Interview by Nick Churchill.
Eddi, congratulations on Vagabond, you had to overcome a few hurdles to get it made, is it the record you set out to make or did it evolve over time?
I instinctively move forward. Urges to record dictated the practicalities of it all, then working became the focus of my daily routines. Letting go of the world around me and recording is tough to do as a mum, house keeper etc, but once I’m doing it there’s no-one more surprised than me at what turns up musically. It’s a joy to see what gets pulled out of the moment.
It seems to have been very well received, is there a kind of relief that people ‘get’ the record?
I’m pleased with its different parts… I can go no further. If others ignore, or adore, I can tell you I am grateful for any attention.
I am confident that songs well expressed have their own path and I can’t take sole credit for how they turned out. On behalf of all the musicians and the engineer Mark Freeguard I can only stand beside them and say: ‘I agree! It’s bloody brilliant!!!’ But I am the worst critic. I would still be messing about with it if the organisers of my tours hadn’t pushed deadlines on me.
Letting it go out into the world is the hardest bit.
The album features many familiar collaborators – almost your repertory company – are you a benevolent dictator when it comes to writing and recording, or is it a more democratic process?
I never have any fights, except when attitudes and egos are pushing into the calmness of the empty space… I’m quite manipulative to get what I want.
I’ll provide the organic vegan food/booze/cigarettes/paracetamol for all the various characters just to have the energy in the room relaxed. I’ll sometimes have to shut myself away in a vocal booth so as to make sure my own ego shuts down.
I am not very good at remembering to say ‘Good morning’ before I start… I’m super single-minded about getting the music ‘fix’ over and above human social activity.
But I can apologise.
How’s John?
Getting better all the time. Thank you.
When you were starting out did you have a plan? Did you think you would still be making music 35-odd years later?
Nope! I just threw myself at the wind and went where it took me.
I’m sure there are elements of a career in music that become routine over time (the cycle of writing, recording, touring perhaps), how do you keep it fresh?
Well, this new batch of recordings I’ve only just realised was the first release in four years…!
I’m not sure where all that time went. I’m also quite happy with my ability to see only this moment, I have many stories and memories but once I’ve moved on, life is a fresh page every day.
I can be at home two days and have forgotten that I’ve just been on tour for three weeks. Then I start itching for the door. Or start to reason with a rude person on Twitter or something. Just to change their perspective.
What is your proudest achievement?
Managing to not mess up my kids too much. They are two very lovely young men now.
We’re really looking forward to seeing you at the Purbeck Festival this summer do you know this part of the world at all?
I’m just going to Google all about it and make it an adventure… I expect never to forget it once I’ve experienced it!
How are festival crowds different to theatre audiences and do you have a preference?
Theatres are cosy and it’s great to sing in rooms made for oratory, but festivals are exciting in that people who never experienced my thing and are walking past at the back, wandering around, might decide to stand and check it out, so potential for encouraging new audiences is great.
Also the whole place is infused with a kind of: ‘I’m on my weekend kick-back, break’, so people are relaxed and at ease. Great to join in with that atmosphere.
What’s next for Eddi Reader?
Today? I continue my de-cluttering at home, watch my catch up rubbish telly, cook meals for my men – they never come home to eat ’til the middle of the night.
Beyond that, my touring starts up again in April taking me through the spring and summer to Japan and Australia in the autumn.
I have 10 or so tracks from the Vagabond sessions left over. I’m gonna start investing some time in them. They might become the start of a new album I’m not sure.
I’m excited about reading my young seven-year-old niece my favourite childhood book, Mary Poppins by PL Travers – “she’s another woman who uses the wind to push her around”!