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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed Rock and Americana artist Tina Schlieske; greetings and salutations, Tina! Before we meander down the proverbial Q&A musical pathway, how is 2024 treating you and yours now that we’re almost four months into it all?
It’s not too bad! I’ve been busier than usual because besides getting my new album released, our daughter is getting married in April so it has been a little crazy!
2.) Major congratulations on your freshly-minted beauty of an album, The Good Life! For fans of your prior music, this gorgeous LP may come as a bit of a surprise in that it’s your Valentine to the uniquely American form of music known the world over as Jazz! Starting at the tip-top, can you give readers the VH1-Behind the Music origin story on the new album and what led you to want to explore the rich and lush nooks and crannies of Jazz music?
It was during the Trump years that it felt very dark to me and I just had this urge to sing these love songs by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, and others… Those songs are all so simple and yet so complicated and through the melodies and the lyrics I was just drawn to them very organically. I wanted to be transported to a different time so I would put on a tuxedo and sing these songs on a Tuesday night in Santa Barbara at a little wine bar in town. To my surprise a lot of people felt the same, these songs seemed to hit a nerve so I thought why not make a record!
3.) Can you introduce our ever-inquisitive readers to some of the amazing musicians who plied their musical alchemy on the various and sundry tunes on The Good Life?
All the players on this record are really well-known in the Minneapolis jazz scene. Cody McKinney played bass and co-produced the album along with my very good friend Patrik Tanner. I’ve played with both in various versions of my bands. Patrik played in my band Tina and the B-Sides for years and Cody has played with me on my originals as well as the jazz stuff. Pete Hennig played drums. I love Pete! He can shift so easily from rock to jazz. Bryan Nichols played piano. He is an incredible player. Jake Baldwin played trumpet and he is amazing. I’ve played with Jake quite a bit. Then we have Brandon Wozniak on sax. I’ve never played with him until this record and I’m so glad he is on it. His tone is beautiful. And lastly, we have a guest appearance of Kevin Gastonguay on organ during Witchcraft! Kevin makes that song!
4.) Your producers on The Good Life are the highly respected duo of Patrik Tanner and Cody McKinney. What was it like collaborating with them on this new album?
Like I said, I have known Patrik for years. We met back in the late 80’s! We have made a few albums together. Cody I’ve known for a few years now too. He had played bass for me when I was doing an artist residency at the Icehouse in Minneapolis for a couple of years. We pretty much played everything! When it came to this record, Patrik had never done a jazz record before but Cody has a lot of experience in this genre. I love bringing people together to bring things one might never have thought to do. Patrik is very meticulous when it comes to recording so when I say I want it to sound like it came from the 1950’s / 1960’s era of jazz, he will bring that. And Cody is such a true-hearted player. He brings authenticity to the approach. Creating a dance between the musicians and my vocals that weaves everything
together so effortlessly.
5.) We’ve always been madly in love with Billie Holiday’s rendition of You Go To My Head and you manage to go toe-to-toe with Lady Day in your own version of that gem on the new LP; kudos! What’s the secret to a successful rendition of a well-known and beloved tune such as this? Is it at all daunting to be following in the footsteps of giants such as Holiday and Sinatra on The Good Life?
It is very daunting to follow in these footsteps. I tried to approach it as humbly as possible. I came as a student and tried to stay true to the melodies but for emotional delivery, I tried to put myself in that. I never wanted to over-sing or overreach.
6.) In your opinion, what differentiates The Good Life from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music landscape?
Whew, that’s a good question! I have always just tried to stay in my lane and just do me. I’ve never followed trends or chased down the latest thing. I’m a firm believer that if you put out good work, people will respond to that.
7.) In the wake of the release of The Good Life, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit in the coming weeks and months?
Yes! We are constantly adding dates here and there. I have to say it’s been a little difficult trying to plan a tour when your daughter is getting married! I don’t recommend it! But people
can stay in touch and check out my socials and website for new dates that are being added.
8.) Looking into the proverbial Magic 8 Ball, will there be more Jazz music in your future? Do you feel you have another Jazz album in you?
You know, I do feel another jazz album in me but I have to say that I’m getting the itch to do a good old-fashioned rock album so I think that may come first!
9.) You were born in the Midwest and now hang your cloche hat in Santa Barbara, California. How do those seemingly disparate roots inform you as an artist and as a person?
I have really grown to appreciate the state of California. It has everything and it has made raising our two kids here very nice! I’m sure they would have loved a snow day though! However, Minnesota will always have a very big special place in my heart. The city of Minneapolis, the people, the music, the lakes, the landscape…I will always appreciate being from Minnesota!
10.) Any final thoughts you might like to share with fans and readers regarding your beautiful new album The Good Life?
When I ventured into this genre of music I wasn’t sure how people would react. I have been so humbled by how everyone has embraced this. It means a lot when you take a chance and follow some kind of inspiration, you look up and people are enjoying it, listening to it, and taking it all in, just as I am. So I would say, put on the record, pour your favorite drink, invite your favorite people, and just enjoy it.
SOCIALS:
website: WWW.TINASCHLIESKE.COM
instagram.com/tinaschlieske
facebook.com/TinaSchlieske
youtube.com/user/tinabsides90
soundcloud.com/tina-schlieske
spoti.fi/3u37xq0
