Albert Einstein once said that the true art is characterized by an irresistible urge in the creative artist. Would you consider your music that way? What is your own definition of creativity?

I met Albert one day in the Frankfurt Airport. It was his statue. I told him - "Albert you THINK way too much." The urge to create art, or the passion, is beyond describing. It's down there below your gut. In someplace called The Soul. Yes writing songs is an irresistible urge.

I asked about it because you have been called "the last great American voice". That's how you are seen by others. But if we assume that music is one of the most important forms of artistic expression, what did you learn about yourself searching between its tones and sounds?

I learn something with every song. My views of the outside world. My view of what I really feel, as opposed to what you are SUPPOSED to feel. Especially in this day and age. I avoid the media. I wanna find out from talking to real people. And talking to myself.

You have been performing since the early 70's. Can you give us a recipe for longevity in this music business? It must be hard to stay on the top for such a long time.

Steer clear of Nashville. Don't go after a Grammy. Don't try to be politically correct if you feel something strongly. Sing from deep down inside you. Learn from The Masters. Bob Dylan, Ian Tyson, Warren Zevon, Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, etc.

Speaking about numbers, you have recorded thirty five albums during your music career. Oh boy, have you ever thought about giving yourself a break?

No. Never. "Don't Let the Old Man In," as the song goes. A break? From a passion you dig? Then what? Sit on the couch and watch TV? We have not owned a TV for twenty years...too much fucking dread. You don't retire from being an artist. You don't do Farewell Tours.

Now, if we go back to your beginnings, do you recall what have you dreamed of as a young, inexperienced artist?

I heard Bob Dylan sing Desolation Row at The Hollywood Bowl in 1965. I wanted that. I wanted to have that kind of creative power. I saw The Beatles in 1964. I got to talk to them. I saw The Rolling Stones...Again I wanted that kind of creative power. Took me twenty more yearsto write some good songs...

So when you look at the current music industry do you like the directions it is going?

I have no idea about "current." Occasionally I hear a song that moves me, but I'm not into "trends." That's a journalistic trap. Journalists and radio DJ's need names and categories. They blamed myself and Dave Alvin for creating "Americana" with our tribute to Merle Haggard record "Tulare Dust." What they mean is anything that isn't in the Pop charts or country pop charts. Alt Country...they've called it a cozen names going back to Folk Rock and Country Rock and Gram Parsons. Steve Young! Jesse Winchester! Masters!

Your last album "October in the Railroad Earth" had its premiere on March 2019. What were your expectations during the recording process? Have you fullfiled all of them?

I like the record and the sound. I call it "Jack Kerouac meets Johnny Cash in Bakersfield." Sort of "BEAT Bakersfield" with steel guitars and telecaster. Bill Kirchen is the guitar player...the best! Eliza Gilkyson is singing harmony.

How would you describe this CD to someone who have never heard your music before? What is so special about it?

It has a sound of what country music used to sound like in the 50's and 60's...jukebox honesty. Working class folk music.

Well, we started philosophically and so we end. If you could travel back in time, what would you like to change in your artistic life?

Nothing. It's all a journey. I got to sing with Johnny Cash. Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen have said they liked my song "Gallo del Cielo". I got to tour with John Prine and sing with him. I've co-written a dozen songs with my hero, Ian Tyson. I wouldn't change any of it. One month ago we did a "Cowboy Festival" online with Emmylou Harris, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and others. And I'm married to the love of my life...and we hang out in Switzerland and Texas.

And who would you like to meet again if you had that chance?

I wouldn't mind a glass of whiskey with Bob Dylan. You know he has his own brand now? "Heaven's Door!". Cheers!

 

Journalist: Kamil Mrozinski