Hi Esmé How the devil are you today?
I'm in the nebulous space of not knowing whether I've had too much coffee or not enough...
We have just discovered your music; tell us about Paper Bird and your new solo album, All Princes, I?
All Princes, I was born from stacks of songs that were overflowing past my band of the last 6 years, Paper Bird. I had so many songs, and such a clear vision for their orchestration, that I finally seized the chance to gather them up and build them a home. I am still happily playing with Paper Bird, but creating and releasing my own project has really helped to renew my energy in the band.
What was the spark that made you realise music was going to be your career path?
Recently I was reading a biography of Carl Jung and it kept referring to his acceptance of The Work, his life's work, at a young age, and I realized I had always known that my music was The Work, but recently mustered the courage to pursue it.
What’s the biggest difference playing out front on your own rather than with the band?
It's terrifying. In the best way. It sharpens me.
How do you like to spend your downtime or is it music 24/7?
I have just developed an ice skating habit, I love to gamble, sew, read stacks of books, etc
Any favorite record stores still left in your part of the world?
Oh yes! Twist and Shout in Denver is a fantastic store run by incredible, kind people, Electric Fetus in Minneapolis is great, Easy Street in Seattle, there are lots!
Any other Colorado bands we should be looking out for at the moment?
Colorado has the best bands. Ian Cooke, Land Lines, Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, Chimney Choir, Joe Sampson, Nathaniel Rateliff, Bad Weather California, Princess Music, the Blue Rider, there are so many. I'm sure I'm leaving some wonderful bands out...
Any European dates on the horizon?
Hoping to...
Back to school / college days; what were the most popular albums exchanged between friends?
We listened to a lot of hip hop then...
What are your top 5 albums of 2012 so far?
I live under a rock. Terrible about keeping up with new stuff... I love frank ocean...
What are your hopes and plans for 2013?
I hope the world doesn't end in 2012 and there is a 2013.
photo by Todd Roeth:
Esmé Patterson's album 'All Princes' and more info is available HERE