by affirmation that music reaches all souls the same. A rock star staying in a 5 star hotel would never have the experience I had of sleeping on tatami mats, dining in the hosts home, the onsen with the host' mother...
12- how big is your family you come from? is anyone else musically inclined,too?
family of 5. My sister plays piano, we sang harmony together, see below ...
I am from the average American family of 5, and I am the middle child from a disfunctional military family. My hillbilly mother from deep in the country of Alabama always sang old white spirituals and listened to Porter &Dolly while she ironed clothes. My city boy sophisticated father listened to Henry Mancini, Herb Alpert and Harry Belafonte. My dad plays ukelele and sings. Here's his set list- Suzanne, Stewball, The Eskimo Love Song, Today, 4 Strong Winds...
My sister and I would sing harmony. She plays piano, and I stuggled to... My sister also sings in a Jewish Folk band, but I think they're into Irish music now.
13- how did the famous Barn Dances come about?
When I lived in Nashville, I would go to the Full Moon Pickin' Party in Franklin. My friend lived on the property, as did Pat Flynn from New Grass Revival (one of my favorite bands). There would be nights when Bela Fleck, Pat Flynn, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush would be standing under the moonlight playing. I will never forget those beautiful images.
I thought we could bring that idea to life here at the Barn and started with a small pickin' party/potluck. Erik Hokkanen blessed the Barn. Then we had an enchilada contest, the I got married here and Champ, Walter Hyatt, Danny Levin, and Rich Brotherton played. I wanted my children to understand what I meant by "I'm going to play" when I was leaving them to play music. Having it in the backyard helped them understand a community celebration with music, new friends, and food. Then I wanted to have a showcase place for my unsigned band friends during SXSW. We outgrew the Barn, and have an outdoor stage and dancefloor now. The intimate days inside the Barn were really sweet...
14- how did you get the place, how often are your parties?
I was blessed with this property by Lucy; there is a song about her on my new CD. I was living 2 doors down with my 2 year old son, Austin. I was waiting tables at El Mercado, and working in sales for the Chronicle. I came home one day to a for sale sign in front of my rent house.I thought I would buy the house before anyone else did. And then I though I should just buy a house I loved. My friend knew that the owner of the Barn Dance house had died, and it would probably be an emotional sale. I went to the house, found a note for the yardboy, and met her at the appointed time she was going to pay him for his work. He hadn't mowed the grass, so I offered. I told her how I had always coveted the house and was looking to buy a house. She said "Honey, you can have the house!" Not literally, but almost! She wanted to make it easy for me , a single mom with a 2 year old. She let me be the first one at the estate sale and did give me everything I thought I was buying with the lawn owing money.
So the land, barn and house were more than I could imagine having for just my small family.I felt like I needed to share the space as a community gathering space, because I had been so lucky getting the property, I felt like I could pay back some of that...
I have always loved to get a little wild on the full moon, and I thought that a Sunday Full Moon would be a good anchor for the party. Many musicians have Sunday off, so I hoped we could have another sweet venue to play on an off night. I've gotten a little off the moon calendar, and sometimes have the Barn Dance on holidays, too... Like the Sunday near Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc... whatever seems right, and depending on my energy and gig level.
15- how did they become potluck dinners ?
The enchilada contest started it... my friend Mean Sherry Jean won with her "Lotta Inches Enchiladas"
16- how many gigs do you play per month?
I play every Friday at Maria's Taco Xpress and have for 12 years. Last year I worked 240 dates., too many. So this year I thought I would try to say no to some dates and aim for higher paying gigs. I average 13-15 gigs a month.
17- like many artists, you read reviews on your music and wonder how writers come up with descriptions that they do. In a nutshell, how would you describe your sound,your music,your voice?
soulful, steeped in southern traditions, deep in heart. blues & country... i need to work on this...
18- meat or vegan?
I'm a hearty eater, but choose portabella's over beef burgers.
19- name 3 of your favorite Austin restaurants
Evita's Botanita's, Chez Nous, Torchy's Taco's+++++++++++++++
20- you have played with alot of talented musicians over the years. Tell me about your current backing band.
Last night I played a great show with my new rhythm section, Aaron Hatmaker on bass, Brannon Lane on drums, and Brian McRae on guitar. We have a natural groove, listening, feeling and following each other. I like the honesty of the groove we find together. Kevin Hollingsworth plays incredible slide and we get to rock together on frequent Friday nights. Kevin has been in the audience on on stage with me for many years, he is so tasty! Sunny Coleman is my right hand man, loyal supporter, and serious blues lover supporting me on all my more blues gigs. He knows most of my repertoire, which is 6 CD's and a bunch of covers. Mark Leshner and Joe Meirs work with me as a strong rhythm section that I enjoy so much.
