Interview: Mary Gauthier, Singer-songwriter

Published on Tuesday 21 July 2009 16:56

Who would attend your fantasy dinner party and what would you eat?

I don't have fantasy dinner parties. I have real ones and I'm the cook. In a former life I was a chef. I'm a little rusty, but I enjoy cooking for friends, old and new.

Who did you last text and what was the message?

I just texted my friend, the singer Beth Neilson Chapman, back. She wanted to know where to eat in New Orleans. She's doing a gig there tomorrow, her hotel is on Canal. I told her that The Palace Caf would be great.

It's not cool but...

I will always love Karen Carpenter.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

If they aren't writing you a cheque, then don't sign the contract.

What's the worst job you ever had?

Driving cars through the carwash in the month of January in Salina, Kansas.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Owen Meany from John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany.

What are you afraid of?

Losing my sobriety.

Did you have a nickname growing up? What was it and why?

My friends called me Chuck, as in chuck wagon, because my car radio only played country music.

What situations make you lose your temper?

I get angry at any travel-related torture that makes me late for a show.

If you could choose a profession that you would like to try, what would that be? Why?

I'm doing it. Songwriting is my second career, I am in love with language and melodies and stories.

What food or drink is always in your fridge?

Cream for the coffee.

If you could change something about yourself, what would it be?

I'd have a better memory and I'd need less sleep.

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?

Dunno, I kinda like it here now. I think here and now is a mystery, and it keeps my attention.

Saturday night or Sunday morning?

Sunday morning.

Who or what is the love of your life?

Words and music. Forever more.

Mary Gauthier is playing Perth Theatre, 185 High Street, on Saturday 1 August at 10pm as part of the Southern Fried Festival of American Roots Music in Perth, from Friday 31 July to Sunday 2 August. Tickets cost 12, see www.horsecross.co.uk, www.myspace.com/southernfriedfestival or tel: [phone].