Zeitgeist - the Jo McCafferty Interview

Z: Who are you and how would you personally describe your music?

I'm Jo and my music is a collection of stories, some fact, some fiction.
Mostly done on acoustic guitar until I get a band up and running.

Z: When writing, where do you begin?

I begin with a phrase that's been rattling round in my head, it tends to be attached to how I'm feeling that day. The phrase then grows into a line, another line follows, and so on.

Z: Which groups, artists and/or bands inspire you?

Billie Holiday, Nick Drake, Peter Skellern, Blood Sweat and Tears, Dar Williams, They Might be Giants, Nine Inch Nails

Z: Are you influenced by art and literature at all?

Yes, Vettriano is one of my favourite artists. In fact I have a song referring to him in the pipeline. His work is so graceful and evocative. Literature, Umberto Eco is one of my favourite writers but I'm not sure he influences my music as such.

Z: Are there any songs/tracks that you have heard and thought, I wish I'd written that?

Love song for a Vampire by Annie Lennox - "let me be the only one that keeps you from the cold, now the floor of heaven is lain with stars of brightest gold. They shine for you, they shine for you, they burn for all to see. Come into these arms again and set this spirit free."
Oh and Birdhouse in your Soul by TMBG cos it's great.

Z: Do you push yourself to write, or do you have to wait until you're inspired?

I just wait til a song comes. I find if I push, I write rubbish. If I am not inspired I may hone a song I have already written, as I tend to be more objective if I'm not in the throes of songwriting fever.

Z: What was it that made you go into into making music?

Do you know, I have no idea. I didn't like performing when I was younger and I had no burning desire to be up on stage in front of a whole lot of people. I guess it kind of just happened and didn't stop happening. Boring, but there you go. I like it now, of course...

Z: Do you feel the internet is a good way of helping/promoting your music?

Indeed it does help me, I get a much wider audience that way and my stuff is more accessible. As am I, it means I can keep in touch with people who like it and in turn, more often than not, they introduce someone else to it through the website.

Z: Has the computer age, and its use in creating, editing and manipulating music helped you in any way?

Hmm, it's helped from the band point of view. I don't have a set band at the moment and so programming has helped me play with backing tracks without hiring musicians while I'm arranging. To be honest I'd rather use real musicians but budget doesn't always allow...

Z: Give me three good reasons why someone should buy your CDs, barring threats of bodily harm?

1. They make good coasters when you have extra guests.
2. The songs are good
3. You can give them away as presents and people will think you're cool and in touch with the underground scene. And then they can use them as coasters...

Z: Finally, what happened to my 1st class air tickets, free drink, drugs and promises of casual sex?

I didn't offer you any...

Z: Ach, well, no harm asking. Many thanks to Jo for taking the time to answer, and I would urge you to click on the button below, buy one of her excellent CDs, and say hi the next time you go to see her perform. Oh, yes you will.