21- what is the name of your new release, and tell me abit about that,song choices, and pick 4 songs from it for airplay,what ones?
Heart Traveled Road is my new CD.The songs were growing through the recent years of broken relationships, and there came a point when my last collaboration (Gypzee Heart) was regrettably coming to an end and I was ready to come out with a new CD. When "Change of Heart" was written, I decided it was time for me to move on with my solo recordings.
I would choose "Change of Heart","Looking for a Rainbow" "Kiss" and "Daily Blues" for radio play, and the songs are being played in The Netherlands, Italy, US, Germany... I am working it, but I would rather be working on new songs. Isn't that the way it always goes...
22- where did you grow up,and when did you move to austin[ assuming you moved here,wasn't born here.]
I grew up in Charleston, SC... hanging out in the lowcountry, the beach, listening to soul, R&B, shag music, and country. I started to move to Austin in '87 after a road trip took me thru. On my first night I went to Antones, heard Albert Collins, danced with a gorgeous cowboy all weekend, had breakfast tacos, saw Mt. Bonnell... I went back to Nashville, sublet my apt. so I could check Austin out more . The cowboy and I have a 21 year old son "Austin" together. I decided Austin was the healthiest place to be a single mom, and play music. I couldn't imagine going back to Nashville and being a mom after my single years there! I settled in 1988, coming back for SXSW as part of Austin Songwriter's Group Showcase at Esther's Follies. I have photos of baby Austin, 6 weeks old, backstage in costume at Esther's during SXSW 1988. Gina Fant "Fobia" hosted us in Wimberley for a few months, then we landed in South Austin for good.
I sang harmony with my older sister when I was 5... I remember singing "Roses Are Red" to my grandmother as my sister and I rode in the backseat of her baby blue Belvedere. I remember washing dishes and singing James Taylor lonesome songs "Close Your Eyes" and "Sweet Baby James" when my mother came in and questioned me why I thought I could sing... I remember answering that I didn't "think" i could sing, I just "loved" to sing.
2- what was your first guitar,what age did you get it?
I was 15-16, it was a Yamaha. The owner delivered it, I remember when he came to my front door with the guitar, I was sitting at the piano... spacing out playing, and he and his friend knocked. I had seen him around. A couple of years later I ran into him at the poolhall, and he became my first love. We still see each other when I go back home. His name is Austin.That guitar stayed with me until it got ripped off in Nashville, that was the beginning of the end for me and Nashville. I have a song started about that guitar... I hope whoever is holding it now loves it as much as I did!
3- where was your first gig, and how old were you?
I was 17, I guess the drunken party and my first experience with beer and scotch have blurred out how we sounded, but I'm sure we had soul! Then a road house gig, we were loud and really rocked. My first experience with a charismatic guitar player... Jones Purcell.Then I joined a college band that played weddings and officer's clubs, I played flute to Chicago songs and sang Girl from Ipanema... but got swooped up by a local gigging cover band- older seasoned players with a 3-5 night house gig. B3, Wurlitzer, elec.piano, slide & guitar, bass, drums, and a conga player frontman who sang like Stevie Wonder and danced like James Brown. Serious schooling for me, college took back seat was just a side project then. I stayed with that band all through college, majored in music, then joined another 5 night a week house band for more. Since then, it's been one band seguing into another musical scene until I wind up here at the present.
4- when you write music, what comes first, music or lyrics, or both at about same time?
I often wake up with a melody and it plays thru my head as long as I allow it, when I focus on something else, it usually will leave, but it is in recall if I sat with it awhile. If I do sit with it, usually a phrase will develop. If I sit with it longer, I might get a verse and chorus fleshed out.
When I practiced the Writer's Way morning pages (3 pages before ou talk or read) I got alot of material for songs.
When I drive long distances, with no radio, I love to compose in my head. I wrote "Just Like Us" on my moving drive here from Nashville, I wrote "Alabama" on my drive to Waco to take a teacher exam.
5- name your top musical influences, and feel free to elaborate.
Hendrix, Grand Funk, Allman Bros., Bonnie Raitt, Billy Holliday, Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris, Otis Redding, George Jones.. +++++++++
6- what astrological sign are you?
Scorpio
7- in a relationship now or winging it solo?
My broken heart gets in the way of serious relationships, but not casual ones.
8- how many bands do you play with locally?
