JOIN US'I can't wait to have authentic Indian food'
American folk singer and songwriter from Kentucky, Cheyenne Mize’s introduction to the world was her 2009 album with the band ‘Bonnie Prince Billy’ — ‘Among the Gold’, which kickstarted a journey of gigs, tours and awards.
Known for her dreamy, sweet-sounding country type music, the multi-talented musician and vocalist is in the city to perform along with Corey Smith on banjo/violin, Victoria Fisher on backing vocals and guitar and Neal Argabrite on drums. Cheyenne takes time off from her busy schedule and talks about music, music and more music with Rajitha Menon.
Tell us a bit about the musical journey of the group.
I have been writing, recording, and touring since 2008. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with amazingly talented musicians. I have worked with the musicians in this band earlier, but we started playing together only recently. It is great to have good friends to work and travel with.
How do you describe your music.
I like working with layers of musical textures, moody chords, and wide-ranging dynamics. I like listeners to feel like they can live inside the song for just a few minutes.
What do you listen to in your spare time?
All of us like to listen to a little of everything. The traditional music of Appalachia, rock, hiphop, 1960s soul, psychedelic music from anywhere in the world in the 70s...the list could go on forever.
If you could perform with one artiste in the world....
There is a Norwegian woman named Susanna Wallomrod who is one of my current favourite artistes. I have played with her a couple times and I would love to do it again.
Most memorable gig?
I travelled with the ‘Bonnie Prince Billy’ band for a while and some of my best performing memories are from those days. Once we played at a cemetery on the island of Malta and it was magical and mysterious.
Funniest back stage incident?
Believe it or not, back stage is not as exciting as one might think. I have pretty much always played music with people who take their work seriously so it’s mostly pretty calm!!
Your musical inspiration?
I am inspired by people who have built a life around doing what they love to do.
If not a singer, then..?
I am a board certified music therapist and Co-Executive Director of a nonprofit organization. So if not a singer, then I guess I would be focussing on that.
What are your thoughts about India?
This is the first time for me as well as for all my band members. I have always been fascinated with Indian music and culture. We wish we had more time to travel and take in more of the country.
What is your take on Indian music?
There is a lot I do not know about Indian music, but I think some of my music has similarities with it— the multi-layered textures of instruments and intricate interweaving rhythmic patterns. I would love to learn some
Indian violin techniques.
Have you tried the food here?
I love Indian food...have done so forever. We have several wonderful restaurants in Louisville, where I live, run by families from India and I eat at those places whenever I can. I love the combination of spices and tons of ginger and garlic. I can’t wait to have
authentic Indian food while we are actually here.
(Cheyenne will perform at Windmills Craftworks on December 9, 10 and 11)