PDX favorite Kelli Schaefer is playing this Thursday the 17th along with Aan, My Flag is on Fire and Oblio’s Arrow at Mississippi Studios! This show marks not only the release of another single, but also the kickoff to a 10-date tour for Schaefer.
This new release is especially exciting because it has two B-sides, including one with a special hip-hop collaboration (keep reading to find out who) that is, frankly, quite rad. Schaefer recently posted some of her singles on her MySpace page, most of which have been released at previous shows, and through her own record label Amigo/Amiga Recordings.
In anticipation of her big tour send-off, Schaefer graciously agreed to answer a few questions for The Deli Portland via email for your delight. Please enjoy.
Deli Portland: When are you going to release a full album?
Kelli Schaefer: We’re shooting for November.
Do you like breakfast cereal, and if so what is your favorite?
I’m not a huge cereal fan. My roommate has this super blender that supposedly can blend gravel. Not that I want to eat gravel for breakfast, but I’ve been really into making smoothies.
Are there any places in town that you can buy your music?
If anyone wants a hard copy, they have to come to a show. Either that or you can get any of the singles or B-sides on Band Camp or iTunes.
What’s your favorite breakfast spot, coffee spot and bar?
I’ve been really broke soooo, for breakfast? …Fred Meyer. It’s a block from my house and I can use my food stamps. Coffee? I go to Peet’s. It’s two blocks from my house, and I’ve got the hook up there. And if I happen to save enough money for a drink, I’d go to the Sapphire.
Do you like to write lyrics or music first?
I would prefer to write the lyrics first, but as far as a method goes, I haven’t got one. Sometimes the lyrics come years before the melody. Sometimes the other way around. And sometimes I’ll have one line, write an entire song for that one line, and then no more lyrics come. Forced lyrics are the worst. I’d rather record myself barfing before I put out a track with forced lyrics.
If you ever left Portland, where would you want to move?
A big city, maybe New York or London. I just want to try out a big city, that’s all. See how long I can last before I come crying back to Portland.
What’s your favorite animal?
I’m a huge fan of the pig. Just a big old giant sow.
Do you have a favorite word?
I don’t have a favorite word of all time, no. But I will get stuck on one or two particular words for weeks at a time. Lately, I’ve been using the word ”conglomeration” and ”integrate.” Ha!
What’s a question you would ask someone if you wanted to make them feel truly uncomfortable?
I would ask someone standing next to me in line at the grocery store, in a whisper voice, "Hey, is my fly down?" Then when they look down, I would have my finger sticking out of my fly like a fake wiener. Gotcha!
Why should people come see you play this Thursday at Mississippi Studios?
It’s our tour kickoff! Also, I recently collaborated with Portland hip-hop artist Tope on a song that we will be performing that night. Should be a lot of fun!
Doors at 8 p.m. and the cover is $6. See you there.
– Joel Sommer