Interview with musical act Whitton SPECIAL
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Los Angeles - I had the chance to catch up with Whitton after more than two years. She's working on her next album, and you can see her live at this year's IndieFest 8 in San Diego.
Jaime Whitton hails from a musical family in Reno, Nevada, the youngest of of six siblings. She began singing and performing at the age of six. Under her musical sobriquet of Whitton, she has four full-length albums under her belt and has had several of her songs featured in movies like The 5th Quarterand She Wants Me.
Early in her musical career, Whitton acoustically paired her uniquely ethereal voice with songs I would describe as hauntingly melodic, in a folk landscape all their own. Her fan base grew with touring as did her many accolades, including recognition from the New York Music Festival, who voted her “Best Female Acoustic Rock Artist” in 2004.
Whitton released “Rare Bird” in September of 2011, a marked departure from her previous work. The 10 tracks on the album showcased a big band sound straight out of the 1940s, reminiscent of the likes of Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald. Very few artists are capable of making such a dramatic transition from the acoustic world to a big band setting — let alone coming back again full circle.
Craig Boehman: In our last interview, you were in the middle of production of “Rare Bird,” your last album. How has the release and subsequent touring changed your life?
Whitton: It changed my life by helping me grow. It feels like I'm ending a chapter and stepping into the beginning of the next chapter. "Rare Bird" was a collaboration album. I've learned so much about people and songwriting itself. It has also opened doors some movie placements, which I personally strive for, especially these days of independent music.
CB: Is there a new album in the works?
W: I am indeed working on a new album. This album is definitely more organic and raw then my last two albums. I have written 40 acoustic songs that I stuffed away in my back pocket for the last six years, so… I've decided it's time to dust them off and reveal them to the world. Well, at least ten of them for now. Haha. Ben Burget (multi-instrumentalist, engineer and co-producer) and I are working together to craft each track. I truly believe this will be one of my best albums released!
CB: When you aren't working with a partner, how does your songwriting process differ?
W: In collaboration settings, I have my book of thoughts/lyrics at hand. I seem to write with pianists more so than guitarists for some reason. But I don't think that's intentional. When I'm alone, it's just me, myself and my guitar. Usually, I just sing the words to whatever I start to play on guitar. I go with how the chords make me feel, and the lyrics just naturally form.
CB: How often do you write?
W: I go through stages. Dry spells come and go. When it's right, it pours out like rain.
CB: Do the protagonists in your songs typically reflect experiences of your personal life?
W: Most times. When I collaborate, sometimes we write about their personal life or we make up a touching story.
CB: During the past couple years, you have had your songs featured in several movies and ads. Can we look forward to hearing your music on the big screen again any time soon?
W: Of course! Especially with this new album coming out!
CB: Some of your gigs had taken you from your home turf in California up to venues in Portland and Seattle. Did you discover any favorite locales in those cities? And how did the audiences receive your music?
W: Oh, yes. The northwest is one of my favorite drives. You have the beautiful ocean to your left and miles of green on your right. I always plan to stop by the hot springs in Oregon and Lake Chelan in Washington while I'm touring.
CB: Are there any other projects you're pursuing this year?
W: Other than recording my new album, I'll be making music videos for a handful of these songs for YouTube.
Whitton will be playing at the San Diego IndieFest 8 this year with headliners, Cake, Talib Kweli, and Best Coast. Indiefest 8 celebrates three days (Aug 16-18) of music, films, and entertainment from a variety of independent artists. Whitton is scheduled for 8:45pm on August 17 on the Craig Yerkes stage.
Visit Whitton's official website.
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/354556#ixzz2ZuC2Dgxr
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