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Alice Peacock is one of those rare songwriters whose songs have reached the level of "meaningful pop." Her songs are easy to listen to and easier to relate to, and if contemporary pop music demanded more from its artists, she would be at the top of the heap with a small group of contemporary female peers. Her sound could be labeled as "retro", as it is reminiscent of the Carole King-heyday of AM singer songwriters. It may be less cyncial though to say it is classic pop; music for people who are looking to express themselves in the music they listen to. Friday, she plays Coffee East. MM: The Basics. Where are you from, where are you living now? AP: I grew up in Minnesota and now live in Chicago MM: What configuration will your show be in Friday night? (solo, band, etc., what instruments will you be playing? AP: I will be performing solo-acoustic on guitar and piano MM: Cubs fan or White Sox fan? Have you ever sang the national anthem at Wrigley? AP: I am not being dodgy but I am a CHICAGO FAN – I’ve sang the National Anthem for both the White Sox and the Cubs. While I’ve enjoyed both experiences the White Sox are the only organization to send me Christmas gifts. I find them to be a delightful, very much like a family organization. Enough said (; MM: Have you played much in Maryland? If so, do you have any favorite venues or memories? AP: I’ve played many times at the Ramshead Tavern and always love that venue. Annapolis is such a picturesque city…I adore your part of the country. MM: I saw you live at the Rams Head a few years back and it was a great show. I remember watching you thinking how well the songs translated live from the record because the content seemed to affect you so much on stage. Is it harder to share your songs live than it is on record? How long do songs stay personal to you? AP: Songs always stay personal to me. In the course of singing them night after night for years I have to focus to keep them fresh and “in the moment” but that’s what I do as a performing songwriter. I think it is probably a little easier to be more intimate in the recording studio than on stage but I strive to be present in the song delivery as much as possible at shows. MM: You testified in the Senate this year on behalf of the musicFirst coalition. Tell us about that experience, the coalition and why you feel it is so important. AP: I was asked to testify along with Lyle Lovett on behalf of a performance right for artists in November of ’07. It was the first time that I’d ever done anything quite like that at that level and of course it was exhilarating! The MusicFirst coalition is made up of concerned artists who have banded together to support legislation that would grant a performance royalty to artists whose songs get played on AM and FM radio as well as the musicians who play on these recordings (most important!) MM: You have performed a lot with John Mayer. John represents what appears to me to be a dying archetype: the talented, popular, charismatic pop rock recording artist and touring success. With MTV dying off and the diminishing ability of major labels to “deliver” artists who have staying power, I find it interesting that so many artists talk about this being the best time to be a recording artist. Is it true that this may be the best time to be a working musician? Why? AP: It is true that it is a great time to make records as an independent artist and not have the major labels controlling the creative process; however, without major label support and all the clout that it brings it is increasingly harder to separate yourself from the masses…with recording technology as accessible as it is, more folks are putting out CDs. It underscores the point that one has to make music for music’s sake and let the rest take care of itself. MM: What musicians do you think have inspired your work? What ways would you like to say your work emulates theirs? AP: Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, Tom Petty….just too many to mention here. I think my music is honest and heartfelt and deals with the essence of life – relationships of all sorts. MM: I remember reading one time when I was promoting one of your shows in the past that you are friends with John Gorka. John is popular with our audience. Can you explain how you guys have worked together in the past, and what the extent of your working relationship is? AP: John and I have both sang on each other’s records, done countless shows together and genuinely consider each other great friends. John is a role model for me in this crazy business of music and just a fabulous human being.
AP: “Making it” is different for everyone. I would just love for as many people as possible to hear my music so I can make more of a difference. I strive to work continuously with talented, spirited musicians with vision. My goal is to make music forever…even if I’m just singing for my pets (;
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