My Friday night Taco Xpress band, my blues band, my acoustic trio, the trio with Jeff Hogan where I front and play bass, my solo/duo Unity Church gospel singing. Gypzee Heart hasn't played since May '09, so it doesn't count.
9- and name 5 venues you love to play at the most in Austin, and outside of Austin.
Maria's Taco Xpress; funky, family, intimate (you used to be able to just about touch the audience physically...) and have played there every Friday I am in town for the last 12 years.
Saxon Pub because I love the sound, and I can always count on consistency in Austin with Richard.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
10- who is your favorite all-time guitarist?
Richard Thompson
male singer?
Paul Rodgers
female singer?
+++++++++++++++++++++
11- you were recently in Japan? Tell us about it.
Japan is clean and quiet, even the busy streets are starngely peaceful. Nobody speaks on the trains or buses. Maybe one reason they love Texas singer/songwriters is because of the rawness and big spirit that often comes thru Texans. The "promoter" Shuichi Iwami, is really just an avid Texas music fan. His mentor hosted us a few nights, he has a wall of TX. cd's at least 10X10 (maybe 8X8, things are smaller there) The first song I heard was one from David Halley. We drove around listening to Loose Diamonds alot, too. The fans at the shows are open and hungry, passionate for live music in the Americana/Texas/heartfelt kind of way. I was following in the path of Scrappy Judd, Troy Campbell, Michael Fracasso, The Resentments, Andy Van Dyke, Kevin Carroll,Walter Traggert and more. The clubs all had good PA's, great listening audiences (who would applaud when I would walk into the room), saki, and a dinner party after the show. The hospitality felt like the prodigal son who returns home and is treated to the finest the family has to offer. The musicians I had the pleaure of working with were consumate musicians, and they played with soul. Though we had a language barrier, the music transcended and we connected. I really did feel like I had found more of my family.
The opening acts were all really interesting, too. You can see one performer, Chihana is her name, a good dobro player who has listened to alot of Ry Cooder. Here's a story; on the first day off, my host Shuichi asked what I would like to do, which was go to Muyajima, the Island of the Gods. You may have seen photos of the famous floating arches of Miyajima. On the island, the Gods are worshipped thru dance!
As we approached the ferry, we heard someone calling to us, waving their arms, hurrying us to get on the ferry. My host was surprised at the unusual behavior (remember, it's QUIET over there), but we hurried an ran to meet the ferry. He urged us on , following him into the Captain's steering room. When we arrived at the top, he pulled his cell phone out to play my song he had downloaded. He had been at the show. He let me drive the ferry to Miyajima. I cried. Actually, every day I felt overwhelmed with emotion and had the urge to cry. Especially after one of our almost daily trips to the Onsen, or Japanese Bath House. I called this the Onsen Tour. I was treated like a princess, empowered by affirmation that music reaches all souls the same. A rock star staying in a 5 star hotel would never have the experience I had of sleeping on tatami mats, dining in the hosts home, the onsen with the host' mother...
12- how big is your family you come from? is anyone else musically inclined,too?
family of 5. My sister plays piano, we sang harmony together, see below ...
I am from the average American family of 5, and I am the middle child from a disfunctional military family. My hillbilly mother from deep in the country of Alabama always sang old white spirituals and listened to Porter &Dolly while she ironed clothes. My city boy sophisticated father listened to Henry Mancini, Herb Alpert and Harry Belafonte. My dad plays ukelele and sings. Here's his set list- Suzanne, Stewball, The Eskimo Love Song, Today, 4 Strong Winds...
My sister and I would sing harmony. She plays piano, and I stuggled to... My sister also sings in a Jewish Folk band, but I think they're into Irish music now.
13- how did the famous Barn Dances come about?
When I lived in Nashville, I would go to the Full Moon Pickin' Party in Franklin. My friend lived on the property, as did Pat Flynn from New Grass Revival (one of my favorite bands). There would be nights when Bela Fleck, Pat Flynn, Jerry Douglas, and Sam Bush would be standing under the moonlight playing. I will never forget those beautiful images.
I thought we could bring that idea to life here at the Barn and started with a small pickin' party/potluck. Erik Hokkanen blessed the Barn. Then we had an enchilada contest, the I got married here and Champ, Walter Hyatt, Danny Levin, and Rich Brotherton played. I wanted my children to understand what I meant by "I'm going to play" when I was leaving them to play music. Having it in the backyard helped them understand a community celebration with music, new friends, and food. Then I wanted to have a showcase place for my unsigned band friends during SXSW. We outgrew the Barn, and have an outdoor stage and dancefloor now. The intimate days inside the Barn were really sweet...
