John Craigie
Troubadour: a poet who writes verse to music
We are all born with gifts. With the ability to write, to
sing, to master multiple instruments, to summon community and make us all throw
our heads back in laughter, John Craigie is the embodiment of gifts and wit. His
knack for writing music, founded in both the truth and humor of the human
condition, often gives him the depiction of “a modern day troubadour.” But as a
graduate with a degree in math from UC Santa Cruz, an avid reader, and a long-time
world traveler, it seems that John is much more than his self-deprecating quips
would lead one to believe. Craigie is not only an intelligent and skilled
performer, but also kind of a party thrower.
The vibe of his concerts allows one to imagine a scene in
his living room: friends bantering back and forth, laughing, him strumming his
guitar, singing, breathing new life into a harmonica. When I first read his
quote, “It’s about transparency… really good music doesn’t make you feel good:
it makes you feel like you’re not alone,” I didn’t know what that truly meant. Now
I understand. John Craigie reminds us of why it is great to be alive. And even
though he insists that "a folk singer’s ideal is a dark room full of people who
have recently been dumped,” he did a pretty good job of reminding us that we
are together, and if we laugh and listen to music, we’re all going to be
just fine.
Craigie’s most recent album Scarecrow was released in April
2018, preceded by his live album “Opening for Steinbeck” (2018) and No Rain, No
Rose (2017), with multiple tracks featuring his good friend and fellow musician
Gregory Alan Isakov. He also recently toured with Jack Johnson in 2017 and
earned acclaim from AXS, SF Weekly, the Seattle Times, and more.
Other albums include:
Capricorn in Retrograde (2016)
Working on my Farewell (2015)
The Apocalypse is Over (2013)
October is the Kindest Month (2011)
Montana Tale (2009)
And now, a brief and
personal interview with John Craigie:
Me: Hey John.
Thanks for letting me interview you today! So, as you head out for the rest of
your tour all over the US, Canada, and the UK this year, what kinds of things
do you do to continue feeling inspired?
John: I really
like talking to folks at the merch table and most importantly, letting things
happen to me. Sometimes when you’re on tour, it can be easy to get bogged down by
always being “on the go.” I try to allow myself to be present, to see where
situations take me, and then that ends up bringing me inspiration.
Also, I try to make a point to stay well-informed on current
events, especially in the areas where I’m performing. That way if I tell a
story or write a song about what’s happening in the world, it will be relevant
to those particular people. Much the same way that artists in the 60’s and 70’s
wrote about the political climate or the state of the world.
Me: If you could
have one other music artist (living or dead) to dinner, who would you choose
and why?
John: I would
choose Woody Guthrie. I’d want to ask him what he did any time he broke a
string on tour because back in those days there weren’t very many music stores.
I imagine he would’ve had to play with 4 strings sometimes and just make the
most of it. Also, I love his autobiography,
it’s my favorite book, so I’d ask him about that too.
Or maybe I’d ask Nina Simone to have a meal with me,
although that dinner would be pretty wild.
Me: What’s one of
your most treasured early music memories?
John: I didn’t really
grow up being exposed to music in my home, so I sought it out on my own tirelessly.
I remember the beginning too, when it all started. One of my good childhood
friends played music and put a guitar in my hands. He said “Here. You should learn
how to play this, too. You can do it … really, it’s possible.” I realize
looking back that sometimes that’s all you need is for someone to say that you
are capable, that something you want to do is
possible and that simple statement ends up changing everything.
Me: What have you
been listening to lately when you get home after a long day?
John: I’ve been
listening to a lot of groove lately. A lot of Bill Withers. And Nina Simone,
too. Lots of vinyl.
Me: What 3
comedians would you want to have over for dinner?
John: I really
like Steve Martin, George Carlin, Richard Pryor. I like these comedians in particular
because I think their humor is based on “the truth,” which I try to emulate and
am realizing more and more is so important.
Me: What music
did you listen to as a child of the 90’s?
John: I listened
to Pearl Jam, saw Pearl Jam live a few times, which was amazing. Everclear, Sheryl
Crow, Matchbox 20, Goo Goo Dolls, Counting Crows. Anything Americana.
Me: How was living on Gregory Alan Isakov’s farm?
John: I didn’t actually live on his farm, but there were definitely nights where I ended up sleeping on his couch. He’s an amazing musician, and a great friend.
Me: Thanks again
for the interview, John. Great to meet you and hopefully we will catch you in
Portland again soon!
I am California
Lucky to be alive
Highway Blood
Don't Ask
I am California
Lucky to be alive
Highway Blood
Don't Ask
