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We’re happy to have some time today with acclaimed singer-songwriter, actor and environmentalist Anne Stott; greetings and salutations, Anne! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, your music has sometimes been described as indie rock, but we also detect glorious traces of folk when listening to you. Would indie rock be a fair moniker to hang on your indelible musical stylings, or would you opt for something different?
First, thanks so much for having me with you. Really happy to be here.
And yes! you have found me out! It’s true that my songwriting house is built on a foundation of folk. But I currently describe myself as a singer/songwriter of cinematic alt rock. Or sometimes I might say moody eclectic pop or quirky indie rock. I feel strongly that every song should be compelling with just one instrument and one voice. Production should never be used to cover up inadequate writing. But I also resonate with expansive moody grungy sounds and like to embrace my weirder musical impulses. So yeah. Indie rock works for me.
Major kudos and accolades on your upcoming single Water To Blood which is set to premiere this April 19! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk a little about what inspired this gem of a ditty?
Sometime in the first year of the pandemic, sitting at home day after day with the wild fires raging and the floods flooding and the politics relentlessly bombarding us, I was doing a lot of freeform writing and it doesn’t seem surprising that some apocalyptic language spilled forth. At first it was all just a big jumble, but then two separate songs started to emerge. This song expressing my frustration and urgency about the climate crisis (and in particular the corporate greed that prevents the kind of progress we need) and White Lies about the denial white people allow themselves to maintain about racism. It’s funny because I’ve always cared deeply about the state of the country and world and I’ve been writing songs now for over 20 years, but for a long time I considered myself a pretty bad political songwriter. I would try but was never satisfied with the results. Something about the insanity and heartbreak of 2020 shifted my process and since then I’ve been able to more effectively put into song what I feel about the world.
Was Water To Blood slated in for an April 19 release to coincide with Earth Day? Was that an important factor when discussing a release schedule for the tune?
Yes, indeed. I wanted Water to Blood to be out for Earth Day. I try every year to take some new action to lessen my carbon footprint. This year it’s releasing this song. Cesar A Chavez said that “art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.” I hope the song inspires people to do more or gives some invigorating energy to those who are already doing so much.
Water To Blood was produced by the nigh legendary NYC producer Barb Morrison of Blondie and Rufus Wainwright fame. What was it like for you to collaborate with Barb on your new tune?
In a word: fantastic. As a writer who likes to explore all sides of my creative expression, Barb is such a dream to work with. We both want every song to be the most… whatever…that song wants to be. To get to the essence of it. If it’s weird, let’s go all weird. If it’s a rocker, let’s thrash it out. There’s no talk of cleaning anything up or polishing off the rough edges, which is a huge relief and great pleasure for me. I felt like the songs I wrote would all be respected for what they were.
In your humble opinion, what differentiates Water To Blood from the Distinguished Competition on the 2024 music scene?
There is so much great music coming out right now and I humbly submit that there is no competition between any of us. More creativity for everyone! I identify as a creativity junkie and nothing makes me happier than a great song or a powerful movie or an original artistic take, even if sometimes I wish I’d created it! What I do think Barb and engineer Jeremy Kinney and I found was a cool spark in the mix of unapologetic environmental smackdown, moody synth with lots of space around it and an almost dance track.
Who inspires you musically?
Inspiration is such a fascinating thing. There are artists who connect me back to myself in a profound way and make me want to create even if their sound isn’t anything like my sound. Nina Simone and Bob Dylan and the avant garde cabaret singer Justin Vivian Bond would probably be at the top of that list. When I’m in the studio, I find myself wanting to listen to Tom Waits and Joni Mitchell and Talking Heads. I don’t think much of my music sounds like them, but they fire my synapses in really stimulating ways. But Patti Smith is probably my biggest inspiration as an artist and performer and as a person in the world. She’s a creative beacon.
With the release of the new single, should fans keep their ever-inquisitive eyes peeled for a possible EP or LP release from you sometime in 2024? Word ‘round industry campfire has it that you might have that eagerly awaited third LP waiting in the wings!
Those campfires share much truth. Watershed Synapse Experience will drop in September of 2024. I’m getting so excited to share all these songs. The recording process for this one has been my longest ever and now I can feel the songs all itching to get out there.
What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the wake of the April 19 release of Water To Blood?
I am just starting to fill my dance card now. There will be some album release shows in September with more dates in the following months. Keep an eye on my website or better yet join my email list to stay in touch.
Along with being an incredible music artist, you’re also a respected actress. Do you have a preference between music and acting, or is it a case of apples and oranges?
Apples and oranges. Or… milk and honey. Different but complimentary. When I was little I loved music and movies and theater all equally. I wanted to soak it all in all the time. I played piano and was in the choir and was in the school plays. It never felt like a conflict or a problem.
I went through a phase where I didn’t want to pursue acting because I knew there was a voice or a sound I had to find as a songwriter that needed a lot of my attention. Now I realize that for me the two forms feed each other. When I take a role and work really hard to get into someone else’s skin, I somehow find more of myself when I come back to the writing. And my writing mind is a huge asset in my acting work.
Acting-wise, what do you have coming up in the future?
I have a small part in an indie film called Crookedfinger that’s playing festivals now. It’ll be screened at the Independent Film Festival Boston in early May. I’m looking forward to seeing it!
Final – SILLY! – Question: Favorite actor who has also been known to ply their talents in music – Keanu Reeves, Zooey Deschanel, River Phoenix, Kevin Costner, or Juliette Lewis?
Well, don’t we have to give it up for Ryan Gosling who just slayed the Oscars with that brilliant live performance???? I mean, damn. But I’m gonna go with Leisha Hailey who played Alice on The L Word and is one half of the duo Uh Huh Her.