14- how did you get the place, how often are your parties?
I was blessed with this property by Lucy; there is a song about her on my new CD. I was living 2 doors down with my 2 year old son, Austin. I was waiting tables at El Mercado, and working in sales for the Chronicle. I came home one day to a for sale sign in front of my rent house.I thought I would buy the house before anyone else did. And then I though I should just buy a house I loved. My friend knew that the owner of the Barn Dance house had died, and it would probably be an emotional sale. I went to the house, found a note for the yardboy, and met her at the appointed time she was going to pay him for his work. He hadn't mowed the grass, so I offered. I told her how I had always coveted the house and was looking to buy a house. She said "Honey, you can have the house!" Not literally, but almost! She wanted to make it easy for me , a single mom with a 2 year old. She let me be the first one at the estate sale and did give me everything I thought I was buying with the lawn owing money.
So the land, barn and house were more than I could imagine having for just my small family.I felt like I needed to share the space as a community gathering space, because I had been so lucky getting the property, I felt like I could pay back some of that...
I have always loved to get a little wild on the full moon, and I thought that a Sunday Full Moon would be a good anchor for the party. Many musicians have Sunday off, so I hoped we could have another sweet venue to play on an off night. I've gotten a little off the moon calendar, and sometimes have the Barn Dance on holidays, too... Like the Sunday near Mother's Day, Father's Day, etc... whatever seems right, and depending on my energy and gig level.
15- how did they become potluck dinners ?
The enchilada contest started it... my friend Mean Sherry Jean won with her "Lotta Inches Enchiladas"
16- how many gigs do you play per month?
I play every Friday at Maria's Taco Xpress and have for 12 years. Last year I worked 240 dates., too many. So this year I thought I would try to say no to some dates and aim for higher paying gigs. I average 13-15 gigs a month.
17- like many artists, you read reviews on your music and wonder how writers come up with descriptions that they do. In a nutshell, how would you describe your sound,your music,your voice?
soulful, steeped in southern traditions, deep in heart. blues & country... i need to work on this...
18- meat or vegan?
I'm a hearty eater, but choose portabella's over beef burgers.
19- name 3 of your favorite Austin restaurants
Evita's Botanita's, Chez Nous, Torchy's Taco's+++++++++++++++
20- you have played with alot of talented musicians over the years. Tell me about your current backing band.
Last night I played a great show with my new rhythm section, Aaron Hatmaker on bass, Brannon Lane on drums, and Brian McRae on guitar. We have a natural groove, listening, feeling and following each other. I like the honesty of the groove we find together. Kevin Hollingsworth plays incredible slide and we get to rock together on frequent Friday nights. Kevin has been in the audience on on stage with me for many years, he is so tasty! Sunny Coleman is my right hand man, loyal supporter, and serious blues lover supporting me on all my more blues gigs. He knows most of my repertoire, which is 6 CD's and a bunch of covers. Mark Leshner and Joe Meirs work with me as a strong rhythm section that I enjoy so much.
21- what is the name of your new release, and tell me abit about that,song choices, and pick 4 songs from it for airplay,what ones?
Heart Traveled Road is my new CD.The songs were growing through the recent years of broken relationships, and there came a point when my last collaboration (Gypzee Heart) was regrettably coming to an end and I was ready to come out with a new CD. When "Change of Heart" was written, I decided it was time for me to move on with my solo recordings.
I would choose "Change of Heart","Looking for a Rainbow" "Kiss" and "Daily Blues" for radio play, and the songs are being played in The Netherlands, Italy, US, Germany... I am working it, but I would rather be working on new songs. Isn't that the way it always goes...
22- where did you grow up,and when did you move to austin[ assuming you moved here,wasn't born here.]
I grew up in Charleston, SC... hanging out in the lowcountry, the beach, listening to soul, R&B, shag music, and country. I started to move to Austin in '87 after a road trip took me thru. On my first night I went to Antones, heard Albert Collins, danced with a gorgeous cowboy all weekend, had breakfast tacos, saw Mt. Bonnell... I went back to Nashville, sublet my apt. so I could check Austin out more . The cowboy and I have a 21 year old son "Austin" together. I decided Austin was the healthiest place to be a single mom, and play music. I couldn't imagine going back to Nashville and being a mom after my single years there! I settled in 1988, coming back for SXSW as part of Austin Songwriter's Group Showcase at Esther's Follies. I have photos of baby Austin, 6 weeks old, backstage in costume at Esther's during SXSW 1988. Gina Fant "Fobia" hosted us in Wimberley for a few months, then we landed in South Austin for good